RailRoadFan.com

PatAzo wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 12, 2022 12:54 pm

MQT1223 wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 12, 2022 11:43 am

Do a little illegal passing here and there as long as its within reason.

In the event of an accident how will you make a case that it was reasonable?

That's where the reason comes in. If you don't think you can make it then don't pass! I've passed in no passing zones if I can see there's no traffic. I won't pass going up a blind hill or on a blind curve.

Of course it's only illegal if you are caught.

If you want a peek in a yard, or at some equipment parked, and it is on a private road, make a "wrong turn" down that road, get your shot quick, and leave. I've done that before. Always have a backup story if you do decide to drive on a road where you shouldn't really be.

MQT1223 wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 12, 2022 9:32 pm

PatAzo wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 12, 2022 12:54 pm

MQT1223 wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 12, 2022 11:43 am

Do a little illegal passing here and there as long as its within reason.

In the event of an accident how will you make a case that it was reasonable?

That's where the reason comes in. If you don't think you can make it then don't pass! I've passed in no passing zones if I can see there's no traffic. I won't pass going up a blind hill or on a blind curve.

Of course it's only illegal if you are caught.

I love how you used to complain that I was a “risky driver” for such things as going 5-10 over on rural roads and dive-bombing stop signs (but still stopping).

Now you’re the one getting airborne and driving 45+ in city neighborhoods - at night no less - and blowing stop signs in there like they aren’t there. Stuff I’ve never done and would never do.

I just hope you never hit and kill somebody.

David Collins wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 12, 2022 7:05 pm

Jochs wrote: ↑

Sun Apr 10, 2022 10:23 am

Scanners are still illegal in Indiana, but are not in Ohio and Michigan.

Uh oh, I used mine in Elkhart...

Get a ham radio license. The reasoning is (unless something has changed) the ham license is under federal law and allows the use of the scanner. Federal law trumps state (Indiana) law, so you don't have to worry about whether or not you'll remember your excuse in the heat of the moment.

GreatLakesRailfan wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 14, 2022 10:16 pm

David Collins wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 12, 2022 7:05 pm

Jochs wrote: ↑

Sun Apr 10, 2022 10:23 am

Scanners are still illegal in Indiana, but are not in Ohio and Michigan.

Uh oh, I used mine in Elkhart...

Get a ham radio license.

I do have one

Saturnalia wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 14, 2022 7:16 am

MQT1223 wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 12, 2022 9:32 pm

PatAzo wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 12, 2022 12:54 pm

In the event of an accident how will you make a case that it was reasonable?

That's where the reason comes in. If you don't think you can make it then don't pass! I've passed in no passing zones if I can see there's no traffic. I won't pass going up a blind hill or on a blind curve.

Of course it's only illegal if you are caught.

I love how you used to complain that I was a “risky driver” for such things as going 5-10 over on rural roads and dive-bombing stop signs (but still stopping).

Now you’re the one getting airborne and driving 45+ in city neighborhoods - at night no less - and blowing stop signs in there like they aren’t there. Stuff I’ve never done and would never do.

I just hope you never hit and kill somebody.

Where did I say I was driving 45 mph in city neighborhoods and at night? I just checked and no where is that stated I rarely chase in any developed or urban area unless I know I can make it while being civil because I don't want to hurt anyone. I am a determined person, not crazy. I do however look both ways before I blow a stop sign. Lots of wide open space in Indiana and Southern Michigan.

MQT1223 wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 15, 2022 10:48 pm

Where did I say I was driving 45 mph in city neighborhoods and at night? I just checked and no where is that stated I rarely chase in any developed or urban area unless I know I can make it while being civil because I don't want to hurt anyone. I am a determined person, not crazy. I do however look both ways before I blow a stop sign. Lots of wide open space in Indiana and Southern Michigan.

There is one specific incident wherein I recall you boasting that you went from Muskegon State Park, around the lake and to the USS Silversides in 15 minutes, when Google Maps estimates that it takes at least 30 minutes to do so - most of it through developed neighborhoods. You were boasting about how you were speeding like crazy (up to 45 in 25s) and blowing stop signs. This all to catch the M/V Mississagi.

This isn't a personal animus, it's just that lately I've heard a lot of questionable decisions on your part when chasing stuff, and I've grown concerned over it, that something might happen.

Be safe out there.

Saturnalia wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 16, 2022 12:04 am

MQT1223 wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 15, 2022 10:48 pm

Where did I say I was driving 45 mph in city neighborhoods and at night? I just checked and no where is that stated I rarely chase in any developed or urban area unless I know I can make it while being civil because I don't want to hurt anyone. I am a determined person, not crazy. I do however look both ways before I blow a stop sign. Lots of wide open space in Indiana and Southern Michigan.

There is one specific incident wherein I recall you boasting that you went from Muskegon State Park, around the lake and to the USS Silversides in 15 minutes, when Google Maps estimates that it takes at least 30 minutes to do so - most of it through developed neighborhoods. You were boasting about how you were speeding like crazy (up to 45 in 25s) and blowing stop signs. This all to catch the M/V Mississagi.

This isn't a personal animus, it's just that lately I've heard a lot of questionable decisions on your part when chasing stuff, and I've grown concerned over it, that something might happen.

Be safe out there.

Yeah I remember that one, though I don't think boasting is the right word. I was more surprised then anything. Mississagi's last season. I just got lucky. Treat the stop signs like yield signs (which no one knows how to use stop signs or yield signs properly anyway), mostly green lights and right turns. Nice wide, well lit streets so plenty of visibility. Time of day meant little to no traffic. Overall a perfect scenario. 40 in a 25 is no big deal. Travel time is 27 minutes, you can shave off a few crucial minutes by going 10-15 over. Had I been going the opposite direction I would've never made it will all the lights and left turns.

The original post asked "...can anyone point anything else out that is important?". Remember that chasing trains is a hobby. There will be another train tomorrow, next week and next month. If you can't beat the train to the next spot it doesn't matter. Enjoy the day and don't be stupid.

For MQT 1223 boast is the correct word. Keep in mind everything you post is potentially discoverable by an attorney. A personal injury attorney would love to find your remarks in discovery. But it won't happen to you because you use reason right? You pull out to pass on the double yellow and as you do another guy using reason blows the stop coming out of a driveway and turns into your path. You roll through a stop but miss seeing the motor cycle doing 40 in the 25 because it's no big deal. From what I read it's not if you have an accident, it's when.

I visited Detroit a few weeks ago for a tigers game. Not for trains. I usually stick to Durand, Lansing, port Huron for trains tbh. I would never go close to Detroit with my mustang. Too risky.

SD80MAC wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 12, 2022 9:06 am

Laws don't apply when chasing trains. If a cop does try to pull you over, don't stop until you're at your photo spot. The cop will be angry at first, however all you have to do is tell them that this is a "Railfan Emergency". They will instantly be relieved and maybe even offer to give you an escort next time.

Really? Don’t give me ideas now… lol