The Beginnings
I began taking pictures of Chessie System trains as a teenager back in 1980. As I took more photos, I noticed I was collecting more and more units. The more I captured on film, the more I wanted to get new, different units on film.
The collection grew and soon my list of units I had turned into a list of units I was looking for. After 6 years of photographing anything I could with a Chessie logo on it, along came a new CSX paint scheme and numbering system.
I had a decision to make as to whether to call it quits or start over. I decided I would only take shots of units painted CSX, not any of the predecessor schemes.
Eventually I changed my mind and started shooting everything, but I was off and running again.
Inspiration
As my CSX collection grew, the internet was growing and I started to see sites with various railroad images. I found sites dedicated to other railroads, but while I found some shots here and there of CSX equipment, I found nothing dedicated to CSX.
Figuring I had the photos to do it, I only lacked the know-how, I bought a book on HTML and started teaching myself HTML code. It's hard to beleive that book turned into the CSX Photo Archives being launched online way back in 1999. What a great ride it has been.
My Thanks
My Thanks go out first and foremost to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is with me in every aspect of my life, from family, to work, to yes, even railfanning.
Thanks to my family for supporting me in my endeavors and patiently waiting in the car as more than once I pulled over saying "I need a shot of that one". Thank you to my lovely wife Tamara, and the best kids a father could have - Aaron, Amanda and Abigail. I am truly blessed.
Lastly, thank you to my friends. Bob Michaels of Howell, MI has been a friend for countless years. Bob, I can't say thanks enough for all you have done and continue to do for me. Your friendship has meant so much to me over the years. The late Vernon Ryder Jr. was also a good friend, along with way too many others to mention. You know who you are. Thanks guys.
