Often when Im railfanning around or near a yard, I go up to the office and ask the yard master or whom ever is there, If I can just walk around and take pictures. Union Pacific Almost always allows me, as long as I “stay on the pavement around the building” and sometimes lets me in the Cabs. A small company that owns 2 SW1000 I think that builds and sets out cuts for CHS has actually let me ride with them for the afternoon! But everytime I ask BNSF if I can just look around, their answer is always NO in some form or another. Not too suprised but youd think that both UP an BNSF would have similar policies.
Just wondering what railroads have let you on their property and which ones havent?
It’s ben a while since I’ve done that kind of railfanning, but here’s my experience (keep in mind this was 10 years ago) :
SP… no problem just don’t get in our way. And if they had time to hang out and talk they would.
AT&SF…If trains were around and they were busy, don’t bother them. But if things were quiet they were friendly (not as friendly as SP)
UP… If we see you anywhere on our property we will send the RR police directly.
This is how it was for me in the San Francisco bay area.
I am surprised to hear that UP isn’t a “stick in the mud”.
When the Challenger was here the UP Police presents was obivious. In the past there were special agents around but just wearing the badge, gun, and radio. This most recent time they were in police uniforms, driving marked cars/vans and were there for more than show. In the past people were free to roam all over the place. This last time the “yellow tape” was out. Don’t get me wrong. I am not anti-authority by any means. I am not anti-police either. But locally there has been a change about railroad property and fences have gone uP (Pun). lol [:D]
First of all take pics and leave footprints.I have been asked to move on when taking train pics but there are many places I can go to take them. CSX and Ns are about the same. Some crews will wave some will not.Just stay safe
Joe
The train engineers from CN almost always wave, if they don’t, its because they didn’t see me I was once at a switch, and the engineer even tooted his whistle for me. Several days before that, two teenage boys broke a switchstand lock and switched the track, derailing the VIA train, so I was surprised that I would be welcomed.
I go about once a month to my local WSOR yard in Madison, WI. I have yet to see a engine working when i’m there. My dad drives me around the yard and i’ll get out of the car and take quick pictures of the engines that are idleing or interesting cars. We drive right by the office and nobody ever stops us. There is no gate and there are 2 easily accecible ways to get into the yard.
CSX crews in Tampa, usually friendly. Wave, and they will usually wave back. It’s been a long time, but I used to go to huge Uceta yard. Staying on the pavement, with my camera around my neck: no problems ( even though it was RR property)[;)]
Today, I occasionally drive in on the southside on the paved entrance for customers and employees. Often catch big, six axle power idling on the nearby “ready track” siding. [:D]
It seems that as long as you make yourself conspicuous, don’t step over tracks, and cooperate if and when approached, CSX pretty much leaves you to railfan in peace.
[8D][:p][8)]
I was once at a switch, and the engineer even tooted his whistle for me. Several days before that, two teenage boys broke a switchstand lock and switched the track, derailing the VIA train, so I was surprised that I would be welcomed.