In March 2026, Lerro Photography sponsored a reenactment portrait photo shoot at Steamtown National Historic Site, featuring immersive scenes staged throughout the roundhouse and back shops. Our male and female reenactors, dressed in period-correct 1940s attire, authentically recreated everyday moments from WWII-era railroad operations and industrial production.
Inside the back shops, we utilized mini fog machines to simulate smoke from cutting tools, adding realism to the working environment. Participants also had the unique opportunity to photograph a lit fire wheel, as reenactors struck the heated steel tires with large hammers to simulate removing them from a locomotive wheel set. In addition to the tools in the shops, the reenators used props like authentic blueprints and documentation forms to mimic maintenance work and bring these historic processes vividly to life.
Within the roundhouse, a large commercial-grade fog machine was used to create a dramatic, atmospheric setting, allowing beams of light to cut through the haze from locomotive headlights. By turning off the overhead lighting and relying solely on lanterns and torches, we were able to produce moody, cinematic scenes reminiscent of 1940s industrial railroading. Our reenactors also brought along props like thermoses, playing cards, magazines and even actual sandwiches to create lunch break and card-playing scenes inside the roundhouse, with the locomotives as a backdrop.
We sincerely appreciate Steamtown’s hospitality and support, and we look forward to collaborating with them again on future photographic projects. We would also like to thank all of our reenactors for their dedication and contributions in making this photo shoot a tremendous success.
