Cowcatcher by bmac62
Close
Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.
Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
This photo shows a typical cowcatcher of the 19th and early 20th century.
Dictionary definition beginning in the year 1838. Cowcatcher: an inclined frame on the front of a railroad locomotive for throwing obstacles off the track.
We had cowcatchers from at least the 1830s in both Canada and the US because buffalo (bison) and cattle were forever wandering onto the thousands of miles of track spanning these two countries. They disappeared in the 1950s as the last of the steam engines were retired.
I've never seen any on European locomotives and I must admit, I've never thought about checking on African or South American locomotives.
So, hope you like the cowcatcher on old 811.
Thanks for all your continued comments and favorites. Weekend is coming fast!!!
Bill:)
Comments (29)
What a splendid object! I have always known this name, and often felt the need for one on my little motorbike in the summer, when thousands of foreign visitors jay-walk oblivious to the traffic. It is often impossible to get out of second gear. Nowadays I get the buses into town, the tourists are inclined to get out of the way of those!
Fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Bravissimo!V:DDD.Hugsxx
Splendid composition and colors my friend
Fascinating photo... I love old locomotives....
Hey Bill, I understand about the cowcatcher, but are those pooper-scoopers to each side?
interesting !!
I smiled when I opened this one. Only models wear those here. Our local scenic railroad doesn't even run one on their steam locomotive. Excellent shot!
Great shot Bill. Makes me think of deer in the headlights, wish I had one on the car with all those critters round these parts.
Excellent image. Great shot!!
Very nice!! Steam locomotives are a must in India! There's also a festival and a "race" with these old ladies, all decorated! In South America in 1981 I traveled on the "Machu Picchu" indigenous train (the tourists' one leaves an hour later) a very interesting experience!!
Great Shot
Great shot. I remember the cow catchers very well but don't remember those scoopers, either. Looks like they'd put a serious hurt on a cow.
A SUPERLATIVE CAPTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great head on shot of this steam engine! They are magnificent beasts aren't they! Rode the Silverton train years ago, and a great experience. Thanks for the memories. :)
A super shot. I've always liked trains and riding on trains.
lollll Love this shot (and title)
Hi Bill! And what a really cool shot. I never realised they were rounded at all. Gotta try and get back to the Railway Museum for better shots! You have inspired me! Ha! Ha! Great one. Rob.
hihi Bill, you know what: Seeing this shot it came to my mind it's a portrait of a smiling cyclops with an iron beard...smile...ok have to much imagination I admit...grin
Splendid image!
LOL@Andrea, I can relate :)...I never knew the name of this, I always thought it was a kind of snowplough, but I suppose it is in some way ploughing crap of the tracks, a real nice shot Bill, I bet our dear Lynell won't like the name :)
Even sitting still, with your excellent pov, its power and importance is evident. Great shot.
Terrific POV, clarity, colors, and stark lighting effects in this shot of this most irresistable force, Bill! Everything looks so clean and pristine: the locomotive, the gravel, etc. But I wonder if you couldn't have created more lighting contrast in the cowcatcher itself. And, are those pooper scoopers hanging off each end? Looks like those ash scoop thingies that you find by fireplaces.
Wow what a great old engine, love your POV great color and awesome clearity, beautiful work!!!!
excellent pov and capture.I would have not associated a "cowcatcher" with a train
A cursory browse leads me to believe there were cowcatchers on trains in Africa. That's as far as I got before I became distracted with other things! LOL! I wonder about those little shovels on the front, too. What could they be? Perhaps a step of some sort? You've got me wondering, and I can't find the answers.
Wonderful photo.
Great image Bill, like the head-on pov immensely! When me and Jeff visit the war-weekend here, they have a USA steam train running with a plaque LIMA company OHIO 1945 (if I recall correctly) but I have never seen one here with the cowcatcher fixed! Excellent bill, thanks!
Great perspective Bill.
Great reference shot!