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"Pennsylvania Thunder"
Return To Robert West Railroad Art
PENNSYLVANIA THUNDER
South of Newark, New Jersey Circa 1954
Being a railroad illustrator gives Robert the unique advantage of creating images out of his imagination based on realistic
scenarios. After the initial burst of creativity comes the extensive research necessary to recreate an exact moment out of the
past. For years Robert has wanted to paint a Pennsylvania GG1 pulling a matched consist in a thunderstorm. Because this unique
locomotive gets its power from overhead electrical wires known as catenary, he felt a thunderstorm was appropriate for effect
to evoke powerful imagery. Robert chose the area south of Newark, New Jersey because of the heavy side industry typical in
the region. In order to convey the sense of speed, which was typically 110 mph, Robert decided ti have the train slightly
leaning as it pulls out of an elevated high speed curve. To increase this effect, Robert blurred the passing northbound
trailing observation car of the Broadway Limited. This was another in Robert's long line of "theme and deployment" pieces,
where Robert can literally explode in the canvas with emotion. Can you hear the thunder?
Print Size 27" x 19-1/2"
Image Size 26" x 17"
©2002 Robert West
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