Heads up to anyone railfanning the CN...

[zardoz]

Railroad cops and local gestapo types not withstanding, 100' from the tracks is a nice distance for your own personal safety.  That's just barely over the length of a tri-level auto car. 

I know for sure that if something falls off of a passing train, whether it be a chain, strap, piece of lumber, a box car door, truck spring, brake shoe, whatever.....I'd like to be at least 100' from it.

Anyway, the best photos generally seem to be the ones NOT taken close to the tracks.

[solzrules]

As we have learned in the New York City area here, North Jersey to be exact, be on the lookout and don't go on the railroad property.  Though they might not want you near the tracks there's not much they can do if you are on public property and just minding your own business.  Since most of us respect the railroads and their properties we don't have much trouble.

That's the best route.  Stay off the railroad's property, and all arguments about what they can do to you, your camera, your car, etc. fall by the wayside.

[Yooper Foamer]

The CN pretty laided back in the Upper part of Michigan, they let me and my family watch a few trains up close couple weekend ago at the yard in Gladstone

[Andrew Falconer]

There are a few places here and there in Michigan where one can be 20 feet from the tracks and not be on the right of way.

The 100 feet most likely applies to places where there are switches, and most of the switches have been removed along the mainline in Michigan.

Andrew

[Ster1]

I don't know how they plan on enforcing it. It is hard enough to keep people out of yards let alone along a right of way somewhere. I'm not saying that they don't mean what they say it just, I don't see how they will be able to enforce it. If you think about it, if a crew see someone out trespassing and proceeds to call it in, by the time anyone get out there, who ever was there will be long gone.

thats just my opinion.

[CShaveRR]

For Chicago area fans, the place to really watch out would be Broadway Street in Blue Island.  I doubt that they could do much if you stay on the sidewalk, but one misstep...

Same at Griffith, Indiana.

[Mookie]

Two comments from my chat with the employee - he mentioned Homeland Security twice and asked if I would like it if someone came to my job and watched me?  That brought a smile to my face, since I think I have heard it before - maybe on here?  Guess he doesn't watch Emergency Room and Cops - two that I can think of off the top of my head that are "watched" by the general public. 

[trainfan1221]

As we have learned in the New York City area here, North Jersey to be exact, be on the lookout and don't go on the railroad property.  Though they might not want you near the tracks there's not much they can do if you are on public property and just minding your own business.  Since most of us respect the railroads and their properties we don't have much trouble.

[TimChgo9]

First I have heard of this.  I wonder what prompted it? Speaking of increased railroad police presence, I was out the other night, and noted an increased number of Indiana Harbor Belt police around CP LaGrange, and near Hanesworth Park in LaGrange Park.  Seeing them around CP LaGrange is actually kind of routine, but seeing them sitting at Hanesworth Park is something new. 

Well, I guess I will have to make sure that I am on non-railroad property when photographing.

[Anonymous]

I just read in the Newswire that CN is adopting a zero tolerance policy for tresspassers and CN police will be out in force to support the new policy. If you guys plan on railfanning the CN, you had better make sure you, your car, your camera and anything else are firmly on public ground when out railfanning.

Be safe out there!

Better to say, "firmly on ground not owned by the railroad".  There's plenty of private land that's owned by businesses to watch from up here in the Twin Cities, if you are considerate and ask permission. 

[tregurtha]

Any idea what prompted the added police patrols? I visit the CN diamond in Durand, Michigan periodically and it amazes me the number of people that cross the tracks--on bikes, with strollers, you name it. There's a school nearby and in the afternoon there's always groups of kids crossing the tracks and running around on them. Maybe not anymore...

Ross

[Mookie]

BNSF has adopted that policy, too.  They want you no more than 100 feet near any rails.

I tore up my watch and report card they gave me.

[CopCarSS]

I just read in the Newswire that CN is adopting a zero tolerance policy for tresspassers and CN police will be out in force to support the new policy. If you guys plan on railfanning the CN, you had better make sure you, your car, your camera and anything else are firmly on public ground when out railfanning.

Be safe out there!