Steamscape: Whitehead Gulch. An Alco K-28 "Sports Model" takes the curve at Whitehead Gulch as she hauls one of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad's annual Fall Photo Specials north toward Silverton. Located about 5 miles south of town, Whitehead Gulch is the former site of a watering station for D&RGW locomotives. It utilized a wooden flume and spout, and was in existence for about 50 years until a flood washed it away in 1970. This is a difficult spot to shoot, as it is big-time backlit for most of the hours when the sun is out. I admit to having been less-than-enthusiastic about this location (OK, grumpy is probably a better description!) at the time this shot was taken, and I have fiddled with it for nearly two years using different software packages, but the end result is actually something I like. Hopefully, the back-light fans out there will agree!
Landscape photography is difficult due to the challenge of combining good light and good scenery. Good railroad photography enters another level of complexity since it requires the first two while there is a train in view.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are all that remains of the legendary Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow gauge system. Here you'll find some of my favorites from these two beautiful railways.
