One word for that person: petty.
Probably spent more money swtiching to trucks... so his priorities are screwed up. Want someone to act like casey jones? Fine. But I would rather have someone who could switch my cars out, gruff or not.
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
I met a guy in a museum, a conductor. He wasn't mean, but he came off rough. MAybe he was just testing mme to see if I was really serious, maybe it was just the way he was wired. That's the closest I;ve had. I've tyalekd to guys waiting for clearence, a guy waiting fo his brake pressure to cycle back so he could move thrain, or I tried. It diddn't work, yelling over and SD60.
One of the things I want to do in railroading is spark the same magic in other youngsters that I've been fortunate to have. From waving at the gates to the platform "You wanna see inside? sure. We just gotta wai for the people to pile in"
-Morgan
zugmann wrote:...that job does not involve waving to a bunch of railfans too engrossed in their railpicture.net photo to wave back.
Think of it this way - you'd probably be messing up their perfect roster shot....
All this talk about waving. IIRC, the initial topic here was interactions with railroaders, such as the business owner who switched his business to trucks or someone who happens upon a RR employee in an acceptable place (ie, not trespassing).
This is all about public relations.
We got a complaint one time from a patron who was waiting in line to buy tickets for one of our trips. Her gripe had nothing to do with the railroad, the service, or anything else along that line. She complained because the ticket seller, in speaking to a customer at the window buying tickets, made a mildly political statement with which she disagreed. In fact, she felt so strongly about it that she sent a letter (or was it an email?) to the general manager, garnering all of us a warning to watch what we said in earshot of the public.
Being cordial to people never lost anyone a customer. If you're busy and don't see someone waving to you, no problem. If you see them, there's no harm in acknowledging them. A simple nod will do. Smile if you're having a good day. If it's a face to face and you're busy, say so. Most people understand.
When I'm driving an emergency vehicle through an intersection, I want to see everyone's eyes - because then I know they saw me.
And as has been pointed out, railfans are hardly unique. People like to watch all kinds of big machinery in use. Why do you think they put those viewing ports in the fences at city construction sites?
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Dan
zugmann wrote: zardoz wrote: This has nothing to do with who's paying who for what. Yes it does. I do my job - that job does not involve waving to a bunch of railfans too engrossed in their railpicture.net photo to wave back. Now the ones that are out having fun, sure I wave...
zardoz wrote: This has nothing to do with who's paying who for what.
This has nothing to do with who's paying who for what.
Yes it does. I do my job - that job does not involve waving to a bunch of railfans too engrossed in their railpicture.net photo to wave back. Now the ones that are out having fun, sure I wave...
I did not realize you were refering to foamers.
My apologies.
And FWIW, I agree: if they do not acknowledge you, there is no reason to acknowledge them.
I'll be honest, I do wave a lot - to railfans, kids, women, cars ful of people waving their wrists off, but I do not agree that we have any obligation to wave. Another observation - when I see a railfan's car near a x-ing, my attetnion is focused there. So if you're across the tracks or down the tracks a little, I may not even notice you. Don't take it personally..
I can certainly understand zugmann's post. A person in charge of corporate assets of that nature and magnitude, and approaching a crossing, ought to be fully intent on his/her terms of reference. At other times, when it seems reasonable and in keeping with one's nature/personality/current demeanor/interests, (...etc...) to acknowledge a good wish or a greeting, why the heck not? I would feel nearly obliged to acknowledge someone who indicated warmth and admiration for what I was doing when they signified it with a brisk hand wave and a smile.
Further, I find that it is very much a part of our macho culture for many males to forego the smile when they greet someone...if they greet someone. Women are much less "inhibited", in my experience, and exude a warmth that we men like, but won't often return....no, make that initiate. We often return a warm greeting, especially if it is from a woman (mom, with kids, cute younger female), but I find men reluctant to show warmth to other males. I wonder if it's true in your business.
-Crandell
I take my kids out to watch trains on a regular basis, and the crews wave every time...never had a negative interaction with a railroader.
Back in the 70s I even got a look inside the cab of one of Canada's only two GP30s...all the engineer told my brother and I was "be careful and don't touch anything". A few hours later we got the same cordial treatment at CN in Richmond Quebec...got a cab tour of then new CN M420s. Negative railroaders...there aren't any..
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