Thanks, Don.
It’s fasinating to see real life shots of RRing from/at any angle, but ‘planted’ devices (cameras) could cause problems. Having worked in RR yard, I can attest that these behemoths (loco’s) can come upon you QUICKLY! - w/o hearing them. Take note …
What a lot of these “professional” photographers who think it’s cool to set up on active tracks don’t realize, is that the railroad cops are probably the least of their problems. Often the penalty for trespass is death when a train sneaks up on them, or they are too stupid/not fast enough to get out of the way.
It’s not just graduation photographs. When my son (He’s not a railfan) got married, some of the photos were taken in a local CPR yard.
As others have said, many thanks, Don
some years ago, I was in Windsor Ontario when I inadvertantly ended up on Canadian Pacific Rail property. A CPR police officer seen me, and he was very good about it. I had a copy of Trains Magazine with me, my camera, and a scanner. The officer told me what I was doing, and he showed me a place I could get great pics. He was very nice indeed towards myself and my sons who where with me.
Railfans have no intention of harming railroad property, or themselves. In fact, it is to some benefit that we are there, as we are eyes that the railroad does not have. The Officer did point that out to me.
Railroads (all railroads) need to have a “fan registry” where we can be members, carry a card as such to prove that we are no harm to anyone. Just people enjoying something in common. It is a great hobby.
Lloyd de Zeeuw, Outlook Saskatchewan, Canada.
I was at the UP line that crosses the BNSF line in Earlville IL! I was waiting for the Troy Grove Special that goes though once a day or so. I had seen the Special at Maple Park IL and knew where it was headed. Got set up to the south side of the BNSF on a grass area. Went to the UP grade to watch for the UP Special, while waiting a BNSF Mow man came over, atfer making sure he put his offical safety vest! I don’t know why he was wearing it in the first place while working on the LIVE BNSF line! He said that I could not stand on the track as it was too dangerous. First, he could be right in some places, but on a track that only services a dead end line to a Silica Mine, he need not have bothered. With a father that worked on the EJ&E in the 40/50s and growing up in Barrington IL where as a ten year old I would help turn the Steam around on the table, I was well aware of where to be and what to watch for. I have reported dangerous problems to both the police and BNSF/UP when needed… I don’t want to die and I don’t want to witness death.