Rusted Rails Photography

07/23/2026

07/20/2026

I thought that the wildfire smoke might make for interesting pictures, it looks like I was right. I’ve shot tons of pictures here in gray skies, blue skies, and dreary winter weather, but none with wild fire smoke. These are leading up to and during golden hour last Friday. The URR 76c crew going up the grade out of the Edgar Thomson works to head to the Irvin Works.

07/20/2026

I thought that the wildfire smoke might make for interesting pictures, it looks like I was right. I’ve shot tons of pictures here in gray skies, blue skies, and dreary winter weather, but none with wild fire smoke. These are leading up to golden hour, or what would be golden hour if you could see the sky. I was lucky enough to catch a train too, but that’ll be next post.

07/19/2026

It occurred to me that I forgot to post my portraits of Big Boy. I took these in Altoona during the display while skies were clear & blue.

07/14/2026

Here I stood on an overpass near 12th street in Altoona shoulder to shoulder with other rail fans to see Big Boy 4014 get moving out of Altoona.

07/14/2026

What an incredible sight to see, hear, and photograph! After watching Big Boy climb Tunnel Hill, I set up in Cresson and put all my gear to work. Between my drone, camera, and phone, I captured every angle I could of this unforgettable moment. Seeing such a legendary locomotive up as close as I reasonably could was an experience I’ll never forget.

I’ll post the drone pictures soon.

07/14/2026

Part 2 of my last post.

Seeing Big Boy 4014 in person is something no photograph can truly capture. Its sheer size leaves visitors in awe, reminding everyone why it remains one of the largest and most powerful steam locomotives ever built. Against the historic railroad backdrop of Altoona, it was an unforgettable sight and a fitting tribute to America’s railroad heritage.

07/14/2026

Before Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 arrived in Altoona, Norfolk Southern cleaned the tracks and resurfaced sections of Rose Yard with fresh gravel, creating a safe viewing area for the thousands who came to witness history.

Seeing Big Boy 4014 in person is something no photograph can truly capture. Its sheer size leaves visitors in awe, reminding everyone why it remains one of the largest and most powerful steam locomotives ever built. Against the historic railroad backdrop of Altoona, it was an unforgettable sight and a fitting tribute to America’s railroad heritage.

Is Big Boy big & Cool? Should I post more pictures? Answer the poll!

07/12/2026

Big Boy leaving Altoona for Horse Show Curve. Taken from the 12th St pedestrian overpass.

07/12/2026

Look at all those people in Cresson! Big Boy can really draw some crowds. While 4014 was stopped loaded coal train pulled blocking some people’s view.