zugmann wrote: trainboyH16-44 wrote: And then there are those of us who have decided to try not to actively look like a foamer Actually, the ones that try not to look like foamers end up looking like the biggest foamers of all. They don't wear a RR T-shirt, yet are taking photos of common trains with a $5000, 45-lbcamera...
trainboyH16-44 wrote: And then there are those of us who have decided to try not to actively look like a foamer
And then there are those of us who have decided to try not to actively look like a foamer
Actually, the ones that try not to look like foamers end up looking like the biggest foamers of all. They don't wear a RR T-shirt, yet are taking photos of common trains with a $5000, 45-lbcamera...
Oh don't worry, I know I'm an enormous foamer, I'd just prefer not to advertise that to the general (and judgemental) population. I have no delusion that a shirt without a train on it will distract people from my foot long white lens and tripod once I've popped them out trackside.
Go here for my rail shots! http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?userid=9296
Building the CPR Kootenay division in N scale, blog here: http://kootenaymodelrailway.wordpress.com/
zugmann wrote:Fallen Flag: get over yourself. You were not hassled. Just informed that you were, in fact, on private property. You were told, and you walked away without being tasered or handcuffed. So all in all, I say a day well done.
I can't believe this thread has turned into the war it has. My main question in this topic was whether or not I should expect to get "approached", if thats a friendlier word, by police officers in future railfanning situations. My choice of the word "hassle" didn't seem like a big deal at all to me.
If you re-read my post about one of the dates with my girlfriend, I never even said whether or not I thought the officer was acting inappropriately or not, I merely said "good thing I didn't make her mad!" My point was simply that her and I are used to encounters with law enforcement.
But hey, don't let that stop you from acting like a tough guy from your computer chair.
Perhaps you should "get over" yourself.
Get over yourself AGAIN. YOu chose the word hassle. You could have put "encounter". Yes you can expect cops to check up on you when you are trespassing (and illegally parking, apparently). Tracks are PRIVATE property, whether they are being used or not. And no, responsible railfans do not walk the tracks while railfanning. Walk on my tracks, and I'll be sure to notify the dispatcher to call out the proper authorities. And I would have no issue in telling you in person to do the same if I happened to be on the ground.
You were the one that thought it was a big enough of a deal to start a topic on it.
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
Ted M.
got trains?™
See my photos at: http://tedmarshall.rrpicturearchives.net/
Dear Convicted One:
What an odd thing to brag about. I assume the name is derived from pride.
A major crime commonly committed against railroads is the theft of miles of copper wire from their right of way. Any police officer who comes across a car parked on or near the right of way with no other apparent reason for being there would be derelict in his duty if he DIDN'T check it out.
I am only an authority on the laws in New York, but at least there when you enter or remain on the property of another you are trespassing if you pass any kind of a barrier intended to keep you out. That can be a fence, a wall, a hedge row, or even just a no trespassing sign. You are also trespassing if you are instructed to leave by anyone who has the authority to do so, and you fail to comply or you return.
It sounds to me like that Police Officer has instructed you to stay off railroad property. Next time you enter it you will be trespassing and probably arrested. If you had walked out carrying wire cutters, or any railroad property you would probably be posting your complaint from the computer in the jail library.
If you want to rail fan, photograph from a safe place where you are allowed to be and by all means look like a civil person and not like a street thug as is currently so popular with our youth.
Cheese:
Your story sounds like an alcohol induced fantasy. "So I told my daddy and he had him fired?"
If that happened then you left out a lot of details.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Convicted One wrote: Did he wave? lol.
Did he wave? lol.
Phoebe Vet wrote: Dear Convicted One:What an odd thing to brag about. I assume the name is derived from pride.A major crime commonly committed against railroads is the theft of miles of copper wire from their right of way. Any police officer who comes across a car parked on or near the right of way with no other apparent reason for being there would be derelict in his duty if he DIDN'T check it out.I am only an authority on the laws in New York, but at least there when you enter or remain on the property of another you are trespassing if you pass any kind of a barrier intended to keep you out. That can be a fence, a wall, a hedge row, or even just a no trespassing sign. You are also trespassing if you are instructed to leave by anyone who has the authority to do so, and you fail to comply or you return.It sounds to me like that Police Officer has instructed you to stay off railroad property. Next time you enter it you will be trespassing and probably arrested. If you had walked out carrying wire cutters, or any railroad property you would probably be posting your complaint from the computer in the jail library.If you want to rail fan, photograph from a safe place where you are allowed to be and by all means look like a civil person and not like a street thug as is currently so popular with our youth.
I don't understand. Where in his brief post did he brag about anything?
Phoebe Vet wrote:His handle. "Convicted one"
So? There are a number of colorful handles here.
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...
zugmann wrote:Get over yourself AGAIN. YOu chose the word hassle. You could have put "encounter". Yes you can expect cops to check up on you when you are trespassing (and illegally parking, apparently). Tracks are PRIVATE property, whether they are being used or not. And no, responsible railfans do not walk the tracks while railfanning. Walk on my tracks, and I'll be sure to notify the dispatcher to call out the proper authorities. And I would have no issue in telling you in person to do the same if I happened to be on the ground. You were the one that thought it was a big enough of a deal to start a topic on it.
The main idea of my post was simply to ask if I REALLY WAS TRESPASSING (and I can accept that I was, that's fine, I'm obviously going to take measures not to do so in the future) and if i should expect to be APPROACHED AGAIN by any law enforcement. You are the one who took the holier-than-thou attitude and are trying to smite me down when my intent was never to cause an argument with anyone on here.
Yea, it was a big enough deal to start a topic because OBVIOUSLY I don't want it to happen again. DUH! I figured I would ask those of you on here who are experienced with this stuff as to how to avoid it, but no... I get a flame war and insults. Awesome.
Some of you are just a tad bit too frikkin' touchy.
Props on tha name convicted one. I love it everytime i see it.
Fallen Flag wrote: You are the one who took the holier-than-thou attitude and are trying to smite me down when my intent was never to cause an argument with anyone on here.
You are the one who took the holier-than-thou attitude and are trying to smite me down when my intent was never to cause an argument with anyone on here.
And you are the one who should be looking to take the high road vs. perpetuating an unwanted debate.
Wecome to the Trains Magazine General Discussion Forum.
Yea, it was a big enough deal to start a topic because OBVIOUSLY I don't want it to happen again. DUH!
I went back and reread the entire thread with emphasis on your original and subsequent posts, nowhere did I find anything obvious about your intent or lack thereof. The only thing I find obvious is your youth and lack of maturity, DUH! Sorry, but I call 'em like I see 'em.
I figured I would ask those of you on here who are experienced with this stuff as to how to avoid it, but no... I get a flame war and insults. Awesome. Some of you are just a tad bit too frikkin' touchy.
I figured I would ask those of you on here who are experienced with this stuff as to how to avoid it, but no... I get a flame war and insults. Awesome.
Excuse me sir, but what's also obvious is that you're the touchy one in this situation whos emotions have been affected by words written. Again... Welcome to the Trains Magazine General Discussion Forum. I think you'll fit in just fine.
Fallen Flag wrote:So, yesterday evening my girlfriend and I decided to walk an old abandoned set of branch /shortline track
So, yesterday evening my girlfriend and I decided to walk an old abandoned set of branch /shortline track
Ummmmmm am I the only one that is seeing what the whole problem is here??? In this post and then in his next reply, he again refers to the problem. Lord, it is the woman you have given to me, she is the......there is the problem!!! And. I'll be willing to bet that she didn't wave!
Phoebe Vet wrote: Dear Convicted One:What an odd thing to brag about. I assume the name is derived from pride.A major crime commonly committed against railroads is the theft of miles of copper wire from their right of way. Any police officer who comes across a car parked on or near the right of way with no other apparent reason for being there would be derelict in his duty if he DIDN'T check it out.I am only an authority on the laws in New York, but at least there when you enter or remain on the property of another you are trespassing if you pass any kind of a barrier intended to keep you out. That can be a fence, a wall, a hedge row, or even just a no trespassing sign. You are also trespassing if you are instructed to leave by anyone who has the authority to do so, and you fail to comply or you return.It sounds to me like that Police Officer has instructed you to stay off railroad property. Next time you enter it you will be trespassing and probably arrested. If you had walked out carrying wire cutters, or any railroad property you would probably be posting your complaint from the computer in the jail library.If you want to rail fan, photograph from a safe place where you are allowed to be and by all means look like a civil person and not like a street thug as is currently so popular with our youth..
If you want to rail fan, photograph from a safe place where you are allowed to be and by all means look like a civil person and not like a street thug as is currently so popular with our youth..
Man! talk about grabbing up the football and running it across the WRONG goal line...lol. I hardly know where to start.
You know what thay say about "assuming"...and sage advice such as that NEVER had more application than right here.
First of all WHERE ON EARTH DO YOU GET THE IDEA (from this thread) THAT I HAVE BEEN "INSTRUCTED" BY A police officer of ANYTHING?
The name 'convicted one" is a play on words celebrating my hardheadedness, you know, as in 'one having strong convictions'?
lol, hope this helps!
Phoebe Vet wrote: Dear Convicted One:What an odd thing to brag about. I assume the name is derived from pride.A major crime commonly committed against railroads is the theft of miles of copper wire from their right of way. Any police officer who comes across a car parked on or near the right of way with no other apparent reason for being there would be derelict in his duty if he DIDN'T check it out.I am only an authority on the laws in New York, but at least there when you enter or remain on the property of another you are trespassing if you pass any kind of a barrier intended to keep you out. That can be a fence, a wall, a hedge row, or even just a no trespassing sign. You are also trespassing if you are instructed to leave by anyone who has the authority to do so, and you fail to comply or you return.It sounds to me like that Police Officer has instructed you to stay off railroad property. Next time you enter it you will be trespassing and probably arrested. If you had walked out carrying wire cutters, or any railroad property you would probably be posting your complaint from the computer in the jail library.If you want to rail fan, photograph from a safe place where you are allowed to be and by all means look like a civil person and not like a street thug as is currently so popular with our youth.Cheese:Your story sounds like an alcohol induced fantasy. "So I told my daddy and he had him fired?"If that happened then you left out a lot of details.
Hmmmm, based-on your earlier posts, I'd have assumed this is the typical behavior of the "Gestapo". You do seem to be whistling a different tune in this case.
WIAR:
Not a different tune at all.
One is a case of investigating something suspicious, determining that it was an innocent infringement, supplying the person with information he apparently did not have, that he was not allowed in that area and moving on. That is not "being hassled". There does, of course, exist the possibility that the officer's attitude was hostile, but no one got arrested, so it couldn't have been too hostile.
At the airport, the entire crowd of people, innocently going about their business in an area they have every right to enter are being treated like criminals. That IS "being hassled".
Big difference.
I would have absolutely no problem with TSA patrolling transportation terminals and investigating anyone who acts in a manner that indicates they might be dangerous. My objection is treating EVERYONE that way. 99% of all the people with whom police come in contact are innocent citizens peacefully going about their business. Even the majority of violators have just done something stupid, they are not evil. Those citizens deserve to be treated with respect.
Phoebe Vet wrote: WIAR:Not a different tune at all.One is a case of investigating something suspicious, determining that it was an innocent infringement, supplying the person with information he apparently did not have, that he was not allowed in that area and moving on. That is not "being hassled". There does, of course, exist the possibility that the officer's attitude was hostile, but no one got arrested, so it couldn't have been too hostile.At the airport, the entire crowd of people, innocently going about their business in an area they have every right to enter are being treated like criminals. That IS "being hassled".Big difference.I would have absolutely no problem with TSA patrolling transportation terminals and investigating anyone who acts in a manner that indicates they might be dangerous. My objection is treating EVERYONE that way. 99% of all the people with whom police come in contact are innocent citizens peacefully going about their business. Even the majority of violators have just done something stupid, they are not evil. Those citizens deserve to be treated with respect.
My mistake. I should remember that most police and sheriff's departments are required to hire only those candidates who have ESP and can read the minds of those hundreds of people they see on a daily basis, so they can more easily discern the "99%". There were 19 guys a few years back who certainly looked like they were simply going about their business... and they were.
Convicted One wrote:The name 'convicted one" is a play on words celebrating my hardheadedness, you know, as in 'one having strong convictions'?
Glad you cleared that up, I was thinking you might have been convicted of a crime. My bad.
Those 19 guys did not carry those box cutters through the metal detectors enroute to the aircraft. They were put on board by others.
If you think giving up all your rights and liberties will make a world where nothing bad ever happens, you are mistaken.
We have devolved into a neurotic paranoid society who's obsession with security and safety borders on mental illness.
Phoebe Vet wrote:We have devolved into a neurotic paranoid society who's obsession with security and safety borders on mental illness.
I agree
I obviously made the same leap, and apologize for that. However, when combined with the complaint about being "hassled by the cops" it is a logical assumption. Perhaps a better phrase would convey the proper thought.
Consider:
Secure in my convictions
man of intense beliefs
rigid one
etc.
Phoebe Vet wrote: Those 19 guys did not carry those box cutters through the metal detectors enroute to the aircraft. They were put on board by others.If you think giving up all your rights and liberties will make a world where nothing bad ever happens, you are mistaken.We have devolved into a neurotic paranoid society who's obsession with security and safety borders on mental illness.
In 1992 I spent 3 weeks in Taiwan on business. When I got to LA on the way home I was wearing my field jacket and carrying a duffle bag, and as I was entering the concourse I was approached by a plain-clothes security officer who asked me where I was coming from? Taiwan. Why was I there? I was installing software - a business trip. Where did I stay there? The Chiang Kai-shek Hotel by the airport. Where am I going now? Home - to Oshkosh, WI. He thanked me for my time and I went on to the terminal where my connecting flight would depart. This was 1992 - well before 9-11 - and I wasn't offended or put-out by his inquiries, because I figured he was doing his job, a job I'd rather have him doing than not doing.
Go ahead and call me mentally ill, but I figure there are better things to be offended by than a police officer asking me a few questions (like one did during a visit to DC in 1995 when I was photographng CSX action south of the metro area - she didn't offend me either and thankfully a CSX job came through as we were talking).
Phoebe Vet wrote: Consider:rigid one
No no no, can't do that, or the wrong kind of people might ...weL...L.. you know lol!
Convicted One wrote: Phoebe Vet wrote: Consider:rigid one No no no, can't do that, or the wrong kind of people might ...wel...l you know lol!
No no no, can't do that, or the wrong kind of people might ...wel...l you know lol!
(Larry the cable guy voice) I don't care who you are, that's funny !!!!
Point taken.
I will now withdraw before this thread gets locked.
chad thomas wrote: Glad you cleared that up, I was thinking you might have been convicted of a crime. My bad.
No prob!
The prisons are full of the stupid criminals. The smart criminals seldom get arrested, especially once they have been re-elected a time or two.
Last summer, I was out shooting photos of the BNSF from a bridge on Romeo Rd, in Romeoville that happens to be right next to a Citgo refinery, and a ComEd power plant.
After I was done (Long story short) I was approached by Citgo Refinery Security, who asked me what I was doing on the bridge. After my explanation, they politely explained why they were questioning me, and asked (politely) if I would wait for the local cops so they could check me out.
The local police showed up, and in five minutes all was settled, and I went about my business, and they theirs.
I don't consider myself hassled, or whatever, it was the local police and security doing their jobs in a sensitive area. Yeah, you can argue I was on a public street, but, all the same, I was within 100 yards or so of a refinery, and about the same distance to a power plant, with a camera. I was told that when I was initially observed, the security officer left me alone, until another security officer had seen me, and informed the security supervisor, who then wanted me checked out.
Everyone here has to remember: In this day and age, with not only terrorism on the minds of local law enforcement, there is also the fact that there is alot of problems from street gangs, especially in my area. I worked in public safety for a few years, I know how it works. Yeah, it's a pain when the police approach and you are not doing anything wrong... but to the citizen across the street who has never seen you before, and sees you standing by the tracks with a camera, esp. one with a long lens, you indeed look "suspicious".....
Now that this part of the circus act is over, is this thread continuing to serve a noble purpose? Apart from entertaining the idly curious I mean.
-Crandell
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