Cowcatcher by bmac62

Photography • Transportation • posted on Apr 30, 2009

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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)

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durleybeachbum

3:56AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

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!

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Mondwin

4:14AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

Fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Bravissimo!V:DDD.Hugsxx

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jeroni

4:20AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

Splendid composition and colors my friend

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kenmo

4:45AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

Fascinating photo... I love old locomotives....

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drace68

4:47AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

Hey Bill, I understand about the cowcatcher, but are those pooper-scoopers to each side?

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Rainastorm

5:15AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

interesting !!

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GBCalls

5:52AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

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!

skipper62

5:56AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

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.

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lyron

6:31AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

Excellent image. Great shot!!

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flavia49

7:55AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

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!!

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timtripp

8:10AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

Great Shot

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moonrancher

8:13AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

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.

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sandra46

8:30AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

A SUPERLATIVE CAPTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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CavalierLady

9:34AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

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. :)

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kansas

9:44AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

A super shot. I've always liked trains and riding on trains.

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MagikUnicorn

10:32AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

lollll Love this shot (and title)

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debbielove

11:46AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

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.

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mermaid

11:51AM | Thu, 30 April 2009

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

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Mousson

2:25PM | Thu, 30 April 2009

Splendid image!

PD154

3:01PM | Thu, 30 April 2009

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 :)

MrsLubner

4:44PM | Thu, 30 April 2009

Even sitting still, with your excellent pov, its power and importance is evident. Great shot.

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goodoleboy

6:03PM | Thu, 30 April 2009

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.

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Digitaleagle

7:09PM | Thu, 30 April 2009

Wow what a great old engine, love your POV great color and awesome clearity, beautiful work!!!!

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Richardphotos

9:38PM | Thu, 30 April 2009

excellent pov and capture.I would have not associated a "cowcatcher" with a train

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auntietk

9:45PM | Thu, 30 April 2009

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.

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ledwolorz

5:40AM | Fri, 01 May 2009

Wonderful photo.

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artaddict2

2:31AM | Sat, 02 May 2009

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!

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