Just when you thought American railfans had it rough getting hassled by police, RR cops, small-town Barney Fife wannabes, and rent-a-cops, this story pops up:Even Brit railfans are getting hassled for following their hobby.
I do understand the need for caution and security in the world today. But it seems as though this has started slipping well over the 'line" in some instances. Boxcab E50
Seems like it not railway officials or police most of the time, but private security guards. They appear to think they are more important than they really are! So far I have not had any problems, but have not been to stations in major cities lately.
Here's some good news for British rail enthusiasts. This message was released on 2/6/03 by Virgin Trains who operate the West Coast Mainline and many Cross-Country services. Virgin Trains has confirmed that railway enthusiasts are welcome at all of the stations that it manages, provided they act in a responsible manner. Virgin Trains Chief Executive Chris Green said: "Today's rail enthusiasts are tomorrow's business travellers and we encourage railway enthusiasts and historians to take an interest in our operations. We are putting a new generation of trains into service and we are pleased that it is sparking a renewed interest in railways amongst a new younger generation. All we ask is that enthusiasts carry out their hobby in a safe manner and do not interfere with the normal operation of the stations." Virgin Trains is the station operator at: Rugby, Coventry, Birmingham International, Wolverhampton, Stafford, Stoke, Macclesfield, Stockport, Crewe, Warrington, Wigan North Western, Preston, Runcorn, Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith, Carlisle.
It is heartening to hear that Virgin Trains has brought back some common sense to railfanning. I hope that attitude will spread across the pond to the US, so rail picture-takers can pursue their hobby without hassle. (Take note UP....)
I agree with Alan, I think lots of this is down to hired-in security folks at major stations, it's a lot easier for them to show how tough they are against a railfan than one of the vagrants, criminals or drunks that tend to be in the vicinity of major stations. The crazyness is that in the UK, a terrorist would not need to disguise himself as a railfan and spend hours taking pictures of passenger trains to know how and when they run, but simply *buy a copy of the timetable*!!! Virgin never misses the opportunity for a bit of positive PR though, do they!
