OK, so I poked around a bit, and I read the sticky SAFETY thread. Very good reads. I'm wondering if y'all have any tips on ETIQUETTE for railfans. The areas I have available to railfan are urban, mostly, and so I would generally be near either railroad or industry property. I'd like tips (and I hope others would appreciate them as well) on how to deal with the railroad personnel and follow "the rules" about photographing and watching trains. One thing I'd like to do, for example, is stop by the local yard and see if I could get some shots from a safe location of the equipment they have there. I'd much rather have permission than just stop by and start snapping pictures and hope nobody questions my being there. What's the best way to approach the yard management and get permission to do so? What are good pointers on how to behave while doing so, things to say/ask or not to say/ask, etc. Is it as simple as just going to the office and saying "Hi! I'm TwinDad. I'd like to take some pictures of your equipment. Do you mind?" I've actually been through railroad employee safety training (volunteering at a museum), so I know about not stepping on the rails, being alert, staying clear of the tracks, expecting trains from all directions, staying off the equipment, etc. Looking here for the best way to be NICE about it... ???
I'd say there are a few rules: 1) Stay out of the way. 2) Don't obstruct their work. 3) Whatever photos you take from public property should be fine. If someone comes asking you what you're doing don't launch into a tirade about your rights but just calmly tell them that your hobby is photographing trains. Sometimes, someone will give you a bunch of nonsense about how you cannot take photos from a public location. It's probably best to pack up, move 500 yards or more, and take pictures somewhere else, even if you are in the right. Railroad cops tend toward the bully sort of personality. These are guys who, by and large, didn't make the cut at the local police department. I have only very occasionally gotten questions about what I am doing. Usually, I get a wave from railroad employees if I am at a safe distance away and if I am not obstructing their work. Adam
It depends. Some RRs treat you like a criminal for asking, others are more than welcoming. Courtesy and being professional goes a long way in making a good impression. That said, bear in mind some railroaders are railfans, others are not. That sometimes makes a difference. As for other etiquette, if someone else is at your favorite spot first, find a new spot. This is especially important at railfan events/excursions/tours. Give the other photographers space, and don't intentionally get in their shot. This is a biggie that drives me nuts when I'm out on a steam chase. Some people don't care, or pay attention. Again, courtesy helps when addressing someone who just set up a tripod in the middle of your shot.
Your comment is rather disingenuine and less than factual. Most railroads will hire only special agents who have already been qualified L.E.O.s. The work is not necessarily any safer than local L.E.O. since special agents tend to work alone and in really remote locations. The former Chief Special Agent at a Chicago Terminal(I wont specify which one) had been a Texas Ranger. Them are some tough dudes! If someone cant make the cut in local law enforcement, they sure as heck wont make it on the railroad. To bolster my point, just take a look at the job opportunities on AMTRAK. They are always hiring special agents and you will note that they specify that the person must already be a law enforcement officer. One of the better benefits of the job is how they are empowered, pretty much free from beauracracy.They are also empowered with "mutual assistance" so they can nab you off the property, if you commit a crime and try to escape. METRA hires a lot of p/t L.E.O.s from suburban departments to "moonlight" on their days off or off-shift!
So... Who are the right people to ask? If I stop in the yard office is there a paricular person I should look for? The yard boss, officer on duty, chief engineer, receptionist, janitor... ?? Who's generally the person with the authority to grant permission?
This really irritates the crap out of me as well. Especially when I spent a few hours researching the perfect location online and made a day of it so I could get the spot early to ensure the best camera angle. Then all the sudden, 5 minutes before the steamer arrives, some jockey pulls up and sets up camp right in the middle of my shot. Funny how these people also tend to ignore every Railroad safty rule in the book as well. For instance, Mr. Black shirt and gray shorts in my chase of UP 844 last year (video below). Despite 844 on the southbound track, Amtrak operates 50+ mph on this ACTIVE line, yet this guy just stands there with his back facing the oncoming rail direction. Idiot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9jLjlmP5Rk
Too many such selfish, self important types around these days. You should have seen it last year when 4449 was making it's trip. Stopping their vehicle in the middle of highways to take pictures, roaring in at the last minute in a huge cloud of dust with coated everyone already there. Blocking everyone in so others could not leave, etc, etc. How did we ever get to such a point? :tb-mad: Boxcab E50
It used to be that you could check in at a depot, yard office or the roundhouse and ask permission. These days, most depots are closed or gone, and you often cannot even get on the property, to reach those people. You can try, but be aware those places will usually be posted 'no trespassing', 'RR property-keep off' and so forth. You will likely be quickly shuffled right back out again. Best to just find a vantage point on public land, or an adjacent property where permission can be obtained. Boxcab E50
1. Stay off railroad property,as mentioned. I don't even stand on the ballast,much less get near it. If there's a sign posted,I view it as a "line" and I do not cross it. 2. Don't mind answering questions about why you photograph trains. Bring a magazine or two,not only can you pass time by reading it,it adds credibility to what you're doing. 3. Be friendly with the locals. By doing that,I think it helps you look less suspicious. Some will ask why you photograph trains,but again,explain it's a hobby,and they usually go about their business. One final thing,other railfans are the reason I try to railfan by myself most of the time if I can.
That can be corrected with the proper filter as a camera attachment. The 12 gauge people filter (Remington) usually works.
If you had such an item, I'd bet you could sell quite a few. I'd certainly be tempted to buy one! :tb-wacky: Boxcab E50
Dear god! How inconsiderate can you get guy?! Here's my tip on this situation: If you step in front of someone, you'll be instantly despised. Instead, set up NEXT to people. You're not in their way, they're not in yours (oh, and allow who ever was there first the track side spot! That way you're not in their shot when they turn around following the train). And guess what, chances are you'll end up talking while waiting for the train to arrive and leave there with a new friend.
Yes. That was a wicked trip. While we got great shots, one complete knucklehead stands out as swerving all over US 2, steering with his knees, running 2 video cameras in his white SUV with Colorado plates. That guy almost killed us, and several others. I was happy to get away from that guy.
That guy is a notorious disgrace to ralifans. I was aboard the Amtrak California Zephyr last August when UP 1989 was assigned as a helper. Mr. White SUV was so wreckless that even I, aboard the train, felt endangered! At one point I witnessed him cut infront of of the train across a dirt road crossing with little more than 150 feet before the locomotive entered the crossing!!! Pathetic.
One Tip I have is if you are filming from your car, please don't drive at the same speed as the train and back up traffic. I had this happen to me when I was following the 844 up the Feather River Canyon last May. Some jerk drove right next to the engine the entire time and slowed down traffic to the point where the Highway Patrol had to Organize the Traffic. At least I got to look inside the cab of the 844 at Portola, so i guess that makes up for that somewhat unpleasant railfanning experience.
That is a good one! :thumbs_up: When I chased 844 through Nebraska with my father back in 2006, I filmed 844 for about 8 minutes running parallel. The first portion, she was only traveling about 50 in a 60mph zone. I think that's about the limit for reduced speed and parallel following. Also, my father would only run parallel for about 3 consecutive minutes before pulling onto the shoulder to allow the next in line to run parallel. Very good etiquette if you ask me. :thumbs_up: He would fall back to the end of the chase line, and thankfully it seems as everyone followed this unwritten courtesy, as we made our way back to the front several times. If the train has the hi-ball, DO NOT exceed the speed limit to follow. Especially in Nebraska, the state that holds the highest patrol rate, the state troopers are just waiting for you whenever 844 is in town. :thumbs_down:
