What was your first byline in Trains?
Steve Smedley: My first byline in Trains was “Confessions of a ‘Sacred Central Illinois’ railfan,” published in the July 2000 issue.
By far the most enjoyable article I have produced. Since I worked second shift at The Pantagraph newspaper based in Bloomington, Ill., and prior to that at the Peoria Journal -Star as a staff photojournalist, I had a ringside seat to operations and changes, shared with our son, Samuel Lawrence Smedley. Many mornings and Mondays (I had Sunday and Monday as rest days), Sam and I would head out on a Central Illinois photography trip.
The article featured my experiences covering Central Illinois railroading and the lifelong friends I have made. Monday adventures with Sam remain wonderful memories.
What’s your favorite locomotive and why?
Steve Smedley: The Electro-Motive Division GP30 is by far my favorite locomotive. I would see them, unfortunately always trailing in a consist, on the Chicago & North Western Railway through my second hometown of Wheaton, Ill. I was drawn to that highbrow and unique design. The GP30 was the only locomotive in which GM automotive engineers were tasked to help design its unique look. I still seek them out even today.
Describe your love of railroading in six words or less.
Steve Smedley: History, power, people, travel, camaraderie, change
What’s your fondest memory as a Trains contributor?
Steve Smedley: During a visit to Hayward, Wis., and my younger brother Tom Smedley’s home, I have always been within striking distance of the twin ports of Duluth-Superior.
While driving North at Gordon, Wis., my Caller ID announced a call from a true mentor and dear friend, the late Editor Jim Wrinn. We first exchanged insults, then Wrinn asked where I was headed. I told him, “The Range — the former Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range operations North of Duluth.”
“Do an article,” Wrinn said.
“On what?” was my question.
Without missing a beat, Wrinn said, “I don’t give a (expletive), find something, take pictures, and write about it!”
I remember — after laughing — saying, “Oh my God, spoken like a true newspaper editor!’’
We both burst into laughter over the phone. That conversation led to my cover story in the November 2022 issue of Trains on the Canadian National C40-8s in ore service.
This remains my most cherished memory of working with Jim Wrinn.
What article received the biggest reader reaction?
Steve Smedley: Sacred Central Illinois
What advice would you give a new contributor?
Steve Smedley: Be persistent. If you have an idea for a photo or article, do not procrastinate. I have a good friend that is always talking about doing something, but never follows through.
If I had a dollar for every time I heard a railfan say they had sent a photo into a magazine for consideration and it was not used, and they threw in the towel on submissions, I’d be a rich man. I religiously shoot and work at contributing newsworthy images to both the magazine and to Trains News Wire.
On News Wire, it is exciting to see my work used and shared in a timely manner.
