The Growth of Thwartology
in Railroad Photography
It seems as though railroad photographers are increasingly being thwarted in their photographic efforts to document the contemporary rail scene. Hence, the coining of the word “thwartology” aptly describes the plight of camera toting persons around railroads.
Take for example Devore, CA, at the railroad western edge of Cajon Pass in Southern California. The Glen Helen Parkway grade crossing was recently eliminated by an overpass.
Train enthusiasts had envisioned a bird’s eye view to photograph trains from. But, the east sidewalk is closed with no opening in sight!
It is closed because the southern end of the overpass was designed to extend the bridging southward over a wide wash, and the funding for that bridging extension is in the future! In the below photo, the top lanes (background, immediately under the yellow center sign) in an elevated state just end (far right). The present lowering lanes (foreground) are only temporary.
What about the west side of the bridge for photographing trains? Thwarted again with a difficult to photograph through fencing arrangement! And, the sidewalk has not even been poured with concrete yet.
There is a questionable unobstructed access location, but construction authorities could block that off at any time.
Further up the pass is a well-known spot named Blue Cut. Large rip-rap boulders are now on site (lower left).
By that above Blue Cut cantilever signal bridge was an easily accessed overview photo-taking location, but it has been cordoned off with boulders and the ground trail upheaval-tilled so the public can’t walk there anymore.
In Cajon Pass, however, there is one bright spot, or at least it appears to be at this time. Circa 1969 the old highway was rerouted bigtime and the rerouting became Interstate 15 (I-15), and Cajon Blvd. became severed with an upper and lower Cajon Blvd. sections. With the present revamping on the big interchange in Devore, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is currently building a south side road around the freeway interchange and will eventually reconnect the upper and lower sections of Cajon Blvd. That Cajon Blvd. for years used to come straight towards the camera and then stopped. Now it curves (background) in preparation of it being a through-route again.
So, railroad photographers will no longer encounter a circuitous route to travel from one Cajon Blvd to the other Cajon Blvd., but will now go straight through, though slightly curvy. But, it remains to be seen if ‘No Parking’ signs will be erected along that new stretch to thwart train photographers.
Thwartology is a very real phenomenon that train enthusiast-photographers are ever increasingly encountering. How they deal with it stretches the limits of one’s practical imagination.
Are you saying its almost like they are forcing you to trespass to get a (decent) photo?
It isn't that bad. I've developed a skill at shooting through Cyclone fences and using my long lens a little more often. The biggest problem is how many of the good spots that I used to frequent aren't what they used to be or no longer exist.
rrnut282 Are you saying its almost like they are forcing you to trespass to get a (decent) photo?
I would opine that aside from established public access locations (overpasses, stations, what-have-you), many of the more desired photo locations are lineside - and if you can get that close to the ROW to take a picture, you can get close enough for vandalism.
So in that case, yes, the railroads are trying to keep people out. By and large railfans aren't vandals, but there are non-fans that are, so the good suffer for the transgressions of the bad.
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...
Tree, I was trying to get more from the OP.
Croteaudd ol' buddy, you've got to tell yourself what I tell myself all the time...
The railroads aren't in business to keep me or any other railfan entertained.
Some enjoy the attention, some don't, others don't give a damn one way or another.
On Sunday I went to one of my favourite spots for train photography, East Maitland on the section Newcastle-Maitland in NSW, Australia.
The line was converted to four tracks in 1916, and a level crossing was replaced by a bridge over five tracks (four main lines and a freight siding). The bridge was completely standard for the time, steel girders supporting brick walls, low enough to shoot over.
About 2010, a new bridge was built since the formerly minor road was connected by another new bridge across the Hunter River to towns in the North. The new rail bridge was higher to allow for double stacking but had tall mesh guards over the four remaining tracks. Fortunately, these allow reasonable photography from the northern side (the direction the sunlight comes from in the Southern Hemisphere).
But the big advantage was that the design of the bridge allowed access underneath on the northern abutment. This was tall enough to stand between the main beams and there was a raised concrete pedestal that serves as a seat for the full width of the bridge.
So you can sit there for a full morning's photography getting up and heading to whichever side the next train is approaching from.
There are coal trains on the southern tracks, one in each direction every half hour, local passenger trains on the northern tracks, self propelled two car units each direction every hour and four long distance passenger trains, two each direction. While I was there, two big intermodals ran through, also on the northern tracks.
But while before you had to take your chances with road traffic with no defined pavements, now you can ignore the more frequent motor vehicles completely....
So there is one place in the world which got better, even the seven feet tall fences are well below the level of the abutments and out of view.
Of course, it is only really good in the morning until maybe one o'clock in the afternoon, when you have to move to the original 1916 road bridge at High Street station (the next station after East Maitland). It at least has footpaths on both sides, but no convenient seats for photographers.
The frequent train services allow you to not take a motor vehicle if you prefer, although the journey time from Sydney is more than an hour longer.
M636C
Well, rrnit282, reference your above quoted inquiry about forcing people to trespass, I wouldn’t put it exactly that way. I think most people at seeing a beautiful patch of flowers in a fenced neighborhood yard have the common sense notion not to jump the fence to get a photo or two. Tree68 nicely put things into perspective, in that the railroads are just trying to protect their property and their customers’ shipments. It is unfortunate that our photo efforts are so often thwarted with the railroads just trying to keep things secure. And, construction “Road Closed” signs typically are present to keep people from being injured.
There is not much we can do about it, just live with it, and not trespass. One thing that is tempting, at least from my perspective, is possibly buying a short to medium height lightweight aluminum ladder that can be carried in the trunk. That would allow one to get the lens at least above the top of fences. If done far enough away from the fence it shouldn’t arouse suspicion. On the other hand, so many non-railfans unbelievably don’t see trains and that is why so many of them are killed at grade crossings each year, so just the presence of a ladder might arouse suspicion too, since so many people can’t see trains. We can’t win!
I'd think the first time some little old lady drove by and saw you up on a ladder taking photos over a fence of anything the SWAT team would be called out.
Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.
I was wondering if you were just looking for commiseration or just now noticed the phenomenon.
About Connecting the Two Cajon Boulevards
Cajon Pass, CA
Connecting the lower and upper Cajon Boulevards (Devore in Cajon Pass, CA) is now taking shape.
K.P.’s assessment of that long desired new road connection is that very, very likely ‘No Parking’ signs will be placed along it, ‘thwarting’ railroad photographers. For some mysterious reason (that DOESN’T fishhook K.P.’s camera like it does so many camera toting people, and we’ll just leave it at that for now), people tend to want to take photos in the area, and that could cause safety issues for passing motorists. Hence, K.P.’s present belief is that ‘No Parking’ signs are in the new road’s future. But, we’ll have to wait and see on that.
Interestingly, in a super bizarre twist of fate, K.P. had to traverse Cajon Pass roundtrip twice within just a few hours near the end of March. The second time the freeway’s new truck route was chosen, and a quick glimpse of the future Cajon Blvd. could be seen, and it looked as though that new road (out of view on the lower right of the first above photo) had a medium height wall of some sort, thus being in line with the ‘thwart’ concept. It may be as little as a few months to a year (or more) before that new connecting the two Cajon Boulevards road opens.
Time has been at a premium, but hopefully within a few weeks K.P. can post other photos as a follow-up and broadening upon the original poster’s photos.
Memo to rrnut282 (3-31):
Traveling from California to Texas and back for five days very, very recently many great railroad things were seen. But, I was absolutely shocked at a ‘road’ in the far southeastern corner of California that puts this threads original poster’s increasing observations in a whole new light! The new ‘thwartology’ seen takes the cake! It is unknown when it can be gotten to, but a post series is hoped to be posted in the next couple of weeks in the “Sunset Route Two-Tracking Updates” thread on the trip’s update findings, from California to Texas. I’ve never ever seen anything like that something new, and I doubt you, rrnut282, have ever seen anything like it either! You will become a hard core believer after seeing the upcoming ‘Sunset Route’ post photos!
The Great Mystery of Perception in Photography
As one who has posted literally thousands and thousands of photos at the TRAINS forums’ website over the years – some good and some not so good – it must be admitted that the original poster’s photos of this thread have a certain harmonious something about them that affects the soul in an almost indescribable way, if you take a real good look at them. Great masters of photography, the likes of Adams and Steinheimer, often did wonders in their craft. In the latter’s case, it was as if (“as if”) Stein could literally project his mind a number of seconds ahead through spatial time that enabled him to have the upper hand in order to capture harmonious ‘perfect moments’ with his camera.
Who can ever, ever forget the actress Donna Murphy as Anij in the 1998 hit movie “Star Trek: Insurrection” when she associated ‘perfect moments’ with ‘perception’?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdgjUPMiiEc
Take care all,
K.P.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- K.P.’s absolute “theorem” from early, early childhood that he has seen over and over and over again: Those that CAUSE a problem in the first place will act the most violently if questioned or exposed.
K. P. HarrierWho can ever, ever forget the actress Donna Murphy as Anij in the 1998 hit movie “Star Trek: Insurrection” when she associated ‘perfect moments’ with ‘perception’?
K.P. Thanks for a spot on association.
K. P. Harrier K.P.’s assessment of that long desired new road connection is that very, very likely ‘No Parking’ signs will be placed along it, ‘thwarting’ railroad photographers. For some mysterious reason (that DOESN’T fishhook K.P.’s camera like it does so many camera toting people, and we’ll just leave it at that for now), people tend to want to take photos in the area, and that could cause safety issues for passing motorists. Hence, K.P.’s present belief is that ‘No Parking’ signs are in the new road’s future. But, we’ll have to wait and see on that. K.P.
On much of Cajon Boulevard, at the Cajon Junction end particularly, the remains of the four lane pavement remains in place and is a convenient place to park clear of any traffic. It also allows you to photograph your car next to a "Route 66" logo on the pavement, again without affecting any passing traffic.
Parking on the unused roadway should not be affected by parking signs of any kind.
Would a small step ladder not solve the cyclone fence problem? Okay, so it's a little odd to take a step ladder with you on a photo trip, but what's one more piece of equipment?
GERALD L MCFARLANE JR Would a small step ladder not solve the cyclone fence problem? Okay, so it's a little odd to take a step ladder with you on a photo trip, but what's one more piece of equipment?
REAL photographers use whatever tools are necessary to get their 'vision' to film or bytes.
We all look at marvel over the photos that show up in National Geographic and other similar type magazines - the photogs didn't just show up, snap the shutter and get the pictures they do; they had to work for them.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
I’ve never ever seen anything like that something new, and I doubt you, rrnut282, have ever seen anything like it either!
KP
I was not trying to imply it isn't happening (apologies if it sounded like I was), as I have a couple of places not worth the trip to take a photo, too, I was trying to gage the OP's experience with it.
Get a drone. They take beautiful videos and photographs. They aren't the least bit controversial either, are they?
Yard Limit Get a drone. They take beautiful videos and photographs. They aren't the least bit controversial either, are they?
Make sure you get a license (really!).
I've seen some pretty good drone images. As long as you don't make people feel you are invading their privacy, which shouldn't be a problem out in the sticks.
The Promised Devore, CA Situation Update
Now that K.P. finally has some time, here is the situation in Devore (CA) / Glen Helen Parkway. Railfans can no long get to the south side of the BNSF and UP tracks because of a gate.
That temporary road that comes down to go over a wash. Note that gate on the photo lower right. The future bridge has roadway dirt built up on the photo upper right.
When whoever finally starts building the high bridge over the wash, it will have to be built in two stages in order to keep traffic flowing. View looks south.
Cajon Blvd. at Kenwood Ave.: New hot-top has been laid. In the past, even with ‘Road Closed’ signs, police frequented the area often to chase lookie lous out.
The Highway Patrol chased K.P. out once! He was only checking SP signal spacing, but he knew right then that for ‘some reason’ police were sensitive to the area …
Anyway, how Cajon Blvd will be handled as a through route in the future (and ‘No Parking’ signs) is yet to be seen. But, railfans can plan on being ‘thwarted’ in Devore for years to come as far as great views from up on the bridge over the tracks is concerned.
tree68 Yard Limit Get a drone. They take beautiful videos and photographs. They aren't the least bit controversial either, are they? Make sure you get a license (really!).
You don't need a license (yet) but you do need to be registered as a drone owner with the FAA. Upon registration you will be given a unique number that has to be on your drones. Common sense should prevail when flying them including avoiding the perception that you're invading someone's privacy.
A drone flying around seems to make people think their privacy is at risk but no one seems to care if you're walking around with a tripod and a camcorder.
Yard Limit (4-13):
Would you please re-edit your post (use the Edit button when signed in) so that your reply comment is NOT part of the other poster’s reply that you are quoting? It would be much more logical that way. It is unknown what you did (and a lot of other posters sometime do), but keeping replies and quotes separate makes replies so much more enjoyable to read. Thanks.
Best,
K. P. Harrier...Would you please re-edit your post ...
It happens fairly often - partly because there is usually a substantial white space left between the quoted text and the tag that ends the quote (/quote).
Always be certain to go all the way to the bottom of the new post before adding. I'll often delete the blank lines (white space) in the quote.
Note, too, that you can highlight that part of a post that you actually want to quote before hitting the "Add Quote" button.
As for "license" - my bad. I meant register.
Another Example of Thwartology
On the eastern portion of San Timoteo Canyon Road by the west side of Beaumont, CA, the road twenty years ago was a narrow, two lanes, flat affair that straddled the Sunset Route. Now, it is four lanes and swoopingly hilly, with no place to park by the tracks. There is a bike lane, but that is of little consolation.
I found a rare side street to park on to take the above photos. Maybe someone else will brave the area and a mile or two hike one way. The bridge cannot be parked by and anywhere near it either! Reportedly, at night thieves raided stopped UP trains (and SP before that) in this area, so all this thwartology may have been inspired by theft minded people, and unfortunately, we innocents that just want to photograph trains have to suffer for it.
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