Thank you for the start, this was exactly what I couldn't find. It's great to see that the options are increasing all of the time. I think I will plan to visit Heber Valley, looks to be very scenic.
I took this picture in April of '85, back when it seemed like I had more time to spend chasing and photographing trains. A very pristine looking eastbound CN SD40 5064 is sitting on the CN main line just east of Fort Langley, B.C. while it waits for opposing traffic to clear. CN was in the midst of a major double-tracking project on this section of line so there were often stationary trains waiting to clear opposing traffic. I drove by here all the time so I had lots of "low effort" opportunities.
I have recently acquired a new scanner (Epson V750M Pro) and this is actually one of the first slides I've copied (from a K64 slide at 2400 dpi), and so far I'm really liking what this thing can do. Will now be able to post more of my "older" train pics...
A few safety tips (leaving aside the issues of trespassing):
Remain a safe distance from the tracks. Loose gear, damaged equipemnt, dragging or falling objects can be hazardous when near the tracks and moving equipment. Passing trains can kick up quite a bit of wind and blow things around.
If you should have to cross over the tracks, do so only after being sure there are no nearby trains. Check both directions, all tracks.
Never step on the rails. Even if you are in an area with open access, like a museum, etc., where you are able to be around and on the tracks, or simply cutting across the tracks to the other side. Oil, grease or other slippery materials on the rails or your shoes can cause a slip and fall.
If crossing near rolling stock always remain at least 10 feet or farther away. Remote control engines are being used in some places and there may not be a crew member close enough to see people near the cars.
Don't remain within the gauge (between the rails) any longer than you have to.
Should you be between tracks and have trains moving around you and you get vertigo? Lie down.
It can be very dangerous to work on or near the tracks. Extreme care is needed. Modern trains are fast moving and very quiet. Welded rail and roller bearings have cut way down on the noise that trains might make. There may be few or no crossings in the area you are in or their may be noise limitations restricting the use of horns so there may not be any whistling for crossings to alert you to oncoming traffic.
Be careful around special events like excursions or special trains. Sometimes people get overly excited and sometimes behave or drive carelessly to get the shot, the video or even sound recordings. It would be nice to remember that some folks are recording sound so comments, etc., while in a group as a train passes may be impolite. Don't walk in and set up right in front of a camera line! Don't park your car right near to the tracks when classic trains will be coming by. There may be others taking longer shots, etc.
Have a good time. Be safe. Trains have brakes but no steering wheels. They can only stop and can't stop quickly.
Glad to see you pushing the safety thing. Some here may find it overly intrusive but I heartily support your efforts. Railfanning is a great hobby with a lot of different things to enjoy but being around moving equipment does require a safe approach. I've seen the results of train/pedestrian accidents and I wouldn't want anybody--or their families--to have to experience it.
As to the slides, I'm just getting started so I haven't really settled on a workflow yet, or even if there ever will be one. My slides are disorganized; some in trays, some in boxes and some in sleeves; and in no particular order. I've also just inherited a couple thousand from my Dad who passed away about a year ago so I've got lots to do. Since this is a "personal" project with no absolute objectives or time frame I can kinda go with the flow till I get a better idea of what I want to end up with. I bought the scanner primarily for railroad stuff but I also want to get as much family stuff done as possible. I'll keep you posted on how the project goes.
The scanner itself seems pretty good. Certainly good enough for anything I'm going to do. The image I just posted was reduced to ~200K for web posting but if you want to see the original send me a PM and I'll post the original hi-res version where you can find it.
It's a dangerous environment and the employees are in a rough position because company policies and rules are getting tougher when it comes to dealing with people on the property. Between liability issues and injuries, thefts, vandalism and security, if we can avoid getting hurt or causing some kind of costly incident, the better off we will all be.
I would add to be very careful around fast moving trains with either passenger cars and/or boxcars as the vacuum/ suction is enough to throw you off your feet.Not to mention the stuff that spills out of the bottom of a passenger train is technically considered hazardous waste... or should be
My dad worked for U.P. and as a kid I would go to work with him. He would always remind me, "Son, whenever you're around the yard ALWAYS expect a train or cars on any track, from any direction, at any time!" Good advice!
jbear,
Probably not. My dad passed at 93 in 1999. He enjoyed his railroad retirement almost as long as he was on the rails. Such a deal! He has gone to a "far far better place.
Here's a quick snap I grabbed with my PowerShot the other day on the way to work. I'm sure the people in the car behind me were wondering why I was slowing down instead of trying to beat the train.
Railroad related!
I'm thinking about heading out to Carrizo Canyon in eastern San Diego to photograph the Goat Canyon Trestle. For those that don't know about it, it's the largest trestle built with a turning radius. http://www.stowell.org/goatcanyon97/
Anyone interested in joining me? Just in the planning phase now.
It is an active line again which makes getting to the trestle a little risky as there are several fairly long, narrow and blind tunnels that you have to go through. They are also enforcing the no trespassing. I was there just before the planned reopening a few years ago but didn't go all the way to the trestle. The scenery is stupendous and we chose to check out the Palm oasis below the road. I have read that there is a trail to the trestle that does not go up the tracks, is that the one you are planning on using?
TeamSK jay wrote:
It is an active line again which makes getting to the trestle a little risky as there are several fairly long, narrow and blind tunnels that you have to go through. They are also enforcing the no trespassing. I was there just before the planned reopening a few years ago but didn't go all the way to the trestle. The scenery is stupendous and we chose to check out the Palm oasis below the road. I have read that there is a trail to the trestle that does not go up the tracks, is that the one you are planning on using?
Hi,
You are correct in that the line is active again with a produce train that runs from Tijuana/San Ysidro out to the Imperial Valley. There is a trail that comes in from the Northwest of the trestle over the ridge and brings you down to the line. It is rugged, but very doable. Had some friends who managed it in December, no problem.
