1075 to the Castro

1075 to the Castro, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Historic PCC streetcar number 1075 pauses for a portrait in front of San Francisco's equally historic ferry building. This car was built in 1946 and is painted in the colors of the Cleveland Transit System which apparently are similar to the colors used by the Cleveland Browns football team. Kathy had business in San Francisco early in the week and I joined her after her meetings concluded on Friday. We stayed in town until Sunday and had a pretty nice time as we usually do when visiting San Francisco. We both wanted to take more photos of the Market Street Railway streetcars. It's been at least 2 years since I've done so. The challenge is that they don't actually pose for portraits. They have a schedule to keep, so I have to shoot quickly and efficiently if I expect to finish my HDR sequences before they take off for the next stop down the line. Kathy initially didn't take her tripod, preferring the lighter gorilla pod. I brought her carbon fiber tripod to use and she gladly availed herself of it as well.

La rue n'est pas doux, the street is not kind

La rue n'est pas doux, the street is not kind, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

I had worked a very long day and was heading for some dinner and then back to my hotel room for some much needed sleep. I was waiting for the light to change so I could walk into San Francisco's ferry building when I spotted good old no. 1007 heading my way. I very rapidly setup my tripod and mounted the camera. By the time I had attached my off camera shutter release and took 5 of my 10 shots she was moving out of the frame. So what you see here is a single shot psuedo HDR, something I rarely ever do.

San Francisco's Historic Streetcar Service

San Francisco's Historic Streetcar Service, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

San Francisco's F line street cars are amazing. All manner of Vintage street cars, discarded by other cities have been restored and now run from Fishermans Wharf to the Castro district, mainly along Market Street. The next time you are in the city, I highly recommend you ride one. Early mornings are best. They get very crowded in the afternoon.

Streetcar Layover

Streetcar Layover, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

One of San Francisco's amazingly restored streetcars is pictured here while on a layover. This stop located near fisherman' wharf is my favorite spot to photograph these indcredible rolling works of art.

Outside looking in

Outside looking in, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Fisherman's Wharf Walgreens store is reflected in the windows of this San Francisco Municipal Railway streetcar. All of the F line cars park at this spot for about 5 to 10 minutes making this a fantastic place to take photos of them. I can setup my tripod and in an hour capture images of several different streetcars.

Streetcar 1052 [Explored]

Streetcar 1052, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Explored: June 22, 2009 - Highest position: #2 on June 24, 2009
San Francisco's Municipal Railway's streetcar no. 1052 awaits passengers at Fisherman's Wharf before departing for the Castro district. I can't seem to take enough photos of these amazing streetcars.

Downtown train

Downtown train, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Car 1060 waiting to board passengers at Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco

Restored F-Line Streetcar

Restored F-Line Streetcar, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

I think this Street Car is originally from Italy.

You belong with us

You belong with us, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

A look inside San Francisco's Streetcar 1050

F-Line to Market Street

F-Line to Market Street, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Kathy and I had just gotten back from the San Francisco Giants baseball game