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
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
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.
Murray wrote: I bet the railfan didn't wave at the lady at the white building.Thats what probably caused this conundrum.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Weed weasel!
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. Weed weasel!
Waving Weed Weasels....
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.
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.
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!!!!
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...
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.
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.
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.
And of course here comes a railfan right on cue with his RR-bashing (this time NS).
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.
....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.
Quentin
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.
....That's a good thing.
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.
Maybe some of the RR employees on this site get tired of being treated like we don't know crap by a select few railfans???
It is not like we live and breath this industry every day of our life... oh wait, we do!
Ted M.
got trains?™
See my photos at: http://tedmarshall.rrpicturearchives.net/
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.
csxengineer98 wrote: 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!!!!
Well, DUDE, I did go back and read the 1st post, I also re-read the 2nd reply, and if I were to get excited over anyone, it would be that person. Do you recognise that person?? His mention of THE word was a secondary point, his main issue was that of the person and yelling inaccurate information and doing so in a unprofessional manner.
I happen to agree with the original post, and also with all of what was said by Poppa_zit. AND, it really does come down to the issue of being on public property and being on private property. When on public property, one is allowed to take photo's of (in this instance) trains. It is not illegal!! Like another poster said, "when they are used commercially" that is a different issue. I also believe that he did the proper thing in not confronting, however, if I were him, I would have completely ignored the person on the "porch BEHIND the engine" and went about my business. I would rather deal with the local law enforcement than with a wannabe security person who has absolutely no authority beyond property lines. So, DUDE. chill and deal with it goes both ways. You were the 1st one to go hyper over this post.
thanks,
Jared
I think its time everyone goes to the fridge, grab an ice cold beer and enjoy it. I love all the info I get from this site. I learn something new and generally useful everytime I login. I dont care who is a railfan or a real railroader since we all obviously have a common interest.
....My feelings on the whole situation: Judging from what we all read in the initial post....Employee over reacted and seemingly was arrogant and possibly out of line dictating to fan who was not on RR property.
Modelcar wrote: ....My feelings on the whole situation: Judging from what we all read in the initial post....Employee over reacted and seemingly was arrogant and possibly out of line dictating to fan who was not on RR property.
I respectfully disagree Sir.
We can't say with certainty that this individual was too close to the tracks or not. All we have is his word. To the employees eye, it may have appeared that he was in an unsafe position.
I see nothing wrong with a railroad employee looking out for one's safety.
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