That is a good idea seanbattalion51 said:Jeez, I didn't realize it was getting that bad out there. h34r:
But this heightened alertness does bring me to an idea I had a year or so ago following a cover article in Trains regarding people being questioned about their practice of taking pictures, video, or even just watching. I believe a Railfan ID card should be created. For a nominal fee ($10 something like that) a railfan could apply to have his/her background checked, and they are then issued a picture ID that shows that they have been checked out and they should be left alone. Now obviously this would only come into use when the police have been alerted, but it would instantly remove any suspicion of a railfan that has the idea. This could also be used for other "high security" activities, such as plane watching.
I would also have to agree.BNSF_1088 said:That is a good idea seanbattalion51 said:Jeez, I didn't realize it was getting that bad out there. h34r:
But this heightened alertness does bring me to an idea I had a year or so ago following a cover article in Trains regarding people being questioned about their practice of taking pictures, video, or even just watching. I believe a Railfan ID card should be created. For a nominal fee ($10 something like that) a railfan could apply to have his/her background checked, and they are then issued a picture ID that shows that they have been checked out and they should be left alone. Now obviously this would only come into use when the police have been alerted, but it would instantly remove any suspicion of a railfan that has the idea. This could also be used for other "high security" activities, such as plane watching.
Couldn't have been said better. People are just taking pictures, they're not sabotaging rails or going under the train. If they're in say a yard without permission then that's something to be curious about. But if its just somebody on a platform taking pictures, thats not a true big deal, people tend to overreact.BNSF_1088 said:When i go railfaning i wear my BNSF picture ID so no one will bother me.I think this crap has gotten a little out of hand the only thing i can say is just be carefull.
Amtrak Stations parks and those types of places no because that is not consierid RR prop it's more Public than private.battalion51 said:Matt, are there exceptions to areas that you have to report railfans at (i.e. train watching platforms like Folkston)? Fortunately for me most of my photography is done in stations where I'm likely not to get questioned, but this is getting rediculous.
I should say 50ft from the center rail.yep that is how much row the RR owns but if your in a park or on priviate prop your ok if you go past the telaphone poles then your on RR prop.battalion51 said:Even onto private property, or public property (parks) for that matter?
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