Steam Power

Engine #40 New Hope and Ivyland Railroad

On a visit to New Jersey a week ago, I took a short visit with a friend to New Hope, PA on the Delaware River just north of Philadelphia.  New Hope is a very artsy and historic little town, very close to Washington’s Crossing Park.  While there I occasionally heard the steam whistle of a train and after a short walk found the station of the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad.  Just as we arrived at the station a steam engine was backing up to couple up to a group of vintage passenger cars.  I chuckled to myself because in Cleveland just a few weeks ago, many of my friends spent a day chasing a steam engine that was passing through the area and battling crowds of anxious fans and photographers to get some great photos!  Here I was, coming across a steam engine that runs daily and giving me photo ops without the mobs of people to try to eliminate from my images!

As Engine #40, restored to service in 1991, prepared to leave the station on one of it’s many daily excursions into the Bucks County, PA countryside, I scurried to the opposite side of the track to get some unobstructed photos.  The two shots posted here are taken as the train passed by within just a few feet of me.  Close enough that I felt the steam on my shoes and pant legs as it passed by!

Steam Engine #40 details in passing

I felt extremely fortunate to have just come across this great shooting opportunity!  I converted the original color images to black and white for a more vintage look.  I really prefer black and white photography but in this age of digital photography, don’t often think of or specifically shoot for the black and white look.  The next time I get back to New Jersey, I’ll probably make an effort to get back to New Hope, PA for more of these shots and perhaps even a ride on the New Hope and Ivyland!