As we drove east, I thought I heard a train calling signals on the radio.

We pulled in at Duncannon at the old Pennsylvania Railroad station. This location is on a sweeping curve and offers a good view of the Susquehanna River.

I waited for a minute, listening for a train. Sure enough, there was the telltale ‘chug’ of GE diesels and the dull roar of freight cars on the roll.

Looking to the west, I headlight illuminated the rails shortly before this eastward freight rolled into view.

I made these images of the passing train using my Z6 with 24-70mm lens.

In the old days, I described this type of railroad image as a “three-quarter” view—a straightforward, formulaic action photograph that has long been prized by railroad photographers. Blue skies, puffy clouds, and over-the-shoulder lighting: sometimes the simplest approach is the best one.

Tracking the Light Explores Railroad Photography.