The following is a short history about the creation of the above image:
Photographed October 22, 1988 - Copyright, Robert W. Lyndall, All Rights Reserved.
Amidst the most remote section of Southern Railway's subsidiary, Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific Railway Company (CNO&TP) lies some of railroadings most fabulous scenery. Certainly this view of Norfolk & Western Class 'J' #611 heading south just north of Nemo, TN (near Wartburg, TN) exemplifies the natural beauty found throughout the famed 'Rathole''. After departing Oneida, TN an hour earlier, this 'Autumn Leaf Special' is about to enter Tunnel #24 after clearing the Little Emory River Trestle and Tunnel #22 in the background. Tunnel #23 was abandoned during track realignment between 1961 & 1963.
The original photograph was shot with a Pentax 67 & 105mm lens (equivalent to 55mm on a 35mm system) using Fujichrome RDP-100 Color Reversal Film (slide film). This leg of the trip departed over two hours late and by the time the train reached the Nemo Tunnels it was too dark for the exposure I had hoped for.
As I was shooting from a helicopter, I wanted to shoot at 1/500th of a second or higher to avoid vibration, however there was not nearly enough light even with the lens wide open at f2.4. I decided to hold my shutter speed and take my chances; a decision which turned out to be correct in the long run. Not to my surprise, the resulting image was so dark that it was impossible to decern the tuscan red stripe running along the 'J's side.
Moving forward seven months, I coincidentally ran across an individual who worked for one of the early manufacturers of digital imaging equipment. Our ensuing conversation led to his inquiry as to whether I might have any images which I might otherwise discard due to poor lighting or improper focus.
I realized that this was my opportunity to have my prize aerial photograph re-generated in exchange for a couple of discards. I subsequently received two computer generated medium format transparencies which were noticeably brighter than the original; one of which is revealed in the image displayed above. |
