Show off your realistic AI railway images!

[Sun Chariot]

What's in a name (part 2) - virtual railtours appear on posts 57 and 119. This time, we've 66 haulage from Thames Valley to Thames Estuary (Port). Some wag's stencilled the tour name onto the loco's front.
The carriage livery pays homage to CIE's Mk2 fleet of 1960s.

Heavy metal - recalling better times of the UK's steel industry.

Final stroke - inspired by Brunel's glorious single span bridge at Maidenhead.  
I was at this Thames-side spot thirty years ago, to photograph Deltic D9000, during its stint on Virgin Cross Country services. No IET and no wires in those days!

Given we can't see the other end, there might be 2 37s!

Actually, thinking of the top 'n' tail I had between Saltburn and Boulby, you're very right @pokemonsuper9

 

[Topological]

What's in a name (part 2) - virtual railtours appear on posts 57 and 119. This time, we've 66 haulage from Thames Valley to Thames Estuary (Port). Some wag's stencilled the tour name onto the loco's front.
The carriage livery pays homage to CIE's Mk2 fleet of 1960s.

Heavy metal - recalling better times of the UK's steel industry.

Final stroke - inspired by Brunel's glorious single span bridge at Maidenhead.  
I was at this Thames-side spot thirty years ago, to photograph Deltic D9000, during its use on Virgin's Cross Country servoes. No IET and no wires in those days!



Actually, thinking of the top 'n' tail I had between Saltburn and Boulby, you're very right @pokemonsuper9

The livery on the carriages also reminds me of this from China:

ALT Text: Chinese green carriage departing from a modern-style standard railway station.

Then quickly you arrive at:

Alt text: Kim Jong Un delivering a speech from the Korean green train used on trips to China.

Now did AI have this thought process in mind?

 

[Sun Chariot]

Wait watchers - an AI image inspired by one I took 18 months ago, by my local station. I've attached my original photo, plus the AI interpretation.

Alt text: Kim Jong Un delivering a speech from the Korean green train used on trips to China.

I think it will take more than a couple of window bars to stop passengers leaning out of that carriage.

 

[Cowley]

Wait watchers - an AI image inspired by one I took 18 months ago, by my local station.
I've attached my original photo, as well as the AI interpretation of my descriptive input which - intentionally - slightly differs to my own shot.



I think it will take more than a couple of window bars to stop passengers leaning out of that carriage.

I like the black and white ones

 

[Sun Chariot]

I like the black and white ones

Thanks @Cowley and here's another level crossing scene, again based on one that I took. Attached are my early-spring 2024 original and the AI result of my descriptive input.

Unsung heroes - A doffed hat to all the workers who maintain railway infrastructure. May 2024 saw planned work along the West Coastway. Attached is my May 2024 original and an AI result of my descriptive input.

Dance of the gates - Marchwood's level crossing keeper often moves with fluidity almost befitting a ballet dancer, each time I've visited. Attached is my April 2024 photo and the AI result; no matter how I'd described those signals, Gemini algorithms refused to put them protecting the crossing!

Why didn't I drive? - a rueful-looking gent was a perfect, albeit unwitting, subject for this photo I took November 2023. This one was by far the hardest to write detailed descriptive input for; and the AI result looks very different.

 

[Topological]

In this one, I am very curious about the trains from behind the fence. There is a modern platform display, but that fence looks like it has been there a while.

Is this AI realising that spending is biased towards the South East? There is even electrification equipment on the underside of the bridge when it is the MML that wanted that. (Only joking of course)

 

[Sun Chariot]

Short meeting - a "pure fluke" photo I took along the Kennet & Avon Canal, in June 2015. It's another very difficult scene to convey in descriptive input; and here is the closest AI result.
A quick tweak to my descriptive input for loco and train gives - in my opinion - a more pleasing AI result.

Hereon, I'll revert to making AI images of my imagined scenes.

Is this AI realising that spending is biased towards the South East? There is even electrification equipment on the underside of the bridge when it is the MML that wanted that. (Only joking of course)

When I write a descriptive input "electric multiple unit" Gemini algorithms seem to pick up a myriad of data sources relating to overhead infrastructure. Rarely does it show 3rd rail infra'.
Even then, getting a plausible 25kv AC infra' on an AI image is very "hit and miss". Only posts 98 and 121 have OHLE that I'd call believable.

 

[Topological]

These scenes are incredibly realistic

But, for some reason the AI is not generating a fence between the canal and the train. Someone operating the lock for Bessie could come into serious difficulty there.

This is mostly because AI can understand objects well, but the new context defeats it.

 

[Sun Chariot]

These scenes are incredibly realistic

But, for some reason the AI is not generating a fence between the canal and the train. Someone operating the lock for Bessie could come into serious difficulty there.

In reality, there's no fence between Kennet & Avon Canal and the Berks and Hants line, between Froxfield and Crofton

 

[Topological]

In reality, there's no fence between Kennet & Avon Canal and the Berks and Hants line, between Froxfield and Crofton

There is a slightly larger gap in reality than that created by AI though.

Still good to know that there are places where people do not need to access the railway, but are trusted to stay in their right areas. Operating the lock when a fast IET comes past must be a little unnerving.

 

[Sun Chariot]

What this fun past time really demonstrates, is that - as long as the AI engine has access to the right reference data - then it's down to the level of detail I add into my descriptive input. Some of the recent images have had me writing descriptions more wordy than I did for my English Literature O level!

Still good to know that there are places where people do not need to access the railway, but are trusted to stay in their right areas. Operating the lock when a fast IET comes past must be a little unnerving.

Some years ago, I photographed A1 60163  Tornado speeding along the Crofton stretch next to the Kennet and Avon Canal. I recall one couple had moored their lengthy blue narrow boat adjacent to the line - and the chap stood very precariously on the boat's roof, juggling various photographic equipment!

 

[Topological]

What this fun past time really demonstrates, is that - as long as the AI engine has access to the right reference data - then it's down to the level of detail I add into my descriptive input. Some of the recent images have had me writing descriptions more wordy than I did for my English Literature O level!

Some years ago, I photographed A1 60163  Tornado speeding along the Crofton stretch next to the Kennet and Avon Canal. I recall one couple had moored their lengthy blue narrow boat adjacent to the line - and the chap stood very precariously on the boat's roof, juggling various photographic equipment!

How long until that image is ready? Though I suspect the AI engine may misinterpret juggling.

 

[Sun Chariot]

How long until that image is ready? Though I suspect the AI engine may misinterpret juggling.

I first need Google Gemini to learn what a Peppercorn A1 is!

 

[RichJF]

Seems to be better at American stuff:

Gp35 in dark blue hauling boxcars in front of a warehouse with a friendly engineer

 

[Sun Chariot]

Regal splendour - inspired by Colorado Royal Gorge in these AI images. The majesty of the canyon is how I remember it: the Arkansas River and Denver & Rio Grande Western track squeezed between the sheer gorge. I'll forgive Gemini's few quirks on the locos.

Gp35 in dark blue hauling boxcars in front of a warehouse with a friendly engineer

Cracking stuff @RichJF and I do like the overall "look" of that AI Geep. It's close to a later example. The roof fans' layout is possibly the only element which AI algorithms compromised on. It is certainly closer-matched than these D&RGW SD40-2 (I tried SD40T-2 "Tunnel Motor EMD"; Gemini didn't know of it).
Post 76, I'd described a Conrail GP40 and Gemini even knew that Conrail's Geep order didn't have nose-end light package.

 

[Topological]

Being beholden to this double-post prevention system is like being up a creek without a paddle, though AI has given those canoeists paddles.

 

[Sun Chariot]

 Virgin on risky - One's inspired by something that fascinated me in the 1980s: British Rail employees, armed with the very long brush, cleaning dead insects from the HST windscreen.
And a little dig at the lengths some filming crews will go to...

Being beholden to this double-post prevention system is like being up a creek without a paddle, though AI has given those canoeists paddles.

Ah, 'twas I, the Keeper o' th' Watersports, who not only gave them paddles, kayaks and wetwear - I chose all the colours, too.

 

[Topological]

It was worthwhile.

Dangerous to be a boom operator

Writing that made me think of Challenge Anneka where the boom was often in the way - then I found out it was back so it was not a dated reference to match ECML HSTs.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Writing that made me think of Challenge Anneka

Challenge Anneka and Treasure Hunt - we're showing our age!

Dangerous to be a boom operator

Quite an electrifying way to find out why it's called a boom.

The "Virgin promo film" AI image, my descriptive instructions initially had Richard Branson holding those champagne flutes and standing beside the Virgin Atlantic attired lady.
After half a dozen "close but no doppelganger" of AI Branson, Google's algorithms halted my fun. Their policy, of not doing real people in AI images, is probably for the best however.

 

[Topological]

Challenge Anneka and Treasure Hunt - we're showing our age!

Quite an electrifying way to find out why it's called a boom.

The "Virgin promo film" AI image, my descriptive instruction initially had Richard Branson holding the champagne flutes and standing beside the Virgin Atlantic attired lady.
Half a dozen "close but no doppelganger" AI Bransons - then Google's algorithms halted my fun. Their policy of not doing real people in AI images, is probably for the best however.

I did not bring Treasure Hunt into this

A HST on Neckar Island would not really be a realistic AI photo. Nicer experience for the film crew though.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Bow and wave - whilst I await Google to restore my AI image-generating daily quota, I will throw my gauntlet down to you wonderful readers:

Can you generate a realistic AI image with a splash of water?
Here are some of my own photos; Liss was the only time I've seen floodwater over a level crossing.

 

[RichJF]

ChatGPT near in nailed my American micro layout. Save for my pickup being the previous generation & my GP35 being in blue Warbonnet.



I actually enjoy chatting to GPT about lots of topics. Creative writing, travel itineraries & holiday planning etc & data analysis.

I never share personal details but used correctly its a wonderful tool.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Our friends in the north -
1) Preston Deepdale area was close to my uni student house. Early 1990, I photo'd Railfreight Coal sector 37213 with HEAs passing a similar scene to this AI "homage"; as well as at the domestic coal exchange siding on the stub of the old branch to Longridge. All long gone...
2) Deep in hilly country and deep in snow. These drivers are no doubt grateful for the ability of those small ploughs.

Port Out, Starboard Home - inspired by activities I've seen at Southampton's Maritime Freightliner Terminal. Loco liveries are off but the overall ambience comes close.

 

[Topological]

Some gauge clearance needed for the double-stacked container train in 1306.jpg

 

[Sun Chariot]

Some gauge clearance needed for the double-stacked container train in 1306.jpg

I'm hopeful that's merely the yard making use of wagons to store empty containers until they are later loaded onto their intended train...

 

[Topological]

I'm hopeful that's merely the yard making use of wagons to store empty containers until they are later loaded onto their intended train...

You would like to think so.

However, after that case where allegedly the wrong 175 was moved from Ely earlier this year, you can never be certain the wrong train would not destroy the footbridge at St Denys (there may be nearer bridges, but St Denys was often used en route to St Marys.

Hopefully all this concern about double stacking has opened the way for @Sun Chariot to post more photos.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Rain spotting - I've always liked playing with depth of field on "real" photos; and I couldn't resist trying out a virtual version.
A style of composition rather familiar to @lostwin(m)

Tunnel vision - inspired by my audio recordings from the late great Peter Handford and more recent productions. If I close my eyes, I can still hear the Black Five's beat echoing off the tunnel's wall.

Hopefully all this concern about double stacking has opened the way for @Sun Chariot to post more photos.

I reckon the double stacks would scuff the concrete off First Avenue overbridge (link road from Millbrook Flyover to dock gate). If Gemini's measly 15 daily limit reverts to 100, then I'll try a "bridge strike" AI image.

 

[PrincesWinsdor]

Rain spotting - I've always liked playing with depth of field on "real" photos; and I couldn't resist trying out a virtual version.
A style of composition rather familiar to @lostwin(m)

Tunnel vision - inspired by my audio recordings from the late great Peter Handford and more recent productions. If I close my eyes, I can still hear the Black Five's beat echoing off the tunnel's wall.



I reckon the double stacks would scuff the concrete off First Avenue overbridge (link road from Millbrook Flyover to dock gate). If Gemini's measly 15 daily limit reverts to 100, then I'll try a "bridge strike" AI image.

Perhaps you can recreate an image of a man kissing a deltic, just like the story you told me a few days ago!

 

[Sun Chariot]

Perhaps you can recreate an image of a man kissing a deltic, just like the story you told me a few days ago!View attachment 188956

I'll give it a go this evening. I bet Google's AI Policy blocks it as "inappropriate image content".

 

[PrincesWinsdor]

I'll give it a go this evening. I bet Google's AI Policy blocks it as "inappropriate image content".

But apparently I can!