LocoPhotos is a community driven website, allowing everyone to contribute to the website. Here is a quick tutorial of what you can expect as you start contributing.

Contributing Photos

All members are able to upload photos. To upload a photo, simply choose the "Submit Photo" link on the top menu bar. Each photo is uploaded and categorized by railroad and number. You will first be asked for the railroad name. Each locomotive has a reporting mark, that reporting mark belongs to that railroad. For example, UPRR is the reporting mark for Union Pacific Railroad. Choose the appropriate railroad from the drop down menu. If the railroad is not listed, follow the appropriate link below to "create a new road name". After choosing the railroad, type in the locomotive number.

Entering in that information will do a search of the database for that locomotive, to see if it already exists. If it does not exist, you will be forwarded to the page where you can enter in the details of the locomotive. Enter as much information as you know. Skip the information you do not know. Blank or empty information is better that false or incorrect information. Remember, others will be able to help you by updating that information later. If your search returned a locomotive that already exists, you are presented a list of exists photos. Sometimes there are multiple locomotives with the same railroad and number. You will need to select the appropriate locomotive using the information and photos shown to you. If the locomotive you have a photo for is not listed there, you have the option of creating that locomotive in the database.

The next step is submitting your photo. Keep in mind, you will need to follow the photo guidelines listed. Photos must meet these guidelines or they will be deleted from the database. All photos will be electronically edited, adding your name in the copyright information. So, there is no need for you to add your own name to your photos, it is done automatically. Once you submit your photo, it is placed in the photo queue. (See next subject)

Updating Roster Information

Not everyone knows every piece of information about a locomotive. We have made the site available for you to add or edit existing information, making the information more complete for others. To update the roster information, simply click on the link "Update Roster Information". You will be shown a form with the existing information shown. Please change only the information that you know to be correct. If you are not sure, leave it as is, someone with the correct information will likely fill it in later. Remember, no information is better than false or incorrect information. Once you submit the updated roster information, it will be placed in a queue to be reviewed by a moderator. This information may take a day before it is seen publicly.

Updating Photo Information

You may update your own photo information. You may not update someone else's. If you find someone else's photo information incorrect, simply send them a message by clicking on their name.