UGH!
rail cops are really cracking dow hard here for being on RR PROPERTY not track just property 90 days in jail + $2000 fine! OUCH! dont worry though it seems from the information your ok, did you get a bill for the fine? this does not seem right im my book, my idea some people just like to be mean.
What is the charge? You have to have broken a law or an ordinance in order to be fined.
Lionel collector, stuck in an N scaler's modelling space.
All I can add is this:
If anyone, regardless of age, is railfanning properly and legally, and anyone, be it cops, security guards, residents, RR employees, fellow classmates, nosy busybodys, or whoever, gives you any hassles about it, PLEASE, try to maintain your courtesy at all times. Let the other person(s) act hostile. Do try to cooperate with officials and employees. If they say you are in the wrong, ask exactly what it is you're doing wrong, sometimes RR property goes more than 50'; and I personally would ask where a good place to watch trains would be. It would show cooperation on your part, willingness to follow the rules, respect for their authority (even if they may be overstepping thier "official" authority), and generally an effort to maintain good relations. It also lets them know your purpose for being there, and that you do not want to pose a security risk. It will help give all us railfans and modellers a better reputation, and with a good reputation, we may eventually get to enjoy the finer aspects of railfanning. The last thing we need is a bad reputation for being rude railfans.
Brad
EMD - Every Model Different
ALCO - Always Leaking Coolant and Oil
CSX - Coal Spilling eXperts
I'm 12 and I live right behind a Canadian National branch line. I often went to watch trains. However, I've never had a problem like this.