Lots of the night shots remind me of some "hardcore railfanning trips" that I've sat trackside and not had a camera in the dark.

It is neat to not have a camera sometimes, sit in the pitch black and wait for a train to pass. It exites all the senses as you sit motionless and have nothing to distract you. The only trouble is that it's the experience, not the memory that lives.

I really do wish I was set up some of those times. One time that comes to mind was the first UP SD70's with "wings". I was in Cascade Locks, OR at the time of their first western visit. Five locos running elephant-style, consecutive number series (starting at #4000).

I dont know how a time exposure would have turned out with no reflection for the reflective tape, but my eyes would have been big enough to reflect the light of the moon! I didn't even know that UP brought back the "wings" when I saw them.

almo