Do railroad engineers, and switch men like being filmed?

Question

I spend most of my free time only as a hobbie filming trains, and taking photos of passing trains I have had many encounters with down right mean yard workers, and some but not all engineers have fliped me off. I am a professional, and I know my limits,and respect the railroad laws. I have had countless times of men throwing things from the cab yelling stupied remarks, and the yard switchmen threaten me with harm if I don't leave the area. I remind you that I am on public land. Seems that things have changed, most men don't even wave back, and to be in a photo. I do have some of my photos listed in the trainsweb sites. My question is: Don't roadmen like being a part of history?

Answer 1

they think you a a muckraker trying to catch them drinking beer...lol

Answer 2

In my 32 years of railroading i have never seen anyone do the things you say have happened to you.I'm not saying it didn't happen to you,just that i've never seen it done.I know i don't mind being photographed.I have heard calls made on the radio reporting someone on company property taking pictures.Since 9-11 we are supposed to report anyone on or near the railroad hanging around or taking pictures.It's wrong for anyone to be throwing things at you though.And as long as your on public land i don't see where anyone can hassle you.You could get a visit from a railroad p.o. asking what your doing though.It's just a consequence of the post 9-11 world we live in now.

Answer 3

I've worked on the trains in the UK for nearly thirty years and have no problem at all with people filming or photographing them. I think it's only good manners to wave or at least smile at the photographer.

I've photographed trains in Florida and Georgia and the engineers have always been friendly and given me a wave; it's been most appreciated.

Answer 4

First of all if someone is throwing something at you from a train you need to turn that in to the railroad they work for. I have certain people that are always taking pictures on my run and I sometimes will slide the window open for them to take a picture it just depends on the mood I'm in and what is going on at the time. As far as the history of it goes most of the guys I work with have no real idea of the history of the railroads.

Answer 5

they don't like being filmed, and are caught up in their work

Answer 6

Jerks can be found in every walk of life.  Things may have changed since I left the service, but of all the many rails I've worked with and known, at the very worst would never exhibit anything more than passive indifference.

Speaking for myself alone I kind of welcomed the attention as a pleasant diversion and I always answered questions whenever I could, just as I do here and now.  And, the same as here and now, I stress safety whenever the opportunity arises.

So, shine 'em on, my man, keep your shutter clicking and stay safe...

Answer 7

As soon as someone starts working for the railroad (at least the one i work for) there trying to catch you doing something wrong. The railroads have been sued by so many of their own employees in the past that now they hire private eyes to get dirt on us. Some of us don't trust people fiming us work. nothing personal.

Answer 8

Each person is an individual and has their own feelings about being filmed.  In other words, some have no issue with you filming them and some have big issues with it.  Some people just don't like having their picture taken.  Some may think you are working for the railroad and trying to catch them not doing their jobs.

Since the events of 9/11, people in transit companies are more conscious of others taking pictures and doing filming.  It can be considered "suspicious activity".  Some will radio to get the police and others will yell, threaten and throw things at you.

You may be on public land but make sure that the particular RR doesn't require advance permission for you to take movies or pictures of their infrastructure or equipment (think - copyright laws).

I would say that you should stand your ground in these situations but always remember - discretion is the better point of valor.  You can always walk away and come back later.  One day you might get hurt by an overzealous RR worker.

Answer 9

I have been a locomotive engineer for 16 years.  I think you should outgrow being a "rail fan" at 10 years old.  I have actually had adult "rail fans" to try to give me pointers on how to run my trains.  I have never yelled at a "rail fan" or anything like that but I prefer that you take pictures of my train rather than me.  Enjoy your hobby but please try to be less intrusive.

Answer 10

There are thousands of us out there taking pictures and videoing trains, one thing to remember is you are approaching (not going in) to their work place, they may be having a bad day, it may be a long day and full of delays, we all have bad days, and as some have stated companies like to "get dirt" on their employees, it gives the company a "tool" to use against them.

The Railroad employees probably realise that the pics and video will probably end up on the Internet, some may not like that.

If you are on public property them you are not doing anything wrong, if you have objects thrown at you try to film it, they are attempting assault, you don't have to go to police as this WILL turn crews against you, however you can contact the company, and you will have the proof, in most cases I would just try to brush it off, no need to make the situation worse. (the was an incident on NS where a crew member was fired for yelling remarks as it gave the company a bad image).

Pics will always be taken and try to just record history as you are doing, when those crews are retired in 30 years they may look at your pic and tell their grandkids that was their train and their job.

Answer 11

its all  9 /11 "security" that been drummed into our minds

they think a photographer is equivalent being a terrorist

its not the odd days anymore

Answer 12

I don't mind, I have occassionally encountered rude railfans or photogs but that is extremely rare.

If you have had people throwing things, I apologize for their behavior, there are slobs in every walk of life, railroads are not exempt. I've never witnessed any of my co-workers do that and if they did I would have words with them but I am sure it happens. Sad to say.

Living where I do, we have people photographing and filming us almost every day, most are quite friendly and respectful, I hate blowing their ears out at crossings but I am required to blow the h**l out of the whistle so I hope you guys are wearing hearing protection.

As for being part of history, most people dont really care, and the railfans are more interested in the scenery and equipment then the people.