The driving cylinder is a crucial component of a reciprocating locomotive, yet the inside of this equipment is rarely pictured.
The other day, Richard Gruber organized a tour of locomotive 1385, a former Chicago & Northwestern class R-1 4-6-0—an old Alco steam locomotive that is undergoing a thorough restoration in Wisconsin.
Working with my Lumix LX7, I made a selection of digital images depicting the engine’s running gear and cylinders.
Placing the camera inside the fireman’s-side driving cylinder, I exposed this view as Scott Lothes—Director of the Center of Photography and Art in Madison—peered into the other end.
I was delighted with the photo, as was Scott.
So, does this photo-abstraction of 1385’s cylinder qualify as art? I only make the images. What do you think?
This image is a tribute to my late friend John Gruber, who organized it on more levels than we have space to describe here.
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I’d have liked it better if you could have included the top of the cylinder. But the Lumix lens may not go wide enough for that. Maybe you can try again with a bigger cylinder?
I’m not saying one way or the other. It is, however, a photograph.
BS
Well it is “art” if you say it is, but it’s not particularly notable art–in my opinion.