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Harassed in Fostoria Locked

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Posted by RRKen on Sunday, August 17, 2008 8:18 PM

 sovablunt wrote:
I wasnt directly comparing the two industries. I was trying to point out that no matter what your industry, you should be a good ambassador for your company, whether it be railroading or selling flowers. Ive dealt with all kinds of ppl as a serviceman, a store clerk auto mechanic you name it, but I would never think it was my right to get hostile with somebody when they werent even on our property. You can be intimidating without cussing or even yelling. It also helps when I approach someone quickly and stand 6'5" and 250lbs.

I did for a reason.   I am not very imposing at 5'7".   I am a goodwill ambassador, when folks listen.   As I said tho, sas back, and it is a new ballgame. 

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Posted by Modelcar on Sunday, August 17, 2008 8:18 PM

....That's a good thing.

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Posted by RRKen on Sunday, August 17, 2008 8:15 PM
 Modelcar wrote:

....This issue seems to bring out the bad side of people.  I suppose all of what the employee called out to the fan was not pleasant for him and surprising.  After a while when he had a chance to reflect on just what happened, it really didn't set well with him.

He no doubt thought he was off railroad ROW and on property not owned by the railroad.  And from the info we know that seems to be the case.  I suppose he really wondered where this radical person {employee}, was coming from....Since he was not on railroad property.  I wouldn't care to be dictated to as he was either.

 

There is nothing bad about me.

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Posted by Modelcar on Sunday, August 17, 2008 8:14 PM

....This issue seems to bring out the bad side of people.  I suppose all of what the employee called out to the fan was not pleasant for him and surprising.  After a while when he had a chance to reflect on just what happened, it really didn't set well with him.

He no doubt thought he was off railroad ROW and on property not owned by the railroad.  And from the info we know that seems to be the case.  I suppose he really wondered where this radical person {employee}, was coming from....Since he was not on railroad property.  I wouldn't care to be dictated to as he was either.

 

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Posted by sovablunt on Sunday, August 17, 2008 8:13 PM
 RRKen wrote:

 sovablunt wrote:
 When exactly is it ok for a person who likes trains to watch them pass or take a picture of one?

Actually, any time you want just so that you respect property, and are careful.  

 

I think the original poster was upset at the young lady not being professional or acting like a normal person for that matter. If I did that I'm quite sure HR would inform me I didnt have a job anymore. Just because she works for a railroad doesnt make it right, thats just arrogant.

There is a huge difference between your industry, and railroading.   Like it or not, there are many on the property who are not nice, others brusque.   For me, I ask once, if they give me any lip at all, I put on my tough face.   This is not their property, it belongs to my employer.   Just listen to what the man says, and be on your way.   You sas back, and you are asking for problems.  

I wasnt directly comparing the two industries. I was trying to point out that no matter what your industry, you should be a good ambassador for your company, whether it be railroading or selling flowers. Ive dealt with all kinds of ppl as a serviceman, a store clerk auto mechanic you name it, but I would never think it was my right to get hostile with somebody when they werent even on our property. You can be intimidating without cussing or even yelling. It also helps when I approach someone quickly and stand 6'5" and 250lbs.
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Posted by zugmann on Sunday, August 17, 2008 8:13 PM

And of course here comes a railfan right on cue with his RR-bashing (this time NS).  

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by choochoobuff on Sunday, August 17, 2008 8:11 PM
Is not the key word here "private property", there is no trespassing if one is not physically on your property.  I do not know of any law in which one cannot look upon one's property.  It is one thing to skulk around and act dubius, it is another to carry a camera and listen to a scanner, which is also not illegal.  Too many people are a little too full of themselves, many of which post here.  This is a tempest in a teapot.  NS should worry about real safety concerns, maybe us railfanners should keep a safer distance.  I would also imagine that the City of Fostoria would find this of interesting, since it is trying to build a tourism base around railfanning.
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Posted by csxengineer98 on Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:59 PM
 Poppa_Zit wrote:
 csxengineer98 wrote:

this is a case study in railroad/railfan relations.. insted of being respectfull when you come into "our house" (on public proporty or not you are watching the actions of our place of work..and the actions of us doing our jobs) and should be respectfull of US the EMPLOLYEES!!! that means if we ask you not to take pics then dont do it.. just move on to another location or something.. im sure that if we where to come to your place of work and take pics of you or your company doing what it dose and you didnt want your pic or the actions of the company photograghed you would say something to the person takeing the pics too... but this isnt about taking pics or the right to take pics from public proporty of trains..this is all becouse someone got there feelings hurt by a brash employee...bottom line!!!!

csx engineer 

If you can stand on public property and take photos of me at work, have at it.

 

if i knew what you did and where you worked out of..maybe i would in my time off.. but that isnt the point here.. this isnt about photos or the rights to do it from where.. its about someone being confronted granted in a less that profecinal mannor..and having his feelings hurt becouse the person used the word terrorist... re-read the letter dude.. it is all about that word and how his feelings where hurt and feeling insulted becouse the employee used it.. that is what this is all about.. some of you want to make this an issue of it was public proporty crap..that isnt what this is about at all..reread the first posting and the letter.. you will see the tone of his posting turn when that word was used.. not becouse he was asked not to take pics.. THAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE..DEAL WITH IT!!!!
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:55 PM
 Poppa_Zit wrote:
 csxengineer98 wrote:

this is a case study in railroad/railfan relations.. insted of being respectfull when you come into "our house" (on public proporty or not you are watching the actions of our place of work..and the actions of us doing our jobs) and should be respectfull of US the EMPLOLYEES!!! that means if we ask you not to take pics then dont do it.. just move on to another location or something.. im sure that if we where to come to your place of work and take pics of you or your company doing what it dose and you didnt want your pic or the actions of the company photograghed you would say something to the person takeing the pics too... but this isnt about taking pics or the right to take pics from public proporty of trains..this is all becouse someone got there feelings hurt by a brash employee...bottom line!!!!

csx engineer 

If you can stand on public property and take photos of me at work, have at it.

 

 

The sign to the entrace of my work facility says:

"Authorized Personnel Only  Use of Deadly Force Authorized"

Definately not inviting for photos. 

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Posted by zugmann on Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:53 PM
 Take all the photos you want from off the property - I could care less.  But please post some of them online so I can see them! Big Smile [:D]

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by RRKen on Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:53 PM

 sovablunt wrote:
 When exactly is it ok for a person who likes trains to watch them pass or take a picture of one?

Actually, any time you want just so that you respect property, and are careful.  

 

I think the original poster was upset at the young lady not being professional or acting like a normal person for that matter. If I did that I'm quite sure HR would inform me I didnt have a job anymore. Just because she works for a railroad doesnt make it right, thats just arrogant.

There is a huge difference between your industry, and railroading.   Like it or not, there are many on the property who are not nice, others brusque.   For me, I ask once, if they give me any lip at all, I put on my tough face.   This is not their property, it belongs to my employer.   Just listen to what the man says, and be on your way.   You sas back, and you are asking for problems.  

I never drink water. I'm afraid it will become habit-forming.
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Posted by Poppa_Zit on Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:50 PM
 csxengineer98 wrote:

this is a case study in railroad/railfan relations.. insted of being respectfull when you come into "our house" (on public proporty or not you are watching the actions of our place of work..and the actions of us doing our jobs) and should be respectfull of US the EMPLOLYEES!!! that means if we ask you not to take pics then dont do it.. just move on to another location or something.. im sure that if we where to come to your place of work and take pics of you or your company doing what it dose and you didnt want your pic or the actions of the company photograghed you would say something to the person takeing the pics too... but this isnt about taking pics or the right to take pics from public proporty of trains..this is all becouse someone got there feelings hurt by a brash employee...bottom line!!!!

csx engineer 

If you can stand on public property and take photos of me at work, have at it.

Actually, I've worked several times in places where people on a busy sidewalk could look through a large window and observe us working. Never had a second thought or a paranoia like some people seem to do.

 

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. They are not entitled, however, to their own facts." No we can't. Charter Member J-CASS (Jaded Cynical Ascerbic Sarcastic Skeptics) Notary Sojac & Retired Foo Fighter "Where there's foo, there's fire."
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Posted by zugmann on Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:49 PM
 Poppa_Zit wrote:

 

1. What difference would it make if I am or am not taken seriously when I go out to observe trains?

 

 

Makes no difference.  And I'm talking about on here, not railfanning.  If you ask questions, I'll be glad to provide my insights unless you treat me like crap on here.  Fool me once...  

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by csxengineer98 on Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:45 PM
 Ishmael wrote:

I've read most of this thread, but I don't claim to understand all the charges and countercharges. I do know that the issue is one railfan being chased away from a site for no good reason.

The only thing I want to add is that I was raised in a working class section of the city, and I learned early that when you're on the other guy's turf, wrong or right, you'd better leave because you don't know how many of his friends are hanging around out of sight. And if there are serious consequences, you're on your own.

Such is life.

he wasnt chased away..he left on his own.. no one told him he had to leave.. just that the employee made some comments about not being alowed to take pics and listen to the radio feeds..she might have gone about it in a mean impolite mannor..

from his own posting to the open letter to NS 

"I couldn't hear what she was saying due to traffic going by on the street.  I asked her what she said, and she said, "Are you listening to our radio frequencies?"  I told her that I was.  She then said that it was "illegal."  I know what she said was not true, but not wanting to get into an argument, I turned off my scanner.  I was about to take a couple more pictures when she shouted to me, "You can't take pictures of our trains."  I asked her, "Why not?"  She then said, "Because I can call you in for being a terrorist."  I was completely blown away by that.  Again, I didn't want more trouble to be made.  I simply told her "OK," got in my Jeep, and left. "

see the last line.. i got in my jeep and left..

no one told him to leave..or he couldnt watch the train traffic.. basicly this perosn is throughing what could be termed as a tempor tantrum for being signaled out that day by an employee that told him not to take pics..  

this is a case study in railroad/railfan relations.. insted of being respectfull when you come into "our house" (on public proporty or not you are watching the actions of our place of work..and the actions of us doing our jobs) and should be respectfull of US the EMPLOLYEES!!! that means if we ask you not to take pics then dont do it.. just move on to another location or something.. im sure that if we where to come to your place of work and take pics of you or your company doing what it dose and you didnt want your pic or the actions of the company photograghed you would say something to the person takeing the pics too... but this isnt about taking pics or the right to take pics from public proporty of trains..this is all becouse someone got there feelings hurt by a brash employee...bottom line!!!!

csx engineer 

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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:45 PM
 RRKen wrote:

 PigFarmer1 wrote:
Wrong.  We see a guy with a shiny hard hat, bright and clean vest, and CLEAN clothes and we see a management puke.  Don't forget to wear your ear plugs and gloves while you're out there pretending to be one of us.  Big Smile [:D]

 

Weed weasel!

Waving Weed Weasels....

 

 

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Posted by RRKen on Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:38 PM

 PigFarmer1 wrote:
Wrong.  We see a guy with a shiny hard hat, bright and clean vest, and CLEAN clothes and we see a management puke.  Don't forget to wear your ear plugs and gloves while you're out there pretending to be one of us.  Big Smile [:D]

 

Weed weasel!

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Posted by sovablunt on Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:37 PM
 When exactly is it ok for a person who likes trains to watch them pass or take a picture of one? Ive had to deal with trespassers on my company's property trying to steal scrap rail, dump trash in our dumpsters and possibly to break into vehicles. Each time they were spoken to respectfully and told to leave or in some instances escorted off, all without incident. I think the original poster was upset at the young lady not being professional or acting like a normal person for that matter. If I did that I'm quite sure HR would inform me I didnt have a job anymore. Just because she works for a railroad doesnt make it right, thats just arrogant. Ok I'm off the soapbox now. GO NINERS!
A Dutchman was explaining the red, white, and blue Netherlands flag to an American. "Our flag is symbolic of our taxes. We get red when we talk about them, white when we get our tax bills, and blue after we pay them." The American nodded. "It's the same in the USA only we see stars too!"-courtesy of Herman de Zwaan
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Posted by Poppa_Zit on Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:35 PM
 zugmann wrote:

And this post ... is an example of why railfans are not taken seriously. Get over yourself.  We were simply addressing whether railfans should feel the need to wear OSHA-stuff strictly to railfan.  Sheesh. 

1. What difference would it make if I am or am not taken seriously when I go out to observe trains?

2. The discussion had degenerated to one saying railfans should not impersonate MOW workers, ala:

 PigFarmer1 wrote:
Wrong.  We see a guy with a shiny hard hat, bright and clean vest, and CLEAN clothes and we see a management puke.  Don't forget to wear your ear plugs and gloves while you're out there pretending to be one of us.  Big Smile [:D]

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. They are not entitled, however, to their own facts." No we can't. Charter Member J-CASS (Jaded Cynical Ascerbic Sarcastic Skeptics) Notary Sojac & Retired Foo Fighter "Where there's foo, there's fire."
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Posted by Ishmael on Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:29 PM

I've read most of this thread, but I don't claim to understand all the charges and countercharges. I do know that the issue is one railfan being chased away from a site for no good reason.

The only thing I want to add is that I was raised in a working class section of the city, and I learned early that when you're in the other guy's neighborhood, wrong or right, you'd better leave because you don't know how many of his friends are hanging around out of sight. And if there are serious consequences, you're on your own.

Such is life.

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Posted by RRKen on Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:27 PM
 Ted Marshall wrote:
 Murray wrote:

I bet the railfan didn't wave at the lady at the white building.

Thats what probably caused this conundrum.

I disagree... He probably DID wave... We all know how condemned that action is around here. 

I never wave!

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Posted by csxengineer98 on Sunday, August 17, 2008 6:35 PM

all this letter and topic is for is to gain some simpahty from the rail fan community becouse a railbuff got his feelings hurt for being singaled out one day for taking pics... nothing but a way to vent and maybe get some pats on the back to heal some brused feelings...

csx engineer 

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Posted by zugmann on Sunday, August 17, 2008 6:13 PM
I was saying you were correct.  If you are near a crossing, then the horn and bell is a non-issue.  At first I didn't assume you were at a crossing.  Now I am learned.  Circle gets the square... you win

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by Ted Marshall on Sunday, August 17, 2008 6:09 PM
 zugmann wrote:

You didn't say right away you were at a crossing.  Yeah, if you're near one, then there will be horns and bells.  

 

 Ted Marshall wrote:
 zugmann wrote:

 By rule, when we see MOW peoples near the track, we are required to ring bell and blow short blasts on the horn.  So if your dressing up as MOW (even if not your intent to) then we need to blow our horn at you, since we can't check IDs at 50mph.  People who live nearby will be REAL appreciative if you're not near a x-ing.

Excuse me, but... If you're approaching a grade crossing aren't you sounding your bell and horn anyway? Confused [%-)]

So then why wouldn't the local residents want me near a x-ing? I'm having a 'lil trouble trying to understand your point.

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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 17, 2008 6:04 PM
 Ted Marshall wrote:
 Murray wrote:

Why yes Tes I do:

I was told by the trains .com moderators that I could not advertise a website in my signature box.  The site that I had in my signiture box was removed by them.  Yet I notice that you are using your signature box to advertise yours.

Its a violation of forum policy he stated.  I checked in the forum rules, and by golly he was right.

So my question to you is:  Why does yours get to stay in?

It's most likely because it's not intended for commercial purpose. That's why I didn't include my ebay URL.

Neither was mine...yet is was removed.

I mention this to you just as a heads up.

 

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Posted by zugmann on Sunday, August 17, 2008 6:03 PM

You didn't say right away you were at a crossing.  Yeah, if you're near one, then there will be horns and bells.  

 

 Ted Marshall wrote:
 zugmann wrote:

 By rule, when we see MOW peoples near the track, we are required to ring bell and blow short blasts on the horn.  So if your dressing up as MOW (even if not your intent to) then we need to blow our horn at you, since we can't check IDs at 50mph.  People who live nearby will be REAL appreciative if you're not near a x-ing.

Excuse me, but... If you're approaching a grade crossing aren't you sounding your bell and horn anyway? Confused [%-)]

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by zugmann on Sunday, August 17, 2008 6:02 PM

I never had trouble distinguishing railfans.  They are usually at the normal spots with a camera in hand, far enough of the tracks not to be a concern.  Then you have the respassers of varying degrees real close to the trakcs.  And if they want to commit suicide, there is not much we can do.  Now guys with vests.. to me that spells MOW.  When we see one, we are on the lookout for more that may be working real close to the tracks.

No real big deal... 

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

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Posted by Ted Marshall on Sunday, August 17, 2008 6:01 PM
 Murray wrote:

Why yes Tes I do:

I was told by the trains .com moderators that I could not advertise a website in my signature box.  The site that I had in my signiture box was removed by them.  Yet I notice that you are using your signature box to advertise yours.

Its a violation of forum policy he stated.  I checked in the forum rules, and by golly he was right.

So my question to you is:  Why does yours get to stay in?

It's most likely because it's not intended for commercial purpose. That's why I didn't include my ebay URL.

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Posted by joemcspadden on Sunday, August 17, 2008 5:59 PM
Here's what Norfolk Southern's website says about the subject:

"It is permissible to photograph Norfolk Southern trains and operations from vantage points
well away from railroad property. Trespassing on railroad property is a serious offense--one that
could expose the trespasser to potential danger."

Joe
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Posted by Ted Marshall on Sunday, August 17, 2008 5:57 PM
 zugmann wrote:

 By rule, when we see MOW peoples near the track, we are required to ring bell and blow short blasts on the horn.  So if your dressing up as MOW (even if not your intent to) then we need to blow our horn at you, since we can't check IDs at 50mph.  People who live nearby will be REAL appreciative if you're not near a x-ing.

Excuse me, but... If you're approaching a grade crossing aren't you sounding your bell and horn anyway? Confused [%-)]

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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 17, 2008 5:54 PM
 Mookie wrote:
 Murray wrote:
 Mookie wrote:
 Poppa_Zit wrote:
 Mookie wrote:

According to the lecture given me - the railroad has say so 100 feet from the tracks.  So even without a camera, the original poster was in violation of the 100 foot rule.  This supposedly applies to private property, too.  It did in my case!  And was confirmed by an official of the railroad.

Never heard of a 100-foot rule.

Maybe I missed something. Lecture from WHO?

check your pm.

Why all the secrecy?

Can you not share this with the rest of us?  Perhaps it could aid in this debate.

 

I shared it in a previous posting on this subject.  Not going to rehash it again.

Oh thats OK to rehash...Its Sunday night and most of us aren't going anywhere...we have lots of time.

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