I was chasing a UP detour train over the SOO in the Quad Cities (Davenport, IA) and wanted to get a shot of the UP units passing the John O'Donnell Stadium (minor league baseball). As I set up in the parking lot a car pulled up next to me. On the door was printed "Quad Cities Times". Apparently this writer thought I too was a member of the media and wanted to know what "Big Story" if any, I was after. Well, he was rather disappointed when I told him it was only a train.
On a related note, crews, at least on the UP, are a bit apprehensive about people around the tracks. This is due to Uncle Pete's management tactics. The lower-level managers are out performing "efficiency tests" on the train crews. There are several "pet" tests that they like to perform. One especially is wearing an orange vest and standing near the tracks. The engineer is supposed to blow the whistle to warn the pseudo workmen. Just dress as yourself and take pictures. If you must trespass, get permission. In my several years of photographing trains, I can count the number of times I've been asked to leave on one hand. I have one question for those who "dress up" as someone else What do you plan to say when your identity comes into question? I would think that such a "scheme" would more likely land you in jail, than be asked to leave. ----------------------------------------------------------- Joel G. Kirchner [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://miso.wwa.com/~jgk/index.htm ----------------------------------------------------------- -> SPORRS: Serious Photographers of Railroad Related Subjects -> Web Site: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs -> Message © SPORRS® 1998 - All Rights Reserved
