http://rail-videos.net/video/view.php?id=1456
Well actually by a second it can…
Paul
If a motorist drives carelessly and imprudently in city traffic, country roads, and Interstates, there is no reason to presume that his IQ will suddenly rise 20 points approaching a grade crossing.
You know, if the train would have nailed that car I’m pretty sure the camerman would have gotten it too. What an idiot.
…Yes, I am thinking the same thing…If contact would have been made, the camera operator would have been in a very questionable location…Hate to think what might have happened.
Might be a good thing for shutter bugs to think about…That is, which side of the road / crossing of an oncoming train, to position themselves…
I expect most of us have been near a road crossing watching the action when something akin to this has happened and swallowed really hard. Bottom line, there ARE dangers inherent in our hobby…so EVERYBODY TAKE CARE EVERY DAY OUT THERE!
Look at the remarks beneath it. The camera operator clearly knew how much danger he/she was in.
I would recommend that anyone capturing images of moving trains stay AT LEAST 25 feet away from the tracks, even 50-100 feet would not be considered excessive (the further the better).
And if you’re shooting at a grade crossing, ALWAYS, ALWAYS position yourself on the train side of the crossing.
You’ll rarely see an experience railroader standing anywhere near a passing train, unless he has no choice. Even while on the train, every time I met an oncoming train on the main, I would always get out of my seat and watch the train pass from the other side of the cab–just in case.
Safety First.
Yikes that was close for everyone involved. May I just put in a word that as a courtesy to the train crew you might want to back up a little when your filming. I can’t imagine how nerve racking it must be for the crew to have someone standing that close to the track. (I always stay a minimum of 75 feet away so that it is clear I have no intention of approaching the track near an oncoming train).
Please be careful everyone.
EXCELLENT advice, thanks!
Excellent advice indeed, and I think the train crews will be a lot more comfortable as well. Seeing some lunatic (with or without a camera) just a few feet from the track will certainly get them to grip the armrest of their chairs just a little tighter.
I always make sure when railfanning to stay well clear of the ROW, and to get a spectacular close-up of a train just grazing the camera I set up the camera in advance and get myself out of the way before the train gets to my position. I’d rather waste a few minutes of film making sure everyone (me and the train crew) is comfortable and safe than to waste my behind. Remember: something could be hanging off the train (some strapping or the likes) that could seriously injure or even kill you without being actually struck by the train itself.
Keep railfanning fun an safe for all those involved. [2c]