In September of 2025, my work is generating the most income it ever has in my career. Yet, I'm being forced to shut down my successul operation, against my will, due to one cause alone: 95% of that revenue is being stolen by piracy and copyright infringement. I've lost more than $1 million to copyright infringement in the last 15 years, and it's finally brought an end to my professional storm chasing operation. Do not be misled by the lies of infringers, anti-copyright activists and organized piracy cartels. This page is a detailed, evidenced account of my battle I had to undertake to just barely stay in business, and eventually could not overcome. It's a problem faced by all of my colleagues and most other creators in the field.
Another scan from the box of old photos. Hard to believe that this photo is now older than I was when it was taken. This is my brother Matt (11), my sister Katie (13) and myself (16) after a long day serving meals and setting tables in one of the premium service dining cars on an NRHS excursion train in August of 1991. This trip was a run from Kenova to Iaeger, WV and back behind Class A #1218 on the former N&W mainline.
We (along with my parents and grandparents) were regulars on excursion trains in the 80s and early 90s, working as volunteers for the NRHS' West Virginia chapter. For me, the work was a small price to pay for the free train ride. I went on my first ride at age 2, and continued working on the trains by myself until 2002. Maybe I'll get back into it someday.
I posted a short Youtube video from this trip that I shot while #1218 was backing to turn the train around at Iaeger.
I'm totally embarrassed by the picture! Wouldn't it be great to do that again, though? I'm sure Caleb would have the time of his life! - Posted by Katie from Melrose, MA
What a great time that we had!! Wish we could do it again and ride the rails. I got choked up watching the steam engine and remembering Papa. - Posted by Mom from Washington Pa
I cried watching the steam engine too! I was just blaming the pregnancy hormones. - Posted by Katie from Melrose, MA
We should get tickets next year. - Posted by Dan R. from Charleston, WV
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From Dan: Please Read
To my regular readers, I offer my apologies for this heavy-handed notice. Unfortunately it has become necessary, so please bear with me!
Please don't copy/upload this site's content to social media or other web sites. Those copies have been a critical problem for me, seriously harming this site and my photography/storm chasing operation by diverting traffic, viewers, engagement and income. "Credit" and "exposure" does not benefit this site or my operation, rather they threaten my ability to cover my operating expenses. Please read my full explanation for this notice here.
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