This will be a review of Esssx Steam train. They are a wonderful scenic railroad that is headquartered in Essex Ct. The currently operate two steam locomotives, both 2-8-2's #' 40 & 3025. Both will feature in this review. We start at the station located on exit 3 on route 9. The station area consists of the station building, a lot of restored passenger and freight cars, the museum building in the back and the repair shop. The railroad is usually cool with people walking around and taking photos. They even will let you enter the shop building, as long as you ask permission first. The best time to shoot the station is toward the end of the day when the last runs are going. That is is the best light, the sun comes in from a low angle to the right of the station area and bathes the station and grounds in beautiful light. During the day, decent shots can be had on the platform however care must be taken as you are shooting right into the sun during this time.

station morningthe shot is ok, shooting into the sun does put the front of the engine and cars in shadow At the Station3025 waits patiently for the 10:30 departure Old and NewFather and son first glimpse of a steam engine together with fall trees in the background When you are chasing the train, it is good practice to let the railroad know by telling the office personnel and the train crew where you will be and what you'll be doing. They don't want to have surprises out on the line that could potentially ruin everyone's day. Since the line runs North you will be shooting into the sun with the engine running front first from Essex, so getting the correct exposure would be tough, I've found that on a sunny day I will try to get to some of the locations on the line that run through woods, thus softening the harsh light. As an aside cloudy days make this railroad much easier to shoot.  Thought the woodsThis was taken at the road that goes down the the Chester ferry, park along the shoulder as the road behind this area is really a driveway. At the crossing40 blows for the Old Deep River Road Crossing, the second major crossing on the route. Essex Street Crossing3025 is approaching Essex Street in this late December 2015 view For you night shooters, the railroad only operates at night during December, when their Christmas trains run. They have gotten so busy during this time that they run two trains providing shots like this sisters at Deep River40 and 3025 meet at Deep River aka The North Pole during December. This railroad is definitely a great place to visit, with good people, equipment and multiple opportunities to photography trains in a beautiful New England setting. Hopefully I will see you trackside.  

Essex Steam Train

http://essexsteamtrain.com/about/contact-us/