We paid a nocturnal visit to Middletown, Pa., where I photographed Middletown & Hummelstown’s Alco S-6 switcher in Western Maryland paint from Brown Street.
I worked entirely from ambient light, which included street lights near the railroad yard, and a background glow from the nearby Harrisburg Airport.
Nikon Z7-II with 24-70mm lens, ISO 200, f4.0, 25 seconds. Viewing the scaled file on my computer, screen the stars are evident in the sky.Nikon Z7-II with 24-70mm lens, ISO 200, f4.0, 25 seconds.Nikon Z7-II with 24-70mm lens, ISO 200, f4.0, 25 seconds.
With my Nikon Z7-II mounted on a 3Pod tripod, I exposed a series of relatively long exposures with the camera set to low ISO (200) to allow for greater data capture. My exposures were nearly 30 seconds. In post processing, I reduced overall contrast, lightened shadow areas to reveal detail not evident with the naked eye, and controlled highlights.
The Alco S-6 switcher was an uncommon model. Just over 125 were built, and only a few survive in 2025.
Kris, Seamus-the-dog and I were driving around on summer evening. Clouds were starting to give way when we approached Middletown, Pennsylvania.
The old Middletown & Hummelstown was quiet, but Alco S-6 number 151 (dressed for the late Western Maryland) was parked near the railroad’s Middletown station.
I made a few photos using my Nikon Z7-II, looking for various ways to compose the same essential elements.
