I've posted this before, but for the benefit of SPORRS newcomers (and to try to stimulate discussion), here is my "top ten list" of things every serious rail photographer should have...
10. Ladders. I carry a small three-step loop ladder whenever I go shooting (less than $20 at paint stores). Yes, the photo stores sell heavy-duty ones for $200 or so, but the cheapies from hardware stores work just fine and it's no big deal if an airline loses or breaks it...just buy another. They are an absolute must in situations like fan trip photo lines where a good 12" of elevation will get you above everyone on the photo line, so you don't have to elbow your way into a spot. Bigger folding ladders are getting to be a necessity to work your way over things like the fences they routinely install on the walkways of highway overpasses. 9. Business cards. Something with your name, address, e-mail info, etc., to present to rail officials when getting permission to enter property; also nice to have when you meet other fans; and a GREAT HELP when the cops stop by and wonder what the heck you are doing with the ladder (described above) leaning against the guardrail fences on highway overpasses. 8. Gaffer tape. NOT THE GOOEY, CHEAP 'DUCT TAPE' they sell at hardware stores and Radio Shack; the higher-quality cloth-backed stuff (usually comes in red or black colors) found at camera stores. Duct tape leaves a gooey residue. Gaffer tape comes off clean. Gaffer tape is the universal fix-all for broken camera bags, mounting scanners in rental cars, sealing broken luggage, etc. Anyone who ever has traveled with me knows I always find new uses for Gaffer Tape... 7. Leatherman Tool. Absolutely the best knife/plier/beercan opener/screwdriver combination tool out there. Uses are limitless. 6. Cabela's catalog. Anybody who is really serious aboiut getting out in the field and railfanning cannot afford to be without the free catalogs from this Nebraska-based hunting and fishing supply place. (http://www.cabelas.com) Wade thru the hunting and fishing supplies listed in the catalogs and you'll find they sell some of the best-made, most reasonably-priced rugged outdoor clothing available. They have a cult following among news photographers simply because of the clothing they sell. Hot weather/cold weather/wet weather...they've got it all covered along witha great selection of boots. This is what Eddie Bauer used to be before they became a shopping-mall purveyor of cheap stuff for wannabees. 5. Extra batteries. Go by the Costco or Sam's warehouse stores and stock up on batteries for your camera, since most of the newer, better cameras need batteries. Rule #1: Your batteries will always DIE trackside in places like Kellerman, Alabama or Amboy, Calif., if you haven't packed extras. 4. Extra car keys. I'll admit, in the heat of chasing trains, I've locked keys in the car many times. That's why I carry extras in my wallet, in my camera bag and in my shirt pocket. With rental cars, I usually request an extra set (rare that they comply these days) or head to a hardware store and invest a couple bucks in a few spare rental car keys. 3. Camera insurance. DO insure your gear. Talk to your insurance person and make sure you are covered under your homeowner's policy. Do you have the kind of insurance that gives you FULL REPLACEMENT cost rather than the depreciated value of your gear? Pay the few extra bucks to get the full replacement insurance. I can vouch for all this, since I had my gear stolen in '93 and State Farm upgraded me to state-of-the-art EOS gear within a week. 2. AAA Membership. Pays for itself many times over, and the free maps you get in Southern California are probably worth the cost of membership alone. 1. A decent tripod. 'Nuff said. -> SPORRS: Serious Photographers of Railroad Related Subjects -> Web Site: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs -> Message © SPORRS® 1998 - All Rights Reserved
