I am not a train enthusiast, but a couple of years ago I saw a PBS special on a photographer who took pictures of trains as they roared through small American towns. I'm not completely sure of the era the photos were taken, but they appeared to be from the 40's or 50's, and they may have even dated back to the 30's. The pictures were fantastic, and I tried to make a mental note of the photographer's name, but (of course) instantly forgot it. I assumed he was a well known name since I did see this on TV, and now that I'm online, assumed it would take a short web search to find the name. Wrong. Does this ring a bell at all? I'd love to find some samples of this man's work since it really knocked me out. Thanks....

-- Eric Sorensen (eric.sorensen@ogilvy.com), June 17, 1998

Answers

Yes, Mr Link is known far and wide for his wonderful N&W photos from the 1950s. I have his book 'Steam, Steel, and Stars;. But as of this writing (Aug 2000), he is very much still with us. As a matter of fact, earlier this month he posed for a magazine article sitting on the front of a beloved N&W steam engine in Roanoke, Va. Greg Hodges Richmond, Va.

-- Greg Hodges (ghodges@smpsfa.com), August 22, 2000.

The PBS programme which you saw was made by the BBC some years ago and is now available in the USA on commercial video-tape. O. Winston Link died very recently, I've heard, in his 80s. A CD of his steam railway recordings is also released; I have a copy. His superb railway photos are frequently exhibited all over the world. I have visited exhibitions here in Colchester (GB) and in Katonah in NY state. His books "Steel, Steam and Stars" and "The Last Steam Railroad in America" are also still in print. David Mummery, Colchester, England.

-- David Mummery (davidandjane@iname.com), July 17, 1999.

Mr.Sorenson: I suspect the individual you are looking for is O.winston Link. He was a prolific photographer of the Norfolk and Western Railroad during the 50's. Most of his shots are taken at night with flash assist. Virtually all his shots are steam locomotives with local town people or railroaders included in the compsition. He was featured on a PBS special several years ago. Last I heard he was still alive but getting on in years. One of his many publications is: "Steam, Steel and Stars", an excellent book. I hope this is the individual you're looking for. All the best. John H.Vincent

-- John Vincent (vincent.john@sympatico.ca), July 04, 1998.