The Big Boy Project … beginning to start the initial planning stage

The more I think about this Union Pacific 4014 “Big Boy” crossing into New York State for America’s 250th birthday, the more motivated I am in preparing to photograph the train.

Now I could do a dedicated “chase the train from here to there” run, but I’m not thinking that way today. If I get a decent shot of the train, it’s going to be at the Genesee Arch Bridge at Letchworth State Park in Western New York. I don’t know the date of the train crossing, and that will also take some consideration.

But hell … if I can get some black smoke belching out of this monster as it crosses the Genesee River …

Okay.

Now I must consider a few other factors. One major factor is that I’m 62 years old, and have had several foot and ankle surgeries. I’m not looking forward to hiking long distances to get to the sweet shooting spot, and I’m also aware that this event will draw every single railfan and foamer in the Northeast.

So I need to arrive at the designated target area early … and stay put.

I also have no idea what time the train will cross the bridge, or whether I’ll have sunlight in my eyes or on my back at target time. And I won’t know the weather, either – am I looking at a clear blue sky, some wispy clouds, maybe a thunderstorm?

Yep, I’m planning this like it’s a solar eclipse event. And unlike a solar eclipse event, I can’t just drive to another location 200 miles away for a better view.

In case you’re wondering … this is my dream shot, if I can achieve it.

For film, I’ll set up the Pentacon Six TL medium format shooter with a roll of color film, and most likely use either the Carl Zeiss Jena Biometar kit lens, or the Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon wide-angle. A couple of shots of the bridge and waterfall itself, then a couple as the train crosses.

For digital, we’re going with the Nikon Df and whatever lens I feel is best, and then just set up several test shots until I’m happy. Then I’ll use my remote shutter controls so I can capture the train in rapid-fire shots while shooting with my film camera.

This is what happens when you don’t hire an assistant. You gotta do all this yourself.

And I may have found someone to help answer my questions regarding this dream shot.

John Kucko is a Rochester-based sports reporter and digital camera expert who has photographed Letchworth State Park for decades. Last night, I contacted him through Facebook and asked him a few set-up questions regarding access to Letchworth, and access to this specific shooting site. He was gracious and answered my questions, which gave me more impetus to actually … well … consider this project.

So … if I do this … and I’m still in “if I do this” mode … I’m planning this project down to the millimeter and microsecond.

Because if I miss this … there’s no way the train is backing up to let me try again.

Let’s see if this actually works.