Robert Swanson's photos

We took hundreds (and more) of photos of the amazing sunrises we saw from our Maui house. The road up to Haleakala makes an illuminated "snake" during this lovely sunrise. Taken in 2005. Image processed with GIMP.

The switchman has finished setting the switch position. He is climbing aboard the locomotive that is being re-positioned. The Bailey Yard, located in North Platte, Nebraska, is the largest railroad yard in the world. Image processed with GIMP. Oh yes, 600mm equivalent zoom telephoto, taken from the observation deck of the Golden Spike Tower (viewing area). www.visitnorthplatte.com/listing/union-pacific-bailey-yard/147

Switchman throwing the switch at the Union Pacific Bailey Yard. He is helping to move locomotives around between the repair and storage areas. The Bailey Yard, located in North Platte, Nebraska, is the largest railroad yard in the world. Image processed with GIMP. Oh yes, 600mm equivalent zoom telephoto, taken from the observation deck of the Golden Spike Tower (viewing area). www.visitnorthplatte.com/listing/union-pacific-bailey-yard/147

The same image which I had cropped for the famous Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah. Here are the hikers/photogs who are standing on the edge of the mountain, watching (and shooting) the sunrise. The PIP shows the Arch itself. Image processed with GIMP.

We did not hike up to Delicate Arch; the folks you see in the photo, did. We were at the viewpoint far down in the valley. Used the maximum telephoto with my Panasonic GX85. The rising sun has just touched 2/3's of the Arch. Some of the photographers on the mountain still have their tripods set up. Each moment was a different view, as the sun lit various parts of the scene. Image processed with GIMP. Oh yes, 600mm equivalent Panasonic zoom telephoto. There was a very nice log railing all around the viewpoint area, which I used as a "tripod".

Taken behind the Union Station museum in Ogden, Utah. This is a well-used piece of railway equipment, probably awaiting restoration. (Seems to be self-propelled, but I don't know what kind of engine.) Still has the WMRY railway lettering on it. Image processed with GIMP

Remarkable condition. My photo for the Sunday group with the theme "theatre". Standing inside this area brings back visions of gladiators fighting, actors bellowing, spectators cheering or booing. It is still in use for special music and theatrical events. Image processed with GIMP. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Theatre_of_Aspendos

Passing by our camera position at the rural crossing. The flags of the U.S. and the state of Iowa decorate the front. Image taken from frame of 4K photo series, processed with GIMP. (The locomotive was moving at about 45 miles per hour.)

You can see some of the cab crew in action. Image taken from frame of 4K photo series, processed with GIMP.

The diesel locomotive that accompanies #4014. Used as signaling and electronics backup, as well as possibly pulling the whole train (should the steamer have a problem). Image taken from frame of 4K photo series, processed with GIMP.

Not carrying baggage, but members of the maintenance crew that rides along on these steam outings. Image taken from frame of 4K photo series, processed with GIMP.

Crop of 4K frame taken as the #4014 "Big Boy" steam locomotive was approaching us. Image taken from frame of 4K photo series, processed with GIMP.

Different crop of a 4K frame taken as the #4014 "Big Boy" steam locomotive was approaching us. You can see the line of cars on the highway, trying to get that special photo of the locomotive in action. You can see the flags of the U.S. and the state of Iowa on the front of the locomotive. Image taken from frame of 4K photo series, processed with GIMP.

Crop of a 4K frame taken as the #4014 "Big Boy" steam locomotive was approaching us. You can see the line of cars on the highway, trying to get that special photo of the locomotive in action. You can see the flags of the U.S. and the state of Iowa on the front of the locomotive. Image taken from frame of 4K photo series, processed with GIMP.

While waiting for the #4014 to pass, we were entertained by the pass-by of this track maintenance equipment. The level of technology used by the railways is quite remarkable. This is a Harsco machine, self-propelled by a diesel engine. If you watch the video, you will hear the automobile-like horn as it passes the crossing. Image processed with GIMP.

While waiting for the #4014 to pass, we were entertained by the pass-by of this track maintenance equipment. The level of technology used by the railways is quite remarkable. This is a Harsco machine, self-propelled by a diesel engine. If you watch the video, you will hear the automobile-like horn as it passes the crossing. Image processed with GIMP.

As is standard, the last car of a train that is not a locomotive, has an identification/monitoring device. The acronym is FRED (older name was flashing rear device). This side view lets you see how it connects to the air brake system of the train. Image processed with GIMP. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End-of-train_device

As is standard, the last car of a train that is not a locomotive, has an identification/monitoring device. The acronym is FRED (older name was flashing rear device). This is a different view of the FRED that is shown in a side view. Image processed with GIMP. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End-of-train_device