Its been a while since I posted here. I hope everyone is well. I recently accepted a job with a railroad that requires me to be certified in the GCOR and Railway Workers rules. I have both certifications now. I’ve been going to Dolton, IL to watch trains for a year or so now and the favorite place for trainwatchers there is on the southwest side of the diamond, inside the wye that goes from the northbound to the eastbound tracks. This is on IHB property. Am I less likely to get into trouble since I’m rules certified and a railroader or are they going to call my boss on me? Has anybody had any experience in this area? Its a great place to watch trains but I wouldn’t want to get into trouble over it.
Even if you’re a “card carrying member,” they still have the right to boot you off, call the police, etc. Sometimes its tough because the better shot is always on someone else’s land.
If you find yourself in a situation like that, try asking permission. When the Georgetown Loop was getting ready to close their doors (at least the last operators), I wanted a shot by some nice Aspen. It was well onto GLRR property though. I simply asked if anyone had a problem with me hiking onto their property. I was granted my wish, and got some very nice pictures for my efforts.
I wish you the best of luck. Just remember, the railroads have the right to let you be there, or not. Some are courteous, and allow it. Don’t presume upon their good will, and we’ll all be able to railfan a lot easier in the future.
I was at Dolton last year. Directly across from the tower. I was not bothered at all & saw 23 trains in about 5 hours. Some CSX workers were repairing some rails & did not radio me in as nobody came to chase me. In fact they waved to me as they went by. [:D]
most crews wave to me and matt. there has been an occassion where a deputy was called to our location.but if you follow some simple rules
take pics leave footprints
do not walk on the track(keep a safe distance)
mind your ps and qs when asked questions by police or rr officials
generally be polite with others
these should help making the day better.
stay safe
Joe
I have to agree 100%.
Railroad property “IS” Railroad property and Railroads don’t take too very kindle of Tresspassers at all…So be Safe out there.
BNSFrailfan.
I don’t think I’d mention that you were certified, personally. Playing dumb, polite and cooperative generally seems to work well for me (the British accent helps in my case, it’s obvious I’m not a local and I can play it up for effect).
Thanks! I’m just a clerk for now. But I’m hoping to move to train service sometime in the next 6 months. I’m actually finding that I’m relatively happy in my current job, which involves working as a janitor sometimes, clerking sometimes and operating a tower sometimes. I like the towers least. There are lots of ways to get into trouble and when anything goes wrong, including failed equipment, its somehow your fault. I’m really looking forward to getting into train service, though. I really want to be ON the trains!
I live near the c.n tracks in north york toronto. There is a large paved area there where they change crews.I just sit in the car, don’t go near the tracks and enjoy the trains. The train crews come over to chat with me and my boy. No problem at all. rambo1…
I wonder what the law says. Where I grew up, anyone could walk, snowmobile and hunt on your land unless you posted signs restricting one activity or another. By that thinking, if the landowner doesn’t post “No trespassing”, it’s all good.
Railroad could be different, of course. And 9/11 had its effect.
Boy I don’t know if I’d try that logic when the local police stopped by. I bet you’d loose that battle, whether it be on the right of way or in a court of law.
I was told by a BNSF *** @ Colton Ca that the RRs presume that 60’ from the track is that ROW except when the tracks run along side a public road or they across propery owned by a city, state or the Feds. [:)]