I live near Washington DC, heart of Paranoia central. Clearly anyone taking a picture of a train is a terrorist. While I haven't been hasseled, many of my firiends have been by RR and local police. One of the things that came up in several recent discussions was engineer reaction. Suicides by train are unfortunately comon around here, and thus engineers are nervous. In many cases it is the engineer who reports the railfan to the RR police or to the local police. When you see someone out observing or photographing the train, what makes you nervous? What makes you relaxed? Does waving help? How about orange / lime green safety vests? Is it where they stand? Do you care if it is "on the right of way" or not, as long as it is safe? Is on a bridge more threatening than standing by the side? Can you read signs they hold up? If you see a scanner in their hand do you acknowledge them on the radio? When you're moving slow and see the same person at crossing after crossing is that good, or bad, or neither? Have you ever photographed rail fans photographing you from the cab? What's the engineers prospective? Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
I'd say the puddle of 'foam' around the railfans' feet should let them all know there's no danger! Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
On a bridge would be highly unsafe, and would not be recommended under ANY circumstance. I would not give this photographer a hard time, as he is well clear of the main, getting a good picture, and visable.
I could probably read a sign held up if it was clearly written. Scanners would not be acknowledged.......unless I knew them.
I can usually tell someone just 'train chasing', verses someone looking for trouble. 'Train Chasing' doesen't bother me.
I look at Railfanning as a Hobby. Heck, my whole Engineers Classes are done due to 'Job Fanning!' I don't get all upset if I see photographers. Some Engineers might, especially the ones unhappy with their jobs. All I can say is, be smart about how you railfan. Don't trespass without permission, and don't do anything hazardous to get a picture. If approached by the railroad, or law enforcement, be courtious and polite, and just do as they ask. You can always come back later. Your going to have your Barney Fyfes and your disgruntaled railroaders too. Don't let them ruin your day of railfanning. Just leave, and go somewhere else. You'll have a better time doing so!
Just sounds like all you need is common sense. Good to see pictures from the other direction jerry Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
Definitely a very interesting perspective! Is it called "reversed railfanning?" Boxcab E50 Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
Considering that lovely person in pink on the platform, I think I would call what Jerry does "People-Fanning".... BTW, what is happening to draw such a crowd on the platform and atop the bridge in the "pink person" photo? Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
Standing a safe distance when observing. </font>[/QUOTE]What is my Daddy doing???? My favorite. Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
As a Rail Engineer I also get to railfan from close proximity but I'm trained in track awareness and worksite protection. Unfortunately only last week an experienced rail fan and zigzag steam train operator was taking photos on top of a cutting for the steam train. The cutting gave way under him after some heavy rain and he fell under the approaching train. Needless to say he received fatal injuries when struck by the train. Copyright 2008 Jerry DeBene
Considering that lovely person in pink on the platform, I think I would call what Jerry does "People-Fanning".... BTW, what is happening to draw such a crowd on the platform and atop the bridge in the "pink person" photo? </font>[/QUOTE]On this day, when I was a member of NKP 765's crew, we were waiting for PM 1225 to arrive in Lima, where we would then double-head from Lima to Cincinnati, and then on to WV. I actually was taking a picture of the woman in pink. It was my friends wife Dana.
Looking at that photo again, the man standing in the white T shirt behind the boy in the green shirt was her husband Marshall, and their 3 daughters. My girlfriend at the time is the blonde girl in the middle between the boy in the green shirt and the older fellow to the left.
