Depressing Day With the Railroad Police

[DelayInBlock]

Only three trains...and a run in with the railroad police.

[~Z~]

Only three trains...and a run in with the railroad police.

Only thing more depressing is this trip report. Where, when, photos... Something to tell us about your train spotting, or even about the runin with the cops.

[B-Town]

Do tell about the coppers!

[hoborich]

Fasten your seat belts.

[DelayInBlock]

Today I went to Blissfield looking for a train. We found a train at the grain elevator by the Marathon Station, South of town. We waited for AGES for the train, but my Grandpa wanted to take me to Toledo, since I had never been there before. So, we left and went to Vickers (with the help of a friend). Saw two trains. The first train was saw, was headed North. After the train had passed, a Police Officer pulled next to us and asked us how long we had been there. "About 10min," Grandpa said. The Officer seemed disappointed and told us that he wished we had been there five minutes earlier to film a train that reportedly, had caught on fire. Some people called 911 and reported the issue and he wanted film evidence for it. We asked him if we were okay to film from the spot we were at and he told us it was a safe enough distance away from the track that we were not trespassing. We got bored, and after waiting forever, (I soon realized Mondays are NOT a good day for Railfanning) we decided to go over to the CSX. We parked along a service drive. Again, a white RR Police SUV pulled along side us, "You all okay?" Granpa said, "We're alright, we're from Michigan here to watch trains." He replied, "Oh alright! Not a problem, thought you may have broken down." I asked him if we were too close. He replied, "Nope, you're good. Just as long as you stay on this side of the shed there, you'll be fine."

He drove off and after a hour of waiting, we saw one train. We decided to head home and see if ADBF still out and about switching. We arrived in Blissfield and to my surprise, there was a grade crossing all lit up and flashing. I was happy, hoping 1752 would be close by. But no, the gate was just malfunctioning and I called the emergency number that was listed on the side to report it. We arrived into Adrian, by Omni Source. There was 1752, waiting at a diamond for clearance from NS. I was happy that I'd at least get one shot of the locomotive crossing the diamond and going passed the crossing. Now, judging by where I had set up earlier in the day, I figured I was not trespassing from where I had set up. I pinned myself against a tall metal fence, against Omni Source's property. I waited about 15mins for the train to move. NOTHING happened.

While I was freezing my butt off, a white pick up crossed over and parked on the other side of the track. The lady who was driving the truck motioned for me to come over. At this point, I nearly crapped myself, because I PROMISED MYSELF I'D NEVER trespass. I felt horrible and started shaking. She smiled and said, "You're what my boss calls a Foamer, aren't you?" I shrugged and said, "Some people call us that." I could barely talk because it felt like there was a rock in my throat, I felt so....horrible. I let myself down. "You know, you're trespassing on Railroad Property. This line is very strict on trespassers and you could get fined for this." I told her I knew the rules about trespassing and I also explained where I had set up earlier at Vickers, which was closer than where I had set up along the fence. I also explained to her that I knew about right-of-ways, and I told her that I knew they differed in areas. Some places, Railroad Property extends further out from the tracks, others, not so much. I told her I would pick up my gear and leave. She told me, "Well, you seem like a nice kid, and since you're wearing a Pepsi jacket, which happens to be my FAVORITE drink, I'll let you take your pictures."

I told her I didn't need to and I could just get out of her hair and go, partially because my heart sunk like that ship in Italy this weekend. But she said, "Get over there and take your pictures. Oh, here's a souvenir," it was a ADBF drink coaster. I smiled and thanked her. She motioned to walk over there. I recorded the train as it went over the grade crossing. After it had gone, I walked back and told her I really didn't deserve the coaster. But she told me to keep it. I walked over the road back to the car, climbed in, and sobbed. I felt horrible. I let myself down. I promised myself I would never trespass, but apparently I did. I am considering quitting the hobby altogether. I just feel like I've let too many people down.

All the way home I just felt horrible, still do. I guess I've just grown tired of always failing people. As a Railfan, society doesn't accept your hobby. For good reasons, I suppose. One, it's dangerous to Railroads. We are a liability to Railroads, and a bother. We get in the way and frighten railroad crews. They don't know if that Railfan taking pictures is going to try and get the classic, "last grab-fantastic shot," in front of the speeding locomotive. What if they fell? What if they got caught in the gauge and got slaughtered by the train? It wouldn't be good. Plus, everyone else looks at us like total nerdy weirdos who don't fit in. I mean, face it. If you're hobby isn't anything else besides playing video games or having your own fantasy sports team, you're an outcast. And I get SICK of people making fun of me for my hobby. That is why I am considering giving up being a Railfan. It's just hard to live life as an outcast and a total failure to yourself.

Now, I believe that the lady from Adrian & Blissfield was totally, 100,000,000,000% correct; I was on railroad property. Although it was against my knowledge, I was trespassing. I do not hold any grudge against her or their management. Why? Because it was their property. No doubt about it. If a Railroad personnel tells you something is true, IT IS. Sure, their security may be a bit extreme, but for GOOD REASON. Like I said, the crews don't know what our next moves may be. I have the uttermost respect for their management. Most of the members of this site don't, because of their policies about Railfans. But they're in place for good reason. So, after this experience, I am vowing NEVER to Railfan in Adrian or Blissfield ever again. I don't want to let them, and myself, down even more. Also, I am considering giving up the hobby. If anyone has a reason why I shouldn't, please feel free to share. Here's the video of 1752 which the lady ever so graciously allowed me to film:

[DelayInBlock]

I will post the other video of the Norfolk Southern train in Vickers later, where I spoke with the first Officer.

[SD80MAC]

I wouldn't beat yourself up about it. You got pretty lucky though, based on the other stuff written about the ADBF here. Also remember, there is a difference between knowingly tresspassing, and unintentionally tresspassing (though not to the cops!), at least as far as you yourself should be concerned. You made a mistake, big deal, we all do.

[DelayInBlock]

Video of NS at Vickers where the Officer said I was not trespassing and was at a safe distance away:



Personally, I think I was set up closer to this train than I was on ADBF. Then again, right-of-ways are subject to change.

[AARR]

Here you go lapeditor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhxjNYvJbgM

[atrainguy60]

I don't think anyone can go without accidentally trespassing once or twice. I agree with Conrail Jon, as long as you weren't doing it intentionally.

[pbmaxno15]

Sounds like just the opposite to me. You got to spend time with your grandpa. Although small in number, you got to see some trains. Much to the dismay of many on this board, you had positive contacts with the RR police. You were invited on to RR property to get your shot. You got RR freebies from a RR employee. I would say it was a positive day with the RR police. Then again, I would just be happy seeing some trains. I say keep at it.

[PAT.C]

Sounds like just the opposite to me. You got to spend time with your grandpa. Although small in number, you got to see some trains. Much to the dismay of many on this board, you had positive contacts with the RR police. You were invited on to RR property to get your shot. You got RR freebies from a RR employee. I would say it was a positive day with the RR police. Then again, I would just be happy seeing some trains. I say keep at it.

THIS WAS WORTH REPEATING. SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAD A GOOD DAY.
YOU HAVE A GOOD GUY FOR A GRANDPA - ENJOY THE TIME WITH HIM.

[firemedic54]

First off don't give up on your hobby that you clearly enjoy. Second, she motioned for you to walk towards her across the track. She in essence gave you permission on to the property. I don't know if Omni Source is owned by the ADBF but if you're leaning on a fence and not destroying it then I see no issues. I commend you for respecting the railroads' property and enjoying your hobby from a safe distance but I wouldn't sweat the small stuff. Keep doing what you're doing and cherish the time spent with your family.

[sd70accsxt700]

Omni Source is no way related to ADBF, in Fact Omni Coporation owns it own railroads, Omnitracks. They are the ones that for a while had the Gray and Blue GP, that switched DOW, after CSX left in Midland. They also opperate the NOW, in OH.

In fact Omni Source is the scrap side of Omni company.

[GLC 392]

Don't sweat it, i have dealt with more then my share of cops minus 2 of them they were all decent and they have all let me go and never had anything on me whether i was trespassing or not.

[Saturnalia]

I've trespassed before, and I don't think anyone here hasn't. You aren't ever really thinking about where you are, just "get the shot". Relax, you are Okay. If a RR employee says you are fine---YOU ARE FINE. Truely, the A&B seems pretty grumpy about trespassers, but then again, they have rights to kick you off. Another member on here was recently sued or whatever for trespassing on the A&B. You got "lucky". As far as getting close to the train goes: stay on the sholder of the road, and you should be able to get as close as you see fit----hey, if its public....YOU OWN IT! Also, we've all been teased about our hobby.....but look, this site is mainly just the Central Great Lakes, and there are over 1500 members! (granted they all aren't all FOAMERS! Look, you make great film....go got to go INSIDE THE LOCO of the Amtrak 40th Train.....who else here did? Granted, I've been in the cab of an LSRC loco twice . Antoher thing you have going in your favor is you are a kid (Obviously I am too), and that means most adults will soften the rules for you.....how many teenagers know what a ROW is? . The best you can do if you know you are on RR property is to as calmly as you can apologise, give your reason for being there, then leave....don't be a SMART ALEC!!!!!!!! Cops by nature don't like being talked back too....many of them became cops to hold power

Have I said enough? PM me if you need more

[SHMILLER]

Another member on here was recently sued or whatever for trespassing on the A&B.

He was not sued. He was given a ticket. Two very different things, and you should get your facts straight before spouting off about things.

[hoborich]

Whatever happened with that ticket issue? Never heard anymore about it.

[redside20]

Whatever happened with that ticket issue? Never heard anymore about it.

For some reason, the situation got tight lipped real fast and said person involved is no longer on this board for the time being. Probably for confidentiality reasons.

[bctrainfan]

I have to agree with many of the others here. You spent the day with your Grandpa, you got to see some trains, your police contact was quite positive (if it could always go so smooth! ) and you got a little RR souvenir. You are being responsible and respectful, making all efforts to be safe and not trespass, so you were being a good railfan. BTW, I will repeat what someone else said....if you are acting under the direction of a RR employee, like when the lady waved for you to cross to where she was parked, you are NOT trespassing! And you got some interesting stories to tell!

That's not a depressing day, that sounds like a GREAT day to me!

And, yes, many people either don't know about railfanning or think its a little geeky. But there are many thousands of railfans out there, so don't quit doing something you enjoy! I'm sure a lot of people here, like myself, wish they would have been into this hobby at much younger age. So hang in there and don't be too hard on yourself!