Size matters not

Large or small, steam engines require regular service. A pair of workmen keep the WR&N engine facility ship-shape and ready to serve the line's tiny fleet of aged, third-hand switchers. The roster includes an 0-6-0 and an 0-4-0T, plus an ancient, rarely-seen Shay. Of the slide series, this remains my favorite image. Despite their crudeness and abundant flaws, the structures are still a source of pride, especially considering that I'd built them back in the early 70s, and I also like the effect of using dried flowers and weeds for vegetation. By the way, the spout on the water tower raised and lowered, and the ashpit hoist rotated—early influences of mentor Rick Spano.

Image specs: Daylight slide film and a 100-watt desk lamp do not make a good combination. Converting the image to black-and-white and cropping out the severely out-of-focus enginehouse on the left made for a much better photograph.

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