Monticello Station

- The Tide light rail pulls out headed west from the Monticello Station. When the Tide started running in Norfolk Virginia on August 19 of this year, the audio announcement for the Monticello Station created some concerns. Voice artist Karen Hutton who speaks for the Tide used the correct pronunciation of "Monti-CHEL-o," like the musical instrument for the original recording. However many locals have always used the Americanized mispronunciation of "Monti-SEL-o." So a few weeks later Hampton Roads Transit had Karen re-record the announcement using the locally preferred, although incorrect, pronunciation of Monticello. Listen for it next time you ride the Tide. In addition to being a voice artist, Karen Hutton is an amazing photographer, check out her work here. Canon G11, 1/200 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

The Obvious

- You wouldn't think the plainly obvious would have to be said over and over again. But such is the case with safety messages. Canon 7D, 1/200 sec @ f/3.5, ISO 400.

Tracking

Parallel light rail tracks viewed from the inside of a train car looking through the "ad wrap". iPhone 4, 1/30 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 100, Camera + app.

My 409

- She's real fine my 409
(409, 409)
Well I saved my pennies and I saved my dimes
(Giddy up giddy up 409)
For I knew there would be a time
(Giddy up giddy up 409)
When I would buy a brand new 409
(409, 409)
When I take her to the track she really shines
(Giddy up giddy up 409)
(409, 409)
from 409 by the Beach Boys, Canon 7D, 1/30 sec @ f/9, ISO 800, focal length 27mm.

Charlie's Challenge

- My boss, Philip Shucet, dives into the Charlie's Challenge - eat a 12 egg omlete and 8 pankcakes in an hour. Charlie's Cafe is located a block from our office in Norfolk Virginia. Philip tweeted last week that if HRT's opening weekend ridership on the new Tide light rail exceeded 75,000, he would attempt the Charlie's Challenge. He made good on that pledge this morning. After a noble effort of eating all the eggs and 5 and half pancakes he was done, falling just short of finishing. Before this morning 47 others had tried and failed and only 2 had succeeded in completing the challenge. Today's winner was the Foodbank of Southeast Virginia who benefited from donoations. Canon 7D, 1/160 sec @ f/2.5, ISO 800.

What a Day!

- Today was the first day of service for HRT's the Tide, Norfolk's light rail system. After almost four years of effort and controversy people finally got to ride. We planned for a big turn out, but were blown away by the crowds. The planned peak service of six trains all day gave way to adding two more trains to get to a total of eight by early evening. Lines at stations, standing and "crush" loads on every trip, can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Free service has been extended through next Sunday August 28th, come join me for a ride on the Tide. Canon G11, 1/100 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400.

Standing Load

- The Norfolk Tide leaves the MacArthur Station with a "standing load" for its first official trip following this afternoon's ribbon cutting. Come out starting tomorrow at 6:00am and ride free with us as we celebrate all weekend. Canon 7D, 1/125 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400.

Catenary

- This catenary is a system of overhead wires used to supply electricity to the Tide light rail vehicle in Norfolk Virginia. The first such system was demonstrated by Werner von Siemens in 1881. The company that still carries his name, Siemens Mobility, built the new modern S70 light rail vehicles for Virginia's first light rail system in Norfolk. The onset of worldwide use of electric traction power for trains began in 1889 with the Richmond Union Passenger Railway in Richmond, Virginia. Canon G11, 1/2000 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 400, converted to solarized black and white using Silver Efex Pro 2 in Lightroom.

Twilight Tide

- The Tide light rail vehicle (LRV) #407 at the Newtown Road station in Norfolk Virginia. Got my first ride with Rail Operator Bill Foss tonight. This project that has almost completely consumed Hampton Roads Transit over the past four years. The Tide opens to the public with three free days beginning August 19th. Canon G11, 1/6 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

The Tide 406

The Tide 406 awaits service in the new Rail Operations Faculty near I-264 and Brambleton Avenue in Norfolk, Virginia. This service track contains a pit for under car access and a mezzanine for accessing the top of the light rail car where most of the systems are located. The Tide has nine Siemens S70 rail cars similar to those in use in Charlotte NC and Houston TX. Canon G11, 1/160 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 800.

LRT Blur

From Portland

I took this photo in 2006 of the Portland Oregon TriMet MAX Light Rail train moving by me. I didn't have a tripod with me so I braced the camera against a light pole. By the way, LRT stands for "Light Rail Transit". Canon Digital Rebel XTi, 1/3 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 200, 18mm.

323 - Ties that Bind

From 365 Project

Wooden railroad ties wait to be installed on the viaduct portion of the Tide light rail line in Norfolk Virginia. The viaduct will carry the trains over Brambleton Avenue and a main Norfolk & Southern freight rail line before coming back to grade level at Harbor Park. This portion of the construction is nearing completion and passenger service is planned to begin in Fall 2010. Canon 7D, 1/125 @ f/9.0, ISO 200.

189 - Railroad Crossing

From 365 Project

This is part of the elevated railroad crossing for new Tide light rail line under construction in Norfolk Virginia. Located near the City's Harbor Park baseball stadium, this section soon takes a sharp downward turn to enter the ballpark at grade. The train is scheduled to begin service in late 2010. Canon 40D, 1/100sec @f/22.0, ISO 200, 28mm focal length with a polarizer.

97 - Sail Rail

From 365 Project

The new Valley Metro Light Rail sails into a station near the Phoenix airport. The new light rail line began service in December 2008 and like other light rail lines across the country it is a huge success. Canon G10, 2 second exposure at f/8.0, ISO 100, 11mm equivalent focal length, mounted on a Joby Gorillapod SLR and fired with a wired remote.