I am interested in photographing Canadian Pacific and Canadian National coal and intermodal trains on Roberts Bank for a railroad photography book I am producing. Can anyone tell me if access to Roberts bank is restricted? If it is not, can you suggest some good vantage points that allow me to look down on the trains and where it is safe to pull over to the side of the road to photograph? If access is restricted, can you tell me who to contact to see about gaining access for media purposes?
If you are seriously doing a book, then the railroads will be glad to help. Write them care of either named president of the road or through the PR and advertising department. They’ll direct you and provide you with all you need.
With the exception of Canadian Pacific, none of the other railroads have been much help. I heard back from BNSF who said they don’t discuss customers or how many trains they run to Roberts Bank–they deferred me to Deltaport and Westshore, neither of whom have contacted me back. I have also yet to hear from CN.
Access around the outside of Roberts Bank is easy, although there are no spots to get an elevated view from as it is on a river delta. Looking at Google Earth will help you get your bearings. I think an Ideal spot for photography would be on hwy99 where the line goes up and over the Hwy. The times I wish I had my camera when passing that point. The fall is awesome as the trains come roaring out of the mist in the fields.
Another spot is in the same area. It is the BNSF line South through White Rock. Here are some examples.
Not my Pics.
These are mine.
This is my trusty steed. You will need one of these to get to the best railfaning spots in the Rockies. It has the off road package and those skid plates got a good workout a couple of weeks ago up on the Kettle Valley line ( or what’s left of it)
Brent