Trips to US post-9/11

[Anonymous]

I am planning a trip to the US later this year (I'm from the UK), but I am a little concerned about whether or not this is a good idea bearing in mind that security has been increased since 9/11. Does anybody have any advice about how to go about observing railroads without running the risk of attracting any unwanted interest from the authorities.

My plan is to start from Washington DC and to take in Richmond, Norfolk, Roanoke, Bluefield, Williamson, Grafton and Cumberland. Are there any places I should avoid or any special precautions I should take?

Any advice will be appreciated.

Stu Levene, London, UK

[Anonymous]

The words for railfans to live by---

Take Pictures and Leave Footprints.

The latest I heard was NJ Transit will require passes in order for you to take pictures of their trains and right-of-way.

Trespassing is not a great idea, do your best to observe the action from public property or designated railfan areas.

Just a few tips off the top of my head.

[miniwyo]

Here is a tip,

"In the airport there is this big plexiglass box that contains things that you cannot take on an airplane, In this box was a Leaf Blower, and a Coleman Lantern. So, if you are an international yardman that likes to work at night, you are S O L" Jeff Foxworthy


But seriously, just be smart about what you take in your bag and don't put a lock on it, If they decide to search your bag they will cut it. (I had an uncle come here last year and somewhere between gatwick and minneapolis they cut his lock ti search it and then the put a card in the suitcase with the cut lock taped to it) and when you go and watch trains, stay on public property.

[cstaats]

If you have a chance go North to Altoona PA. No one will bother you and the action can not be beat at the curve. I know it is out of the way but hey it is the 150th anniversary Like it has been stated stay on public property and you should have no trouble.

[locomutt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by stulev

I am planning a trip to the US later this year (I'm from the UK), but I am a little concerned about whether or not this is a good idea bearing in mind that security has been increased since 9/11. Does anybody have any advice about how to go about observing railroads without running the risk of attracting any unwanted interest from the authorities.

My plan is to start from Washington DC and to take in Richmond, Norfolk, Roanoke, Bluefield, Williamson, Grafton and Cumberland. Are there any places I should avoid or any special precautions I should take?

Any advice will be appreciated.

Stu Levene, London, UK

Well,I totally agree with macguy.

Just hope you have fun,take a lot of pictures & enjoy!

[shrek623]

If you see the airport security tightening up the latex gloves, RRRUUUNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just kidding( I HOPE!), these guys are right, stay on public property and have a good time!!!

Shrek

[emddd40x]

When the public property is a good ways away from the action...a decent telephoto lens can help solve the problem.

From the photography side....I'd recomend a tripod or a monopod depending on how much weight you want to carry.

[JoeUmp]

Here's another tip Stu, find a good map that shows both rail lines and highways. That way you can follow the action in your car. So locations it is possible to get a county map that shows ALL the roads which will get you closer to the tracks in many places than the highways. Just beware of any private roads, some owners are very territorial.

Joe

[Train900]

you won't really have a problem in bluefield because the yard runs right along a street. Plus while your in Roanoke visit the O. Winston Link Museum in the restored passenger station.

[ahuffman]

If you have a friend or business associate in the USA, you may want to make contact through them with railfans in the areas you intend to visit. The local people are more likely to know where the good locations to watch and photograph trains without problems are.

[k9wrangler]

The best bet for success is to be respectful of the property boundaries and if a security or rail employee asks what you are up to be polite [:D]and truthful about it. While some may be a bit over bearing remember they don't want any trouble and with all the media and gov't hoorah about threats they may be a bit fearful. With all the mean things [:(!]carried by rail I am sure there aren't any willing to chance an incident in their area.

[Anonymous]

With the New York Times coverage of railroad crossing accidents, I advise any visitor to take extra care when using same. You may see a closer view of a locomotive than you want!