There is this old crossing that I have been wanting to see the signals work for quite a while.....?

Question

It has the old flasher type with no gates and there are not too many of them here. So one evening I was like up and down the road becuase I thought a train was coming (it is near a yard so they come through it slowly) and the people in the houses were started to look at me suspiciously which can be understood. So if I go back and they call the cops what should I say? Officer I just wanted to see the signals go on at this crossing?

Answer 1

There are rail fans everywhere, carry a camera, and look like a foamer, they will leave you alone.

And the answer about being totally honest is right on.

Answer 2

You should be fine. Stay on public property, and when the cops roll up, just tell them you like to watch the trains go by. It's a classic American pastime.

Answer 3

Rex,

Just be careful and above all be honest and open if you do have a run in with law enforcement.  For instance, rail photographers all across the country are being watched closer than ever by law enforcement because of terrorism.  Most of the time they mention what they're doing and are free to go about their business but other times, even when they have been completely in the right, their property (i.e., camera and/or film) has been unlawfully confiscated and officers have likewise flat out been incorrect or lied about the law to these folks (incidents at Metra, around Chicago, is a classic example of this).  

In these instances the agencies involved later apologized to the individuals but in any event, just be very observant and careful when you think you might be drawing attention out there along the railroad tracks (likewise be honest and open with any railroad crewmen/employees that might stop and ask you questions).

Answer 4

It's perfectly reasonable for the neighbors and cops to check you out, but it's also perfectly reasonable and legal for you to be there.  

Know your rights

http://www.berkeleycopwatch.org/knowyour...

and talk to the cops if you think it'd be useful to do so.

It's perfectly reasonable to be a railfan, there are many of us.

Answer 5

If you are not breaking the law you can drive up and down the road as much as you want.

Answer 6

if you are on a public road you are okay, if you are on private

property thats a problem (and remember being on or near

tracks is private property..