This is the last post on the steam locomotive project. I added more contrast to the sky, darkening some regions and adding some clouds. I also added in a few more details on the engine and the rails. There is always something left undone in a picture, but I do not want to overwork this one either.
This picture is symbolic of the railroad industry. The photo on which it was based was snapped by my dad in 1949, which in a sense was the end of the line for steam, and the end of the hey days of rail in general. Imagine, 1000's of people showing up in Chicago in 1948 and 1949 to attend a railroad fair. It could not happen today...
I really like the idea of rail travel. Compared to traveling by air nowadays it is so simple and innocent. You just step onto the train with your bag and away you go to your destination where you simply step off again. No major security checks, no major hassles. In the past two years, I have taken the Amtrak Down Easter from Portland Maine to Boston and the Surfliner from San Diego to Los Angeles. Both were great experiences. Nothing fancy, but still easy and fun. Flying is obviously faster once you are in the air, but if you account for travel time to the airport, security checks, and waiting on the tarmak short haul rail is quicker. I would really like to see more rail travel available.
Perhaps with the new emphasis on green technology rail will be able to make a profitable comeback. I heard an ad on the radio the other day by CSX (the old Chesapeake and Ohio) that says they can move a ton of freight over 400 miles on one gallon of fuel. In the ad, they compare this to mowing a lawn on a gallon of gas. Pretty amazing. The main problem with rail is that you can only go a limited number of places. Steam was definitely not a green technology as can be seen in the drawing below, but diesel technology is certainly efficient.
This picture is symbolic of the railroad industry. The photo on which it was based was snapped by my dad in 1949, which in a sense was the end of the line for steam, and the end of the hey days of rail in general. Imagine, 1000's of people showing up in Chicago in 1948 and 1949 to attend a railroad fair. It could not happen today...
I really like the idea of rail travel. Compared to traveling by air nowadays it is so simple and innocent. You just step onto the train with your bag and away you go to your destination where you simply step off again. No major security checks, no major hassles. In the past two years, I have taken the Amtrak Down Easter from Portland Maine to Boston and the Surfliner from San Diego to Los Angeles. Both were great experiences. Nothing fancy, but still easy and fun. Flying is obviously faster once you are in the air, but if you account for travel time to the airport, security checks, and waiting on the tarmak short haul rail is quicker. I would really like to see more rail travel available.
Perhaps with the new emphasis on green technology rail will be able to make a profitable comeback. I heard an ad on the radio the other day by CSX (the old Chesapeake and Ohio) that says they can move a ton of freight over 400 miles on one gallon of fuel. In the ad, they compare this to mowing a lawn on a gallon of gas. Pretty amazing. The main problem with rail is that you can only go a limited number of places. Steam was definitely not a green technology as can be seen in the drawing below, but diesel technology is certainly efficient.
3 comments:
One of my favorite topics done in one of my favorite media. Very nice. I'll be back.
Thanks Sharkbytes...
ui have awesome skills with ink hawks =]
following u to see more in future
hug
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