On this day 157 years ago, a ceremonial golden spike marked the joining of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific at Promontory, Utah.

On this day 134 years ago, as a well crafted publicity stunt, New York Central & Hudson River Railroad No. 999 made its world-famous speed run leading the Empire State Express toward Buffalo. On the long tangent near Corfu, the engine was reported to have reached the preposterous speed of 112.5 mph.

On this day 19 years ago, I marked both events as part of my book, The Railroad Never Sleeps, which involved 37 photographers across North America documenting a single day in railroading. At dawn, I exposed this view of the Water Level Route at Corfu.

It seems like a world ago now.

Tracking the Light explores railroad photography !