Rail Photography: What Now?

[Anonymous]

Hello All,
I'm Greg from Boston,an avid railfan and photographer. It the latest issue of Trains, a article based on a memo from KCS reveals that railroad employees and police are looking for people photograping railroad equipment. The implications of this memo are huge for those if us who share the love of rail and camera. My favorite subjects are locomotives and bulk carriers, especially covered hoppers and tanker. The last time I photographed freight was on September 9,as i am not very, very uneasy about the idea of photographing hazmat cars and locomotives. Both of wich have made the Boston news lately. I would love to hear your views on this subject. Are you still photographing? Have you changed location or subjects? I look forward to your replies. Respectfully, ~Greg

[RudyRockvilleMD]

Hi Gregg:
This is to answer your questions about photographing trains. I am still photographing trains, but I have not changed location(s) or subjects. I don't think there is any law against photographing trains as long as you do it from public property, and there are no identifiable military or strategic facilites such as nuclear power plants or some super secret defense plant in the background; under the present circumstances it is a good idea not to
photograph yards, shops, or engine terminals even from public property. You may get hassled when you photograph trains because somebody might report you as a terrorist photographing trains. But, most of the time the police won't follow up that call immediately unless they aren't busy. I have been out photographing trains since the September 11 terrorist attacks I haven't been hassled. I was in Portage, WI a month ago, and I phototgraphed two Soo (CP) freights from the Amtrak station/platform. Portage is a crew change point, and there were plenty of Soo Line employees around to shoo me away. So either they didn't notice me, or they didn't care that I wasn't waiting for the westbound Empire Builder.

Rudy

[RudyRockvilleMD]

Gregg: To add to my reply last night I was also going to suggest staying away from lineside stations when it dawned on me afterwards I had photographed two Soo Line trains at one lineside station and a Metra train at one of its stations outside of Chicago with no problems. Yet I heard of railfans being told to leave lneside stations here in the East unless they were planning to take a train. So you never know, it depends on where you are.
Rudy

[Anonymous]

Hi Greg,
I must admit that I have slowed down on the photography since Sept. 11 a bit, but not totally. I have however been watching trains pretty regularly without any hassle at all from the NS employees, or the Bethlehem city Police, or the Bethlehem Steel Security officers (Pinkertons BTW). I usually bring my dog along when I go to watch trains, perhaps this serves as a sign that I am not a terrorist. I also try to sit in one spot instead of driving all over the area. I have even been able to chat with some CP employees who operate the D&H trains out of Bethlehem. I think that if you keep on public property, and don't do anything dumb like standing on ROW or even in the track gage, you should be okay. I think something that has helped me is the fact that the location I railfan has been a railfan hangout since probably the late 1960's, if not earlier. Also, there are always other railfans at this location ranging in age from 2 or 3 years old, to upwards of 80 years old.
To sum it up, I believe that if we don't act stupid, we should all be okay. If you would like to photograph, perhaps use a tri-pod to let the railroad employees know you are a serious photographer and not a spy. If an employee or law enforcement person asks you your business, be very honest and kind. Do not become beligerant and do not hop in your car and speed away at the first sight of a police cruiser.

On a side note, yesterday was Veteran's day, lets all thank those who served, those who are serving, and those who will serve in our armed forces. Its the least we can do.

Dan Schlegel

[BRAKIE]

Greg:Yes,I still ran fan in my usual locations,I have had no problems with any type of police.But will mention that a city police officer drove by turn around next to where I was parked came back waved and went on.I then heard him on the scanner telling his dispatcher that "One of the local train buffs." So, my advice would be this go to your usual ran fan spots as most police officers knows what goes on their beat. like who belongs and who looks out of place.Be sure to be seen,like don't hide and jump out of nowhere to take a piture,Yes I have seen this done!Infact the dummy ruin a good shot of a NS wide cab,not to mention he scared the living daylights out of me and the train crew!Now, one more thing should you be approach by anytype of police, be sure to keep you hands where the officer can see them and do not walk toward the officer,you see he does not know what he may to getting into,even with a camera he still doesn't know.After all he does want to go home when he is off duty. And remember more then likely they will tell you to leave the area.So,go and take pictures be safe and have fun.

[Anonymous]

Hello Greg,
In my job I travel in some of the western states. Always I take along some photographic equipment, and as free time allows I go out and wander the rails taking photographs. Since the terrorist attack of September, I have primarily been in Wyoming, South and North Dakota, and I have wandered freely as is my habit. Of course in many of these areas you are out in the middle of wide expanses of land, but I have had no problems whatsoever photographing passing trains and railroad scenes, no concerned looks from crew members, etc. It could well be that the fear of terrorism is not as great in these parts. Whatever the case may be though, I hope that you are able to enjoy hassle free photography.
Paul.