In a previous post, I discussed the virtues of re-visiting familiar places instead of seeking out new ones on photographic outings. This post is going to add another dimension to that idea. I find that by visiting a familiar place over and over again, I have the opportunity to learn things that is probably forgotten about without the same kind of repetition.
Burke and James 4×5 Grover, Schneider Kreuznach 150mm f5.6 Convertible Symmar, Efke 25
Take this shot. It’s a photo of a narrow gauge three way stub switch as seen at the Colorado Railroad Museum in May of 2007. I think most visitors to the museum are probably most keen on seeing the locomotives, Galloping Geese and, to a lesser extent, the rolling stock when they visit the museum. Physical plant such as track and switches and such never really enters their sense of awareness.
I know an engineer (the kind that looks at surveys, not the kind that operates a locomotive) that volunteered with the museum. He told me a little bit about this switch and mentioned its rarity. I want to say that it was one of only two known narrow gauge three-way stub switches in the state but it’s been quite a few years, so don’t quote me on that. Whatever the case, its rarity was enough to justify moving it. In this picture, it’s part of the main loop of track at the railroad. It was taking quite a beating in that role, so a few years after I took this shot, they moved it to another part of the museum and utilized more conventional switches in this area.
There are other aspects of the Colorado Railroad Museum like that, too. The museum has one of the best libraries for railroading information about Colorado and the west. Researchers looking for information about the history of railroads and the west would be well served to start their efforts there. One-time visitors would probably see the Robert W Richardson Railroad Library on the grounds but wouldn’t appreciate what at valuable resource it is.
Likewise, learning about the three-way stub switch is probably something I would not have learned about had I visited CRRM a single time. I no doubt would have focused my attention (and my camera) on the more “marquee” attractions at the museum. By making repeated visits and taking time to appreciate the stuff that can be right under my feet (sometimes literally!) has given me a sense of depth that I would have otherwise missed. It’s still nice to seek out new places and experiences but it’s also fun to learn more about the places I’ve already been, too.
EDIT TO ADD: I looked back through some of my files and I made a note on one that this switch was one of only two known *in the world* not just the state. So a rare piece, indeed!