I’ve read through many of the posts here and may be asking for a thread repeat. I’d like to ask the railroad pros here a couple of questions- 1) In the wake of 9/11 and the Transportation Security Act, have your railroads asked you to do anything differently in terms of security and railfans? 2) Who can we ask for permission to take pictures and get guidelines on what’s OK and what’s not? (I’m not going to submit photos to TRAINS that would embarass the railroad… or cause loss of face) 3) Other than the obvious common sense rules- don’t stand in the middle of the track to take a picture of an oncoming train, don’t go onto railroad property without asking permission, and don’t climb on equipment- what other general rules of thumb will help make us good neighbors rather than barely tolerated *&$%^ foamers?
I for one carry a badge and gun and ID myself as a cop- which is a distinct advantage over your average John or Jane Doe that happens to like trains as much as I do.
All I can respond to that is a one word quip from Harvey Korman in “Blazing Saddles” that also is what happens to rail on a really hot day…won’t repeat it and have no interest in being dirtchicken salad for a well fed Nebraska kittykat…[:D][:D][:D]
Mookie, Aimee says she can lend you her leg shackles, if you want…
erik,
You touched base on most of the necessary parts of etiquette,
and most of the railroads have asked the train crews to report any suspicious activity…which leaves a lot of discretion to the crews who and what to report.
If it is obvious that they guy with the camera is a fan, most of us dont bother them.
As for permission, try approaching the railroad cops of the road you want to shoot photos of, they might be able to help you out, after all, badges take care of badges.
If nothing else, write the superintendent of that division.
The worst he can say is no, which means you have to stay on public property.
Just take pics and leave footprints.report anything suspicious to the local or rr cops if you have their #.And to mookie a six shooter is a package of chocolate cupcakes from the store.
stay safe(run matt)
Joe
I always try to use the big “R”, Respect.
Respect the machines, respect the people and respect the job.
I don’t trespass, I ask permission from rr personnel to go near any rr property or equipment, and I always remember that the people driving the trains I like to watch so much are working. I try not to do anything that will interfere with them doing their job.