I did manage to catch it in eastern Nebraska yesterday. Got up at 6 am, was in position by 7:15 am for the first shot which happened around 9:30. I'll write more about that this Wednesday and post more photos. The worst case scenario crowds never showed up. It looks like going to a rural area during the week is the best strategy to avoid them. About 80% of the crowd was local looky-loos, another 15% were local foamers, and the rest (including me) we out of state foamers. All but a couple of those seemed to not be from the Midwest at that. There was no way to get ahead of the 50 or so cars following it along, and the Nebraska highway patrol was there in numbers. No one seemed to be "driving like a foamer." Train was traveling about 50 mph.
I caught it at three locations and could have caught it again in Omaha, but decided to skip Omaha and head home from Fremont. I took some shots with my Nikon D850 at my pre-selected locations, but really my favorite photo came from the stop in Fremont. I used my 4x5 Chamonix camera shooting Ilford FP4+ b&w film. I really like the way those turned out (just processed them today.) I'll probably go after it again when it comes back west.
I do have some tips. You really need to scout locations ahead, and assume there'll be a number of people there. Best shots will be from some distance. It's so big if you're within 100 feet you won't get much, and two thirds of the shot is up in the air. You will never get ahead of it so plan accordingly. I managed to jump around it when it stopped and the 30-45 minute stops gave me plenty of time. A little altitude helps in case something gets in front of you. I was careful to use shutter speeds over 1/1000s and did use a polarizer. There is a lot of glare on the engine and tenders as well as green foliage. (My polarizer is the high transmission type.) I was using a Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR on Nikon D850 (full frame), on a tripod, and that seemed about right. The locations I picked gave me clear shots with good direction of light and no one in the way on the moving shots. I obviously had a different strategy for the stationary shots. When it comes back I my plan is to anchor my kayak in the river to take shots, and concentrate more on the "people" shots with my 4x5. I brought a ladder but never used it. The crowd wasn't that bad.
I'll mention a few other things. Above someone brought up "casual" vs "pro" photographer and what's the difference. The obvious difference is the pro gets paid, but that in turn means the pro HAS to deliver usable shots. It's not necessarily about having "pro" gear, but rather a "pro" attitude. Since a pro has to get the shot or he doesn't get paid, the strategy is to remove as many potential problems in advance as possible. Scout the locations and your route. Clean your camera sensor the day before, and all lenses. Charge up your battery and spares. Have a fresh memory card and a spare. Know what the direction of light will be at the time of day you'll be there, and the weather. Have a place picked out to park, bring food & water with you so you don't have to stop at a crowded store. In short being a pro is mostly about being prepared and having an idea of what shots are your highest priority. (But not to the extent it blinds you to a lucky shot that pops up you didn't expect.)
Kent in SD
