Hey Everybody, My thoughts on fanatical railfans and their tactics may not be in line with everybody's opinion, but here's my two cent's worth.
First and foremost, I won't do anything that will endanger me or anyone with me. Safety is my top priority. If it isn't safe, I don't do it. Any injury, short of sore muscles or scratches, isn't worth the most impressive photograph. This is a hobby for me, not a livelyhood. I won't enter railroad property without permission. I even try to stay off of the railroad's right of way when photographing trains out on the road. I've been turned down a few times when I've asked for permission, but only because I didn't have the proper safety gear, and none was available at the time for me to use. In some cases, I think railfans trespass because they're afraid to ask for permission, or they're afraid of being turned down and the shot they want is just too important. I display a professional attitude and demeanor at all times. If I get into a situation where a railroad employee or official unleashes some verbal abuse or displays some ego-driven nonsense, I don't respond in a like manner. I won't allow myself to degenerate to their level. If I am approached by an angry employee or official, I apologize for causing problems (wheather I did or not) and make a swift, graceful exit. Many times this de-fuses the situation and restores some sense of calm to a tense situation. Once in a while you run into an employee who just doesn't like anybody, and you just have to walk away and realize that some people are beyond help. Although the railroad employees in my area are pretty laid back, I still watch my step. I maintain my distance when photographing trains at speed, since trainmen get very nervous when they see someone near the track, especially when a camera is present. If I get a chance to talk to a train crew out on the road, I offer them a photograph of "their" train at no charge. I even offer to help the crews if they encounter a problem on the road. Yes, it costs me a few dollars and some of my time, but this practice has paid for itself many times over. I can't tell you how many times, while out chasing and photographing trains in the middle of the summer (which is brutal down south), that the crew has thrown off a bottle of ice cold bottled water to me as they passed, complete with important line-up information tied to the bottle. As for some comments on NS, maybe it's just the area I'm from, but most NS employees have been some of the nicest I've encountered. One afternoon, a NS signal maintainer encountered us in a remote area waiting for NS #219. He politely asked us if we needed help, and we told him that we were just taking some photos of NS trains, particularly #219. He said, "Let me see where he is for you", and promptly called the NS Diapatcher via his cell phone. Much to our surprise, he provided the location of #219, along with a line up for the next several hours, complete with lead unit numbers. We thanked him immensely and his only comment as he departed was "You guys be careful. We run sort of fast through here". I've tried to do things to let these employees know that I appreciate them and their jobs. I believe in giving something back to the employees that make my hobby possible and enjoyable. I try to display a sense of respect for them, and, hopefully, they'll have a bit of respect for me. I hope I won't need too much water to put out the flames from this one. Best Regards, Danny -> SPORRS: Serious Photographers of Railroad Related Subjects -> Web Site: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs -> Message © SPORRS® 1998 - All Rights Reserved
