One problem with the photograph is a lack of any kind of landmark to estimate an appropriate size for the object. But, viewing the photo with the idea that the object is the size of a couple train cars does not seem to pose any problems with perspectives, or imagining the distance of the camera to the summit area, or clouds around the mountain.
In searching for any other articles, references, or hints that the object is on the mountain, and not in the air, I came across only one item. In Saucer Smear, UFO historian Barry Greenwood writes in to tell of his firsthand account of viewing the stereo card in person. He confirms the notion that when viewed with a stereoscope as intended, the object is clearly on the mountain and not in the sky.
Greenwood states the photo “…showed a nearby mound of wind-drifted snow with a stick or some such dark object sticking out of the mound.” Although I have not viewed the photo in person as Greenwood has, I wonder why a competent, professional photographer would choose to include a ‘stick’ in an otherwise pristine, scenic photograph.
The way in which the object is included and framed seems purposeful; it is the focal point of the photo. I suggest the photographer intended to document the object, and along with other photos, it was clear it was an object worthy of documentation—something associated with the spectacular and unprecedented mountain-climbing cog rail.
However, because the object is not absolutely clearly identifiable as a train, or rail cars, it poses some problems in identifying or dismissing it as such without some further investigation. As I stated before, it looks as the object may be tipped over on its side. It seems the first accidents on the railroad did not occur until the 20th century, so that is probably not the explanation.
I know absolutely zero about railroads; I have attempted to investigate this further by posting in cog railroad bulletin boards, and asking for help in identification via yahoo answers, and other forums. Although almost everyone who responded said it could very possibly be a train or parts of a train, no one was willing or able to expound further, or do any kind of speculative forensics.
So, I am left to my naïve whims and fancies. Could this be a couple of stranded or compromised cars awaiting repair or towing down the mountain? Could it be a structure related to the rail and not a train part itself? Perhaps that ‘swastika’ is some type of mechanical device or part that will be a key in positive identification. Does that vertical track in the snow (I am not implying it is a train track) to the left of the object indicate some presence that could have been made in a rescue effort? There are also some other areas leading to/from the object at the base that look like they could be purposefully plowed.
I feel I have gone as far as I am able to go in an investigation of this photograph with my resources and ideas, and I welcome any further ruminations or information. I would also challenge the owner of the photo, Samuel M. Sherman, who purchased it on Ebay in 2002 for $385, to make the entire stereoscopic card image available so it can be evaluated.
Indeed, according to UFO Evidence (again via UFO artwork), “Sherman also stated that this photograph will not be locked up in some collection, but will be submitted to scientists for detailed analysis and the results made available to the public, which he says wants answers to the UFO mystery.”
Sources:
Mount Washington Cog Railway, www.thecog.com
UFO Evidence, UFO Photograph, www.ufoevidence.org
Saucer Smear, Issue 54, No. 6, July 5, 2007, Lettres to Ye Olde Editor, Page 9
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