Robert Swanson's photos

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

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). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End-of-train_device 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 very nice passenger car was on the end of the special train behind the massive steam engine #4014. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End-of-train_device Image processed with GIMP.

Another adventure for us, following the massive and remarkable #4014 through the United States. We found a rural crossing near Vail, Iowa, and after waiting for nearly 2 hours, we got our chance to see this magnificent machine pass by. In the past, 4014 was given their own clear track. In recent years, they have been required to fit in with normal freight traffic. So this video includes some MOW (Maintenance of Way) equipment, and a couple of long freight trains, as an introduction. This video was made from photos and videos taken by both my wife and myself. She did all the compositing work in KDenLive. Cameras include Sony and JVC video, as well as Panasonic GX85 units (still sequence, and HD video). (Many thanks for the favs and views, but there was a fundamental error in the titles. We had to replace the original video, which can only be done by deleting and re-installing. Again, many thanks for the faves and views.) See: swansongrp.com/4014

Taken at the Texas Transportation Museum, located in San Antonio. Their website. They have some working equipment, and today, they were running a tank locomotive pulling a caboose. You know this is a "real" rail experience, because as this tank engine passed us, we were covered with smuts. (Sad news, this tank engine is out of service as of 2021 and needs repairs.) Image processed with GIMP.

Taken at the Texas Transportation Museum, located in San Antonio. They have some working equipment, and today, they were running a tank locomotive pulling a caboose. Do enjoy this photo on a black background. Image processed with GIMP.

These are the walls of a mission located in San Antonio, Texas. We were fortunate to be taken on a private tour of the San Antonio area, with an emphasis on the missions. There were quite a number established during the earliest European settlement. This mission building is only part of the general facility, some of which is still standing and hosts regular worship. Image processed with GIMP.