KevinM Wrote:
>
> In the evening, the RR planned to run a special
> train to bring photographers to the site for a
> photo shoot. Unfortunately, the fellow who
> normally plans and coordinates these events had to
> leave earlier in the day due to a prior commit.
> We also had a weather situation in the late
> afternoon which seriously impacted attendance.
> Just before the train left, I was asked if I would
> help coordinate the shoot and I was happy to do
> so.
>
> My goal was to arrange some scenes that people
> could photograph, which would give them the
> general feel of the encampment.....but also to
> incorporate the railroad, if possible.
> Obviously, doing the latter meant that for the
> shoot at least, we could not be simulating an
> encampment in France. So my plan was to simulate
> a training encampment in Maine, with an eventual
> departure to join the AEF. The scenario of a
> Maine Guard Unit training on home turf, and then
> departing on a 2-foot line to make connections
> that would take them to NYC was a reasonably
> realistic scenario. Certainly, back in 1917, the
> troops would not likely have boarded a train
> state-side wearing steel battle helmets and gas
> masks, or carrying automatic weapons like the
> B-A-R. They were carrying all of that stuff
> because they didn't know the plan in advance and
> had prepared for combat demos, not for riding a
> train. We had multiple scenes to shoot and we
> were burning daylight (and dodging rain showers),
> so there was not a lot of time for pre-shot
> briefings, historical accuracy discussions and
> costume changes. The re-enactors do indeed have
> the smokey hats and proper uniforms, and that is
> what they wore during last-year's shoot.
>
> /Kevin Madore
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for taking on the job of directing the photo event. I know you purchased a ticket to photograph and enjoy it, not expecting to be asked to manage it.
You did a super job and the photos show how well everything went.
Thank you!
Stewart
