What is the best way to let someone know that “YOU” are a Railfan when out Railfanning?
What would be the best thing to have in an automoble let’s say if approached by let’s say,…well anyone.
The reason I am asking this is because. Ever since the Cell Phone,Alot of People are so scared that with no reason they just dial 911 for almose anything,Including Railfans.
Do you people even relise how many tax dollars get’s waisted every time a cop has to go chase down every Railfan out there every time some one calls on their cell phone? Thousands.
You know how much it would cost the HARD WORKING TAX PAYER if a Railfan had an army of swarming of cops,CIA,FBI&Home land security all over him or her? just over a Railfan? Can you just imagine how he or she is gona feel at the end of the day when it’s time to go home? Oh my God! Since now that Railfanning is becoming harder and harder now a day’s I am starting to wounder if Railfan’s should even risk it anymore.
I wounder.
Q. What do you keep in your vehicle? Trains magizine,Scanner Radio,Pictures,ETC.
BNSFrailfan.
I doubt there is any way to get the people driving by to figure you are a railfan. I do most of my railfanning at my local yard, many of the employees (mainly in the mechanical department) know me, that makes railfanning much easier.
In this day and age even wearing a jacket with the heralds of every know fallen flag wouldn’t get you past some people’s suspicions. In fact, some of them would suspect you even more…
It’s been said many a time - take only pictures, leave only foot prints. Be courteous to the cops. They’re only doing their job. Most of them are only interested in making sure you aren’t a threat and going on their way. Exude confidence. Suspicious actions invite suspicion…
Along with what ericsp said, when go railfanning its usually by the Norht Shore Scenic Railroad mainline and I have gotton some weird looks but alot of times the enginners and brakemen ( because they know me ) will invite me into the locomotive. That sure shuts everybody up!!
[8D]The maps, the camera, the laser-like focus on the tracks and lineside signals…should be a dead giveaway.
[:p] Check the mirror for stray bits of foam, though [:p]
Seriously, though, I don’t seem to have a problem when I’m out in the open. It’s “urban railfanning” that can get dicey; it depends if you blend in with the local residents. There are some places where I’m obviously an outsider (car washed, both headlights work, no big dents). I usually only hang out in these areas for a few minutes, then move on. Never been hassled or stopped by police, though… “railfan in plain sight”
Mike
I keep Trains magazines, other railroad related publications, cameras, scanner with permit, my railroad hat, etc. in the car at all times in a ready-to-go duffle bag or back pack. I also have a BNSF Heritage II license plate that is in the front window of my mini-van. Additionally, I keep two full binders of maps, places I have railfanned, pictures, etc. in the back of the van as well.
The authorities usually see me with camera in hand and I photgraph not just the locomotives, but fallen flag railcars, structures, signal equipment, other people railfanning, and certain graffitti’s.
Only once, which happened this year at the Conrail Sterling Yard near General Dynamics where they build the Army tanks, was I asked to move along by a nervous railyard employee, and I was on adjacent public property behind a fence.
I have never had a problem anywhere else in Michigan, or Ohio where I usually railfan.
I guess I’ve been pretty lucky as to not having been stopped before, but someone else gave the suggestion on another post that I’m giving a try: railfan business cards. As I’m looking to get into the photography side of railfanning more and more it seems like a no brainer. I’m planning on have some of the free ones you see so commonly advertised on the internet done up. Of course this answer isn’t for everyone. I think this is an interesting topic and its good to hear what others are saying. Thanks for your posts!
I dont blame them, I mean come on, not every one does this let alone knows why on earth people would want to take pictures of trains. I guess it would be like watching someone take pictures of buses or bicycles. I’m not against railfanning, I am a railfan. I’m just trying to show how regular people might not know what we are doing.