Artist's notes...

the famous locomotive is on a westbound run. The engine is pulling the Empire State Express and has stopped at the Batavia passenger station (NYC&HRRR) not far from the stretch of track where the record speed of 112.5 mph was set. As a group of passengers look on, a photographer prepares to take some publicity pictures. He explains to engineer Charlie Hogan and his fireman, Al Elliot, exactly how he wants them to pose. The photographer’s attentive assistant dutifully removes some accumulated dust from the shiney new engine.