Hi everybody, I began to read “Track planning for realistic operations” and I was wondering if some of you go in the field to watch and photograph railroads and trains and learn about how they work.
What are your tips for watching and photographing railroads and trains? Is it sometimes possible to have the permission to go closer to the tracks? How do you behave with railroad employees when you see them?
Thanks for your help!
P.S. I think I got a new hobby. I’m just reading now about the subject but the more I read, the more I want to learn more …
When I railfan I generally try to be discreet, I remember reading Railroad employee posts on a page that I liked on FB. “-removed-, don’t bug them when they’re trying to do their job,” the Railfans also chimed in and said not to freak out and go crazy while filming/capturing pictures. I think you can get permission, I’m not sure so don’t quote me on it.
Number one thing while railfaning is “Safety First!”…There’s no need to get within the danger zone…Stay back at least 50’ and chose a escape route if needed.Best to watch a passing train at 3/4 quarter view that way you can see any danger like a derailment in progress-usually noticeable by ballast dust and bouncing and learning car(s) if this happens used your escape route away from the tracks.
Do not trespass on railroad or private property and leave nothing behind but,your foot prints…
Most railroaders don’t mind answering questions if they’re not busy…If they’re busy at their work don’t interfere.
You don’t need permission to photograph or video a train.
Certainly! Watching the operations of trains is likely the best way for modelers to improve the realistic handling of their own trains. Ideas for weathering, scenery, ballast, and train make-up will follow from watching the real thing. There have been many times in my modeling when I sort of “stall out” or lose some interest and then gain energy or inspiration for modeling by watching real trains.
Although there are still some security guards and other folks out there that make up rules as they go along, there was not a single law passed after “9-11” changing the legality of taking photos from public property or from property where you have permission to be. Street overpasses of RR tracks are thus good places to scout for photo opportunities. Different AmTrak station agents interpret their rules differently, but I have had good success by respectfully asking permission to stand by the station to take photos, being sure not to cross tracks or go into any “employee-only” area.
The prior suggestion to stand off for the angle shot is worthwhile. Not only does it provide a classic photo angle, it also may relieve some tension for the engineer if you are not standing directly over the track on that overpass. The engineer doesn’t need extra concern that you may throw something or attempt jumping in front of his train. I always wave at the crew of the passing train, and almost always receive a similar response. If you view or photograph regularly from some location near your home, crews will become familiar with your presence. I always go over and speak to any RR employee that happens by - such as if a signal maintainer truck pulls up - and tell that employee that I’m going to stay back on the public property and won’t be walking on their tracks (“Hello, I hope it’s okay that I take some train photos from over here…”)
The prior suggestion to stand off for the angle shot is worthwhile. Not only does it provide a classic photo angle, it also may relieve some tension for the engineer if you are not standing directly over the track on that overpass. The engineer doesn’t need extra concern that you may throw something or attempt jumping in front of his train.
You don’t say where and what railroad you are talking about, but if a major railroad, you will likely encounter railroad police, who may not be so friendly. Railroads today are very concerned about liability and security.
Yes, dbduck’s comments of “found out the hard way” aren’t definative enough to tell us what happened. There have been multiple discussions on the topic of photographing trains over on the Trains magazine portion of the forum, and a FULL Range of experiences and responses have been noted. As a career police officer for an urban department and retiring at the rank of Captain, I would again say that any photography of trains from a public place is lawful, and there are multiple court precidents to confirm that. While I am not an attorney, as a railfan I paid close attention to that portion of the Constitutional Law class at the Master’s Degree level. Even if one has that legal knowledge and has the copies of the court cases in hand, I stil would not suggest arguing with or becoming overly assertive with a law official in the field. Take the matter up with the officer’s supervisor back at the station in an orderly fashion if that is deemed necessary… but if one is not interfering with vehicle traffic and standing on public property, one can use a camera. There is no “reasonable expectation of privacy” for things happening in public view.
I been railfaning for years and encountered a railroad cop once way back in '65…I entered C&O’s employee parking lot to photograph a Alco S2…He was nice enough to let me take the photo before ordering me off the property.
CSX allows railfans to use the former Amtrak station and parking lot in Fostoria to railfan from…NS allows railfaning at a former interlocking tower area.
As long as you’re not traspassing or doing something foolish you have nothing to fear from a railroad cop.
And if you railfan in a known “train buff” area city police will drive on by.
Well, I’m back on this forum. It’s been a few months since I last came. This year I decided to start model railroading and watch trains in my area. If you have any tip that have not been mentionned already, feel free to reply. Thanks for your help!
Basically what I do is, go to the same spot, have a scanner locked in on the railroad channels, and have something railroad related reading material. If taking photos a tripod helps not only take level photos, but helps you look the part. Although be aware of your surrondings and use descrection-if you are going to be in the way, don’t use the tripod. Basically stay out of the way of people doing their jobs,commuting,etc. As I say for a group I moderate on Facebook for railfanning “Don’t do anything illegal, dangerous or stupid”.
