Dave Howarth Jr. Livin' On Former CNW Spur From Manitowoc To Appleton In Reedsville, WI
- Formerly From The Home of Wisconsin Central's 5,000,000th Carload
- Manitowoc Cranes, Manitowoc Ice Machines, Burger Boat
Originally posted by BNSF railfan. [ Living nearby to MP 186 of the UPRR Austin TX Sub Reply tree68 Member sinceDecember 2001 From: Northern New York 25,015 posts Posted by tree68 on Monday, May 16, 2005 10:52 AM You'll get what you give if the local gendarmery come to call. Be courteous, and you'll get courteous right back, even if it's a request/order to vamoose. Although standing on your rights from behind bars does have a certain drama to it. Keep in mind, too, that publicly accessible doesn't always mean public. Sitting in the parking lot of the local big box store might not garner a call from the RR, but might get you a visit from the cops on behalf of store management. As for an individual's picture - I don't know the letter of the law, but it is possible that a person who is clearly recognizable could need to sign a release if the photographer plans to sell the image. Pros who specialize in stock photography do that all the time. This wouldn't be the case for personal use, or you could never take a picture of much of anything. Imagine the hassle at a crowded beach! The key would be recognizable. As was mentioned, in a lot of RR pictures, you can't even tell anyone is in the cab! 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... Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 16, 2005 12:50 PM QUOTE: Originally posted by wabash1 dayliner you are so wrong.. to take pictures is your right but it dont make it rightto take pictures of crews on the trains. if you feel that it is your right to snap photo of crews then it ok for me to come to yor house and photo you and your wife by the pool or hot tub. how about the bed room. In other words dont come looking to take my picture unless i am ready to have it done. the problem with all you railfans is that you think you have the rightt to do what ever you want. when you want as long as it is on public property. if i decided to take pics of you at your house from the street then by the same token it was on public property . why such a problem with it because you take pictures of crew members breaking rules. simple enough. I Don't think so- Thats crazy, and doesn't make any sense whatsoever. By Transporting goods, you put yourself in the public eye and make yourself more then likely to have your picture taken Terms: 'More then likely', odds of 50% +1 By swimming in my pool- I did not ask to be in the public eye, I am on my own property, with my name written on the deed of owenership. If somebody wants to take pictures of me in my pool, I most likely wouldn't give a hoot and nickel, but law states I can use 'severe' force to get you off my property. 5 years ago, I could pick you up and through you into my branch grinder thing. so 'deadly' was changed to 'sevre' You are not on your own property, the property you are on belongs to ___________ inc. (insert name of opperational railraod on blank) You do not have a right to decide what happens on other people's property. If you have broken the law that many times, or your afraid your wife will be able to identify you because your pictures may be up on the interent and come after you for all the money you owe her, perhaps I would suggest a job that doesn't have this elemnt attatched to it. May I suggest Lybrarian? There aren't an overabundance of lybrarianfans out and about. Reply Edit halifaxcn Member sinceDecember 2001 110 posts Posted by halifaxcn on Monday, May 16, 2005 1:30 PM I love warming up to this subject! Most of my posts have been about this topic, so anyway here we yet again! 1.) I have said it over and over, the cops are keeping an eye out on infrastucture with in their jurisdiction. They stop you be polite provide the info they request answer a few brief questions and they will be on their way, unless......you give them a hassle and you will loose. 2.) If you walked into my police station and stated that you wanted to photograph trains we would (A.) Run you to see if you had escapped from a mental health facility or had any warrants (B.) Tell you to get out and don't bother us with BS (C.) If we had a call to check you we would grill the caller more than the units responding would grill you. The police are between a rock and a hard place right know. The media with the help of the cry of Homeland Security has turned this country in to a bunch of snitches, rats and tattletales. Stalin would be proud! Police are expected to walk the thin line bewteen freedom and law violations. You are watching trains...so what. Are you trying to damage the train? Do you have any weapons? Why do YOU think that this is suspicious? Did you know that people are allowed to watch trains? There is a hobby that does this. Okay we will send someone to check. Units arrives cops, who by the way loathes this type of call. He/she gets out of the car, usually just making a show so that the caller will see them. They will ask you a few questions and have a nice day and thanks! Give them attitude then the stance changes and you will loose. I can not stress this enough that the cops are under the gun on this type of BS call, Those of us in LE who are on this group will back me up on this. So bottom line please, please don't bust our chops. Use common sense, don't tresspass, be civil if confronted by police. As for the photos, I got to tell you that when I am taking my photos and I am FAR from being an expert. I take the engine, or the rolling stock. I try not to get the crew in the shot and if I do, you can't ID them from the photo. I understand the thinking behid it. But let me ask you this when the news is on and you see fires, accident etc and the public safety workers are photographed in the public domain we have no expectation of privacy. This is the same if you are involved in the accident. Please don't consider this to be slamming anyone who has posted on this thread, it is just my two cents worth and maybe a some common sense who has over 30 years in public safety. Remember always be safe never tresspass on private property. Be civil and polite if the cops show up. Frank San Severino CP-198 Amtrak NEC Attleboro, MA Reply gabe Member sinceMarch 2004 From: Indianapolis, Indiana 2,434 posts Posted by gabe on Monday, May 16, 2005 1:52 PM QUOTE: Originally posted by halifaxcn I love warming up to this subject! Most of my posts have been about this topic, so anyway here we yet again! 1.) I have said it over and over, the cops are keeping an eye out on infrastucture with in their jurisdiction. They stop you be polite provide the info they request answer a few brief questions and they will be on their way, unless......you give them a hassle and you will loose. 2.) If you walked into my police station and stated that you wanted to photograph trains we would (A.) Run you to see if you had escapped from a mental health facility or had any warrants (B.) Tell you to get out and don't bother us with BS (C.) If we had a call to check you we would grill the caller more than the units responding would grill you. The police are between a rock and a hard place right know. The media with the help of the cry of Homeland Security has turned this country in to a bunch of snitches, rats and tattletales. Stalin would be proud! Police are expected to walk the thin line bewteen freedom and law violations. You are watching trains...so what. Are you trying to damage the train? Do you have any weapons? Why do YOU think that this is suspicious? Did you know that people are allowed to watch trains? There is a hobby that does this. Okay we will send someone to check. Units arrives cops, who by the way loathes this type of call. He/she gets out of the car, usually just making a show so that the caller will see them. They will ask you a few questions and have a nice day and thanks! Give them attitude then the stance changes and you will loose. I can not stress this enough that the cops are under the gun on this type of BS call, Those of us in LE who are on this group will back me up on this. So bottom line please, please don't bust our chops. Use common sense, don't tresspass, be civil if confronted by police. As for the photos, I got to tell you that when I am taking my photos and I am FAR from being an expert. I take the engine, or the rolling stock. I try not to get the crew in the shot and if I do, you can't ID them from the photo. I understand the thinking behid it. But let me ask you this when the news is on and you see fires, accident etc and the public safety workers are photographed in the public domain we have no expectation of privacy. This is the same if you are involved in the accident. Please don't consider this to be slamming anyone who has posted on this thread, it is just my two cents worth and maybe a some common sense who has over 30 years in public safety. Remember always be safe never tresspass on private property. Be civil and polite if the cops show up. I think this is an outstanding summarization of how responsible rail fans should behave while rail fanning. I don't have the on-the-ground experience of Halifaxcn, but legally, everything he says is right on—and more importantly, logical. As an extension of what he is saying, why be confrontational? Cops are trained to match aggression with aggression. If a police officer approaches you and you are instantly aggressive, the officer is likely going to match that aggression. Even if you ultimately win in court, isn’t a confrontation with someone with a badge and a gun something you would be better off avoiding? If rail fans would just be polite and as accommodating as possible, the officer is will likely go from aggressive mode to "protect and serve mode" and treat you like a law-abiding citizen should be treated. Excellent summarization Halifaxcn, Gabe Reply chad thomas Member sinceJanuary 2005 From: Ely, Nv. 6,312 posts Posted by chad thomas on Monday, May 16, 2005 2:12 PM Hi Halifaxcn, Thanks for the post. I think that pretty much sums it up for most other places as well. Law enforcement has much better things to do than hassle railfans. I think I have been lucky when it comes to this. It is a rare event when I am confronted by the law, but it has happened many times. In all those times I can't ever remember having any hard feelings or having problems. Of course I don't do anything stupid either. I have had a couple run ins with private security officers that tried to overstep there bounds but that's another story. Unfortunatly there are a few bad seeds out there that give us a bad name. I agree with you gabe. Why be confrontational? Just watch a few episodes of COPS and you will see what that will get you. Reply MP57313 Member sinceJune 2001 From: L A County, CA, US 1,009 posts Posted by MP57313 on Monday, May 16, 2005 6:13 PM Thanks halifaxCN and others. I go out railfanning every few weeks or so, but have not had any problems with police. I railfan in "plain sight", but sometimes climb up on low embankments or other open areas to get a better photo angle. There was the one incident when I was on a Washington DC station platform during 'code orange'. An Amtrak crew member asked me if I had a ticket (I did) but then told me I should not be out there taking pictures. I wasn't about to argue with him and went back in the waiting room. A ticket would give me permission to go to the platform to get on train I was riding; but I wouldn't think it would give me unlimited access to all the platforms. As for not taking pictures of the crew...how about this? I have a snapshot from the late 70s, with three crew members riding the rear platform of a caboose during a back-up move. I did not know the crew, but I'm sure if I posted the picture some other folks would recognize them. Would they get in trouble -- 27 years later -- if they were shown not following some safety rule (holding on to the railing correctly, etc.)?? MP Reply trainfan1221 Member sinceJuly 2003 From: Elmwood Park, NJ 2,385 posts Posted by trainfan1221 on Monday, May 16, 2005 7:41 PM Thankfully around here, we can rest a little easier when watching trains. Where I go, a lot of police cars go past, but they know who we are and why we are there. Haven't been harassed yet, although a friend was given a hard time by RR police once. You just have to know the boundaries, and not go looking for trouble. Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 16, 2005 8:02 PM All of the above is pretty much bang on when you talk about cops vs. non cops. However, the attitude of "you can't take my picture unless I give you permission" is not quite right. Your picture is taken completely without your knowledge (or permission) every day, probably every hour if you live in a metropolitan area. Go into a convenience store- your picture is on tape. Go to a bank and make a withdrawel- or deposit. Guess what- you are on camera. And for our railroading buddies out there, I don't think anyone asked the crews of the BNSF or UP trains going through the Rochelle camera for their permission to take their pictures. Surveillance photography is part of our lives, folks, so get over it or get politically active. Funny thing about it is that the photography is there to prevent (hopefully) or solve crimes...just the kind of protection most citizens want. As for folks with attitudes...when on patrol, I meet hostility with silence. Given enough rope, most fools will hang themselves... and do. I don't have to encourage them... just let them do themselves in. Erik Reply Edit TimChgo9 Member sinceAugust 2002 From: Along the BNSF "East End"... :-) 915 posts Posted by TimChgo9 on Monday, May 16, 2005 10:09 PM Take it from a 911 Operator/Police Dispatcher... DON'T call us to let us know you are going to be railfanning, not to be rude, but, we are not really going to care what you are doing out by the tracks. That said, the only reason why the police may bother you is if you are causing problems, or making a nuiscance of yourself. If you are stopped by an officer, explain what you are doing, and 99% of the time, you will be left alone. The fastest way to get hassled by the cops is to give them "attitude" Even if you are on public property, don't remind the officer that you are, don't suggest to the officer that he could be out chasing "real criminals" instead of hassling you, and when the officer asks "What are you doing here?" Don't reply by saying "Nothing". Briefly explain to the officer who you are, and what you are doing.... be courteous, and refer to him as "officer". For security reasons, the officer will probably ask you for your driver's license, and at the very worst, he will probably remind you to "stay off the tracks" and then will leave to go continue his beat. Generally when I am out railfanning, I make it obvious what I am doing there, (cameras over the shoulder, kids present) many times I have officers drive by me, and merely wave. The police officer's job is to protect lives and property, and when they inquire as to what you are doing along the tracks, they are not "hassling" you, they are doing their job. Photographers, and other assorted people near the tracks tend to make train crews nervous, and if a crew thinks you are up to no good, then they will radio dispatch to call the police, and the RR dispatch is pretty quick about it, I have dealt with BNSF and CN security at my job, and when they have a nervous train crew calling them, they react pretty quick. "Chairman of the Awkward Squad" "We live in an amazing, amazing world that is just wasted on the biggest generation of spoiled idiots." Flashing red lights are a warning.....heed it. " I don't give a hoot about what people have to say, I'm laughing as I'm analyzed" What if the "hokey pokey" is what it's all about?? View photos at: http://www.eyefetch.com/profile.aspx?user=timChgo9 Reply wctransfer Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: New Brighton, Minnesota 1,493 posts Posted by wctransfer on Sunday, December 4, 2005 6:58 PM CP is mroe forgiving. I got a tour of CP's Pigs Eye yard today . I just went to the offices to ask if i could take pics on the road by the tracks ( in the middle of the yard ) and then he said yes. He then showed me around a little bit, but he offered me a tour of some of the shops . Really cool pics. Look at www.rrpicturearchives.net and for CP Pigs Eye tour or something like that, and thats me. Enjoy. Alec Check out my pics! [url="http://wctransfer.rrpicturearchives.net/"] http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?userid=8714 Reply railfan619 Member sinceMarch 2004 From: Somewhere near the tracks 927 posts Posted by railfan619 on Sunday, December 4, 2005 7:06 PM Don't you all think that cops and the feds have better things to do then to harrass us railfans when did. It become such a big deal for a couple of railfans to sit by a crossing or by a set of tracks to watch trains go by in fact at one of the more popular crossings here in milwaukee. Whenever I go by it there is always 4 or 5 cars sitting there watching trains and I have never seen a cop go and bug them to move. From the tracks. Reply trainboyH16-44 Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Mile 7.5 Laggan Sub., Great White North 4,201 posts Posted by trainboyH16-44 on Sunday, December 4, 2005 11:49 PM QUOTE: Originally posted by railfan619 Don't you all think that cops and the feds have better things to do then to harrass us railfans when did It become such a big deal for a couple of railfans to sit by a crossing or by a set of tracks to watch trains go by When the terrorists won, that's when. 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/ Reply adrianspeeder Member sinceMarch 2002 From: Harrisburg PA / Dover AFB DE 1,482 posts Posted by adrianspeeder on Monday, December 5, 2005 1:25 AM Dang I thought this thread would die... Adrianspeeder USAF TSgt C-17 Aircraft Maintenance Flying Crew Chief & Flightline Avionics Craftsman Reply UPTRAIN Member sinceJune 2002 From: Independence, MO 1,570 posts Posted by UPTRAIN on Monday, December 5, 2005 8:06 AM I'll tell ya what pisses me off...I have NEVER, EVER been approached by ANYBODY from the RAILROAD telling me to leave, get off of something, get out of the way, NOTHING. I have just simply NEVER been approached by a railroad employee for something I shouldn't be doing. However, I have been called in by 2 dumb @$$ citizens and I have been approached by 5 different police officers. One thing that really ticks me off, is that one was in Illinois when I was called in (I'm sure you read about that). Another 2 or 3 times was stupid cops in my own town, after the special agent uses my name during briefings with local police, telling them to leave me alone, but they never ask my name. Another time I was called in on by somebody, the officer that responded was my next door neighbor, and I told the police chief 2 hours after I moved here who I was and what I would be seen doing here, he was fine with that, and so are railroaders, so what is the big deal with the dumb cops and stupid people that we are surrounded by. My last two events were over at Poplar Bluff, 2 events, same location, same police officer. Two months ago I was on the AMTRAK PLATFORM at the depot where I VOLUNTEER with a younger volunteer from the other museum I work at, as we stood waiting on a repainted ex-CR CSX locomotive, he pulls up asking what I was doing. I tell him, and he forcefully tries to tell me I shouldn't take photos and should get away from the track. So, after taking my shot and waving at my friend who's a conductor on the train THREE TRACKS OVER, I gave the officer Steve Ray, Territorial Special Agent, and my business card. He sped off. Fast forward to 5:00 P.M. at the same spot last saturday. He shows up again, this time I had a tripod. He came over again and informed me that I was trespassing. He asked if I had "permission" to be there (by God yes, I volunteer there, are the Amtrak passengers that will be standing here in 6 hours be trespassing?). Anyway, I told him that the man who heads the commity that saved the depot doesn't care if I'm there, and the engineers, conductors, MOW, and special agent doesn't care. He said "well it's trespassing if they persue it". I told him, "well they never have before". THIS TIME he asked my name and I told him, he left. I made a couple phone calls, to the special agent, and to the city police chief at home, whom I have known since I was born. So yeah, people really aggrivate me. I know I had a couple...words in there, but that was watered down. Pump Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 5, 2005 8:51 AM UPTRAIN. You well know as we all know do that there will be some A$$HOLE who will wreck your day just for Railfanning. The thing that I just can't understand is why do bird watchers don't get into trouble and we Railfans do. Allan. Reply Edit spbed Member sinceDecember 2001 From: Austin TX 4,941 posts Posted by spbed on Monday, December 5, 2005 9:05 AM You guys & Alan's friend must be the world's most unluckiest Railfan ever. [:)] Originally posted by BNSFrailfan. Living nearby to MP 186 of the UPRR Austin TX Sub Reply CopCarSS Member sinceAugust 2002 From: Turner Junction 3,076 posts Posted by CopCarSS on Monday, December 5, 2005 9:28 AM QUOTE: Originally posted by BNSFrailfan. UPTRAIN. You well know as we all know do that there will be some A$$HOLE who will wreck your day just for Railfanning. The thing that I just can't understand is why do bird watchers don't get into trouble and we Railfans do. Allan. With perhaps the possibility of the spread of a mutated version of the Bird Flu, birds generally aren't transporting hazardous materials, and are seldom seen as a possible threat from terrorists. Hence, observing them generates little concern. -ChrisWest Chicago, ILChristopher May Fine Art Photography"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." ~Ansel Adams Reply emdgp92 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Pittsburgh, PA 1,261 posts Posted by emdgp92 on Monday, December 5, 2005 1:08 PM The cops are just doing their jobs. Yeah, there are some jerks out there, but for the most part...the cops I've dealt with were pretty nice. Even though I've said this before... I sometimes watch the trains at the Amtrak station in downtown Pittsburgh. When I was asked what I was doing there, I simply replied I was taking pictures of trains. The guy said that as long as I didn't get in the way, wander into the NS "off-limits area" (the yard), or do anything stupid, I had free reign of the platforms. Keep in mind that 9/11 was still fresh in our minds. (I don't go down there as much now...since I can watch trains where I work in Aspinwall, PA (just up the river from downtown Pittsburgh, hehe. Speaking of which, an NS freight is going by right now!) Reply wgnrr Member sinceAugust 2004 From: Wisconsin 735 posts Posted by wgnrr on Monday, December 5, 2005 1:29 PM Almost a year ago, we were riding on the Metra, down from Kenosha, WI to Chicago. I have heard about all of the 'detained' stories, and thought that this would never happen to me. When we got out of the train, and stepped on the platform, and went near the ticket office, to take some photos. About 3.528 seconds later, a old man approached me and asked me what I was doing. He was a Metra security officer. I told him I was on a family vacation, and was going to take a picture of the Cab Car, that I rode in. The guy harassed me, told me that he had the full authority of arrest me, and so on, and so on. My dad came over, and got the whole incident straighteted out. What bothers me about this is that: 1. I was not doing anything wrong. 2. I could outrun that guy anyday. 3. He would let me take photos when I was in the station, but I would have to be near the engines And 4. I was 12 years old when this happened. I guess no matter how old you are, you can still get into big trouble. My Photo Albums: http://s84.photobucket.com/albums/k32/martin_lumber/ http://tinyurl.com/3yzns6 Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 5, 2005 5:35 PM About eleven years ago, I'd stay up late, and watch the midnight Amtrak train to Northern California arive and depart from the Rio Grande station in Salt Lake City. I'd chat with some of the passengers waiting to get on the train, while some express boxcars were dropped off, and the engines were refueled. While I'm sure the people I talked to wondered why I was up at that time in the morning, but none of the Amtrak employees bothered me. They knew I was there, but left me alone, as I stayed visible (i.e. under the floodlights) at all times. In fact, the only time I was approached by an Amtrak employee, was when the train was getting ready to leave, and I was mistaken for a passenger! Said the employee who thought I was a passenger, "Sorry! You're the guy who comes down here to watch the train." My wife-to-be who was there with me thought that was hillarious. Reply Edit CSXrules4eva Member sinceAugust 2004 From: Louisville, KY 1,345 posts Posted by CSXrules4eva on Monday, December 5, 2005 7:33 PM I'm going to have to say that I have never ever had a problem with anyone railroad employees, street cops, state troopers, railroad police, I've never had a problem with them. I guess one of the main reasons is why is because, I tend to stay out of the way while I'm railfaning. I don't bother the employees at all unless, they start talking to me. LORD HELP US ALL TO BE ORIGINAL AND NOT CRISPY!!! please? Sarah J.M. Warner conductor CSX Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 5, 2005 7:49 PM QUOTE: Originally posted by spbed You guys & Alan's friend must be the world's most unluckiest Railfan ever. [:)] Originally posted by BNSFrailfan. Ok fine! You just wait till it happends to you. Every one gets reported in by the police. Laugh now. Someone will report you someday. Reply Edit dharmon Member sinceAugust 2003 From: Bottom Left Corner, USA 3,420 posts Posted by dharmon on Monday, December 5, 2005 8:22 PM Can't type right now.....got to get my tin foil hat...black helicopter is flying overhead..... ...whew..false alarm...just the Sheriff chasing down some crook.... hiding in my bunker..... Dan Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 5, 2005 8:49 PM what is the governments problem, its not like railfans are hursting anyone. One time i was railfaning a cop came by and confiscated my memory card. That day i lost a $250 dollar memory card! I was [censored] off. but i was a good sport but about 3 second later this happened , a steamer came by. [banghead][banghead] Reply Edit 1234 Join our Community! Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account. Login » Register » Search the Community Newsletter Sign-Up By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy More great sites from Kalmbach Media Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy
Living nearby to MP 186 of the UPRR Austin TX Sub
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...
QUOTE: Originally posted by wabash1 dayliner you are so wrong.. to take pictures is your right but it dont make it rightto take pictures of crews on the trains. if you feel that it is your right to snap photo of crews then it ok for me to come to yor house and photo you and your wife by the pool or hot tub. how about the bed room. In other words dont come looking to take my picture unless i am ready to have it done. the problem with all you railfans is that you think you have the rightt to do what ever you want. when you want as long as it is on public property. if i decided to take pics of you at your house from the street then by the same token it was on public property . why such a problem with it because you take pictures of crew members breaking rules. simple enough.
QUOTE: Originally posted by halifaxcn I love warming up to this subject! Most of my posts have been about this topic, so anyway here we yet again! 1.) I have said it over and over, the cops are keeping an eye out on infrastucture with in their jurisdiction. They stop you be polite provide the info they request answer a few brief questions and they will be on their way, unless......you give them a hassle and you will loose. 2.) If you walked into my police station and stated that you wanted to photograph trains we would (A.) Run you to see if you had escapped from a mental health facility or had any warrants (B.) Tell you to get out and don't bother us with BS (C.) If we had a call to check you we would grill the caller more than the units responding would grill you. The police are between a rock and a hard place right know. The media with the help of the cry of Homeland Security has turned this country in to a bunch of snitches, rats and tattletales. Stalin would be proud! Police are expected to walk the thin line bewteen freedom and law violations. You are watching trains...so what. Are you trying to damage the train? Do you have any weapons? Why do YOU think that this is suspicious? Did you know that people are allowed to watch trains? There is a hobby that does this. Okay we will send someone to check. Units arrives cops, who by the way loathes this type of call. He/she gets out of the car, usually just making a show so that the caller will see them. They will ask you a few questions and have a nice day and thanks! Give them attitude then the stance changes and you will loose. I can not stress this enough that the cops are under the gun on this type of BS call, Those of us in LE who are on this group will back me up on this. So bottom line please, please don't bust our chops. Use common sense, don't tresspass, be civil if confronted by police. As for the photos, I got to tell you that when I am taking my photos and I am FAR from being an expert. I take the engine, or the rolling stock. I try not to get the crew in the shot and if I do, you can't ID them from the photo. I understand the thinking behid it. But let me ask you this when the news is on and you see fires, accident etc and the public safety workers are photographed in the public domain we have no expectation of privacy. This is the same if you are involved in the accident. Please don't consider this to be slamming anyone who has posted on this thread, it is just my two cents worth and maybe a some common sense who has over 30 years in public safety. Remember always be safe never tresspass on private property. Be civil and polite if the cops show up.
QUOTE: Originally posted by railfan619 Don't you all think that cops and the feds have better things to do then to harrass us railfans when did It become such a big deal for a couple of railfans to sit by a crossing or by a set of tracks to watch trains go by
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/
USAF TSgt C-17 Aircraft Maintenance Flying Crew Chief & Flightline Avionics Craftsman
Pump
Originally posted by BNSFrailfan. Living nearby to MP 186 of the UPRR Austin TX Sub Reply CopCarSS Member sinceAugust 2002 From: Turner Junction 3,076 posts Posted by CopCarSS on Monday, December 5, 2005 9:28 AM QUOTE: Originally posted by BNSFrailfan. UPTRAIN. You well know as we all know do that there will be some A$$HOLE who will wreck your day just for Railfanning. The thing that I just can't understand is why do bird watchers don't get into trouble and we Railfans do. Allan. With perhaps the possibility of the spread of a mutated version of the Bird Flu, birds generally aren't transporting hazardous materials, and are seldom seen as a possible threat from terrorists. Hence, observing them generates little concern. -ChrisWest Chicago, ILChristopher May Fine Art Photography"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." ~Ansel Adams Reply emdgp92 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Pittsburgh, PA 1,261 posts Posted by emdgp92 on Monday, December 5, 2005 1:08 PM The cops are just doing their jobs. Yeah, there are some jerks out there, but for the most part...the cops I've dealt with were pretty nice. Even though I've said this before... I sometimes watch the trains at the Amtrak station in downtown Pittsburgh. When I was asked what I was doing there, I simply replied I was taking pictures of trains. The guy said that as long as I didn't get in the way, wander into the NS "off-limits area" (the yard), or do anything stupid, I had free reign of the platforms. Keep in mind that 9/11 was still fresh in our minds. (I don't go down there as much now...since I can watch trains where I work in Aspinwall, PA (just up the river from downtown Pittsburgh, hehe. Speaking of which, an NS freight is going by right now!) Reply wgnrr Member sinceAugust 2004 From: Wisconsin 735 posts Posted by wgnrr on Monday, December 5, 2005 1:29 PM Almost a year ago, we were riding on the Metra, down from Kenosha, WI to Chicago. I have heard about all of the 'detained' stories, and thought that this would never happen to me. When we got out of the train, and stepped on the platform, and went near the ticket office, to take some photos. About 3.528 seconds later, a old man approached me and asked me what I was doing. He was a Metra security officer. I told him I was on a family vacation, and was going to take a picture of the Cab Car, that I rode in. The guy harassed me, told me that he had the full authority of arrest me, and so on, and so on. My dad came over, and got the whole incident straighteted out. What bothers me about this is that: 1. I was not doing anything wrong. 2. I could outrun that guy anyday. 3. He would let me take photos when I was in the station, but I would have to be near the engines And 4. I was 12 years old when this happened. I guess no matter how old you are, you can still get into big trouble. My Photo Albums: http://s84.photobucket.com/albums/k32/martin_lumber/ http://tinyurl.com/3yzns6 Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 5, 2005 5:35 PM About eleven years ago, I'd stay up late, and watch the midnight Amtrak train to Northern California arive and depart from the Rio Grande station in Salt Lake City. I'd chat with some of the passengers waiting to get on the train, while some express boxcars were dropped off, and the engines were refueled. While I'm sure the people I talked to wondered why I was up at that time in the morning, but none of the Amtrak employees bothered me. They knew I was there, but left me alone, as I stayed visible (i.e. under the floodlights) at all times. In fact, the only time I was approached by an Amtrak employee, was when the train was getting ready to leave, and I was mistaken for a passenger! Said the employee who thought I was a passenger, "Sorry! You're the guy who comes down here to watch the train." My wife-to-be who was there with me thought that was hillarious. Reply Edit CSXrules4eva Member sinceAugust 2004 From: Louisville, KY 1,345 posts Posted by CSXrules4eva on Monday, December 5, 2005 7:33 PM I'm going to have to say that I have never ever had a problem with anyone railroad employees, street cops, state troopers, railroad police, I've never had a problem with them. I guess one of the main reasons is why is because, I tend to stay out of the way while I'm railfaning. I don't bother the employees at all unless, they start talking to me. LORD HELP US ALL TO BE ORIGINAL AND NOT CRISPY!!! please? Sarah J.M. Warner conductor CSX Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 5, 2005 7:49 PM QUOTE: Originally posted by spbed You guys & Alan's friend must be the world's most unluckiest Railfan ever. [:)] Originally posted by BNSFrailfan. Ok fine! You just wait till it happends to you. Every one gets reported in by the police. Laugh now. Someone will report you someday. Reply Edit dharmon Member sinceAugust 2003 From: Bottom Left Corner, USA 3,420 posts Posted by dharmon on Monday, December 5, 2005 8:22 PM Can't type right now.....got to get my tin foil hat...black helicopter is flying overhead..... ...whew..false alarm...just the Sheriff chasing down some crook.... hiding in my bunker..... Dan Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 5, 2005 8:49 PM what is the governments problem, its not like railfans are hursting anyone. One time i was railfaning a cop came by and confiscated my memory card. That day i lost a $250 dollar memory card! I was [censored] off. but i was a good sport but about 3 second later this happened , a steamer came by. [banghead][banghead] Reply Edit 1234 Join our Community! Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account. Login » Register » Search the Community Newsletter Sign-Up By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy More great sites from Kalmbach Media Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy
QUOTE: Originally posted by BNSFrailfan. UPTRAIN. You well know as we all know do that there will be some A$$HOLE who will wreck your day just for Railfanning. The thing that I just can't understand is why do bird watchers don't get into trouble and we Railfans do. Allan.
-ChrisWest Chicago, ILChristopher May Fine Art Photography"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." ~Ansel Adams
QUOTE: Originally posted by spbed You guys & Alan's friend must be the world's most unluckiest Railfan ever. [:)] Originally posted by BNSFrailfan. Ok fine! You just wait till it happends to you. Every one gets reported in by the police. Laugh now. Someone will report you someday. Reply Edit dharmon Member sinceAugust 2003 From: Bottom Left Corner, USA 3,420 posts Posted by dharmon on Monday, December 5, 2005 8:22 PM Can't type right now.....got to get my tin foil hat...black helicopter is flying overhead..... ...whew..false alarm...just the Sheriff chasing down some crook.... hiding in my bunker..... Dan Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 5, 2005 8:49 PM what is the governments problem, its not like railfans are hursting anyone. One time i was railfaning a cop came by and confiscated my memory card. That day i lost a $250 dollar memory card! I was [censored] off. but i was a good sport but about 3 second later this happened , a steamer came by. [banghead][banghead] Reply Edit 1234 Join our Community! Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account. Login » Register » Search the Community Newsletter Sign-Up By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy More great sites from Kalmbach Media Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy
Originally posted by BNSFrailfan.
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