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Post by MONSTERRAILROAD on Aug 12, 2015 8:17:07 GMT -8
Well we made it here to Fostoria last night and we are trackside watching trains as I type this. We are at the Amtrak Depot. Adarius is loving it too! It is just Adarius and I. We will be here till Friday (maybe Saturday) then we are off to Altoona for 2-3 days. If you are in any of the two areas, come by and say hi. Here is a picture I just took of Adarius at 11:55am. He is loving it as much as I am!  |
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Post by MONSTERRAILROAD on Aug 12, 2015 8:27:31 GMT -8
08.12.15 - Big Al chillin trackside too! Time: 12:225pm  |
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Post by TBird1958 on Aug 12, 2015 8:52:46 GMT -8
I think it's wonderful how you spend time with your son watching trains and enjoying the hobby Al, Some of my fondest childhood memories are of the times my late father took me to see trains. He will always remember the trips and good times, kudos!
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Post by mlehman on Aug 12, 2015 9:34:27 GMT -8
Looks like lots of fun, Big Al. That kid is growing, too. Must be feeding him right  Enjoy and stay safe. Oh, and send more pics  |
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Post by curtmc on Aug 12, 2015 17:34:33 GMT -8
Have fun Al... Just remember that when CSX gives NS some time to roll through it will often be two NS trains and a meet...
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Post by eh49 on Aug 12, 2015 17:46:50 GMT -8
Either the pictures are deceiving, or you two are awful close to that train.
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Post by MONSTERRAILROAD on Aug 12, 2015 19:07:23 GMT -8
Either the pictures are deceiving, or you two are awful close to that train. Just remember this, the train never wavers from its travel direction so its not like it will hop off the track to hit us. We sit about 12-14ft from the track in front of my car bumper as you may see in the picture of me. |
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Post by eh49 on Aug 12, 2015 20:58:16 GMT -8
CSX is well known to " hop off the track". Al, the biggest concern would be a broken chain or metal strapping flapping around would cut thru you like a hot knife thru butter. Then there is the issue of being so close you are actually sitting on RR property. I'm only trying to suggest have fun train watching, but, do it safely. You never know when shifted load or some could come along. I have been going trackside for over 50 years now and have seen things you would never think could happen. When you get to the Altoona area and you get that close it won't take long for a NS cop to show up. Trust me on that. I'm sure other fans will agree with what I've said here. Have fun , but, be safe !
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Post by curtmc on Aug 13, 2015 12:58:04 GMT -8
Not only CSX, as that other railroad in Fostoria (NS) is the one that's had a major head-on (GA) and a major rear-ender (VA) in the past 2 weeks... I think they were the last RR to derail and put something in that parking lot.
I've railfanned in Fostoria several times and the parking lot there, while RR property (once was the Amtrak lot), is used for parking by the local businesses and nobody bothers railfans using it. The warning about loose banding on bulkheads and flats should be taken though as I nearly got sliced by one several years ago (was very fortunate to see it coming and was able to get 30' back from tracks). Viewing at that spot is just fine as long as a railfan is alert...
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Post by Dear Leader on Aug 13, 2015 14:08:15 GMT -8
I keep hearing about this mythical and imaginary broken chain, flapping metal straps, shifted lumber loads, etc., but in 35 years of railfanning have yet to see anything like that.
Can't Al, or any person for that matter just post a photograph with out the railfan police or railfan safety patrol commenting. Al is an adult, I'm sure he knows the risks involved, not only in railfanning, but just living life in general. Put down your badges guys.
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Post by SOMECALLMETIM on Aug 13, 2015 15:07:26 GMT -8
 Yep, cause they don't exist like this Stephen Meek photo shows, coastdaylight. I find it interesting that photographers who unwisely take photos while standing on train tracks and then get killed are the same ones that say trains are loud and they will get out of the way in plenty of time. Stay safe and enjoy railfanning. |
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Post by Dear Leader on Aug 13, 2015 15:33:44 GMT -8
Yep, cause they don't exist like this Stephen Meek photo shows, coastdaylight. I find it interesting that photographers who unwisely take photos while standing on train tracks and then get killed are the same ones that say trains are loud and they will get out of the way in plenty of time. Stay safe and enjoy railfanning. The discussion is standing "BY" the tracks, not standing "ON" the tracks. Yeah, standing on the tracks will get me, or anyone else killed, by a oncoming train. That piece of steel is on the inside of a double track, so unless the person is standing in between the tracks, it won't effect them. If the person was standing by a single track , unless he was up close and personal with the train, it wouldn't hit anyone. Now putting on my rail fan police badge and my orange rail fan safety vest, you appear to be standing on, maybe in between the rails. Not very safe for someone pointing out the hazards of rail fanning.. So heed your own advice and stay safe my friend.
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Post by SOMECALLMETIM on Aug 13, 2015 15:56:38 GMT -8
Guessing you skimmed over where I said it was a Stephen Meek photo and I'm not going to speculate where he's standing as I don't know because I wasn't there. Nice attempt to to deflect and say it's me though. In the photo the steel would be hanging over roughly 9 feet which is outside of what Al said he's sitting from the track, but I would imagine it would be a concern if that particular car passed in front of him. Looks like they're having a good time. Yep, cause they don't exist like this Stephen Meek photo shows, coastdaylight. I find it interesting that photographers who unwisely take photos while standing on train tracks and then get killed are the same ones that say trains are loud and they will get out of the way in plenty of time. Stay safe and enjoy railfanning. The discussion is standing "BY" the tracks, not standing "ON" the tracks. Yeah, standing on the tracks will get me, or anyone else killed, by a oncoming train. That piece of steel is on the inside of a double track, so unless the person is standing in between the tracks, it won't effect them. If the person was standing by a single track , unless he was up close and personal with the train, it wouldn't hit anyone. Now putting on my rail fan police badge and my orange rail fan safety vest, you appear to be standing on, maybe in between the rails. Not very safe for someone pointing out the hazards of rail fanning.. So heed your own advice and stay safe my friend.
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Post by NS4122 on Aug 13, 2015 16:25:43 GMT -8
I keep hearing about this mythical and imaginary broken chain, flapping metal straps, shifted lumber loads, etc., but in 35 years of railfanning have yet to see anything like that. Can't Al, or any person for that matter just post a photograph with out the railfan police or railfan safety patrol commenting. Al is an adult, I'm sure he knows the risks involved, not only in railfanning, but just living life in general. Put down your badges guys. If you want to check out a "mythical" broken steel band in action, check out the Highball Video Productions "Salute to Conrail". It shows a 20' broken steel band on a Conrail Freight on the Boston Line (now CSX). It looks like a giant steel whip running alongside the train kicking up the snow. |
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Post by Dear Leader on Aug 13, 2015 17:07:00 GMT -8
Guessing you skimmed over where I said it was a Stephen Meek photo and I'm not going to speculate where he's standing as I don't know because I wasn't there. Nice attempt to to deflect and say it's me though. In the photo the steel would be hanging over roughly 9 feet which is outside of what Al said he's sitting from the track, but I would imagine it would be a concern if that particular car passed in front of him. Looks like they're having a good time. The discussion is standing "BY" the tracks, not standing "ON" the tracks. Yeah, standing on the tracks will get me, or anyone else killed, by a oncoming train. That piece of steel is on the inside of a double track, so unless the person is standing in between the tracks, it won't effect them. If the person was standing by a single track , unless he was up close and personal with the train, it wouldn't hit anyone. Now putting on my rail fan police badge and my orange rail fan safety vest, you appear to be standing on, maybe in between the rails. Not very safe for someone pointing out the hazards of rail fanning.. So heed your own advice and stay safe my friend.
Not deflecting anything, just made a mistake in reading your post. You may find this hard to believe, but I do make mistakes. That being said, the point of my post is why can't people, on this forum, as well as other forums, just enjoy the photos posted with out having to play cop or safety officer. All rail fans trespass, we all take chances to get that one unique photo. Be honest, you know you, so don't post other wise. We are also all adults, responsible for our own actions. No need to whip out those boney fingers of righteous indignation pointing out the things that others do, knowing full well, we do that out shelves.
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Post by Dear Leader on Aug 13, 2015 17:09:24 GMT -8
I keep hearing about this mythical and imaginary broken chain, flapping metal straps, shifted lumber loads, etc., but in 35 years of railfanning have yet to see anything like that. Can't Al, or any person for that matter just post a photograph with out the railfan police or railfan safety patrol commenting. Al is an adult, I'm sure he knows the risks involved, not only in railfanning, but just living life in general. Put down your badges guys. If you want to check out a "mythical" broken steel band in action, check out the Highball Video Productions "Salute to Conrail". It shows a 20' broken steel band on a Conrail Freight on the Boston Line (now CSX). It looks like a giant steel whip running alongside the train kicking up the snow. Yet, the photographer was still able to photograph the train and not get hit by this strap. |
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Post by kentuckysouthernrwy on Aug 13, 2015 17:22:49 GMT -8
Al, you and your little partner have a great time.
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Post by MONSTERRAILROAD on Aug 13, 2015 17:30:51 GMT -8
I am now petrified! I am going to be killed sitting 12-14ft from the track here in Fostoria or Altoona! I go into burning buildings, highways at car accident scenes and I sometimes speed but it looks like this is how it will end for me. LOL
We stay back enough guys relax. My eyes stay on my most valuable assets, Gabriela & Adarius. I have no other concern ahead of his safety in my daily way of life let alone on this fun railfanning trip you can trust that.
Adarius and I are having fun and being as safe as one can be railfanning. I have a higher chance of getting robbed on this trip than getting hit by a loose piece of steel or chain.
On another note, this city of Fostoria is one highly Diverse little city!! I see so many blacks, whites and black & white families! I am pleasently surprised. I have only seen one cop in the whole city in three days too! He drove right thru the Amtrak parking lot last night around 11:30pm while my car was parked and the interior lights were on. He did not even stop!! Surprised! If this city was not so damn flat and desolate I would stay longer! The city is dead even in the middle of the afternoon! No business were open! It is like Sunday, EVERYDAY!! Too boring here to stay more than 4 days in one shot. LOL. One more day here then off to Altoona.
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Post by gevohogger on Aug 13, 2015 17:45:14 GMT -8
Is that the Fostoria railfan park? If it is, its much too close.
As a working railroader, I might be tempted to call in to the dispatcher if I saw a group that close. Kids... Lawn chairs! Are you going to be able to react and GET UP and move fast enough if you need to? Adults standing with cameras I don't mind, since they usually take their photos and then step back a few. But seated in a lawn chair? I dunno.
I don't think the above comments were out of line.
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Post by MONSTERRAILROAD on Aug 13, 2015 19:20:19 GMT -8
Wow. These dudes. SMFH. I am now dying to see the reactions when I post pictures of Adarius and I in the cab of the engine behind Adarius since the engine was sitting on idle there and the crew brought us up for pictures. I am guessing many people on the forum will instantly die when their heads EXPLODE after viewing the pics.
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Post by curtmc on Aug 14, 2015 4:52:53 GMT -8
Al, was the Whippy Dip ice cream shop not open? I forgot to alert you to that... Used to have great soft serve ice cream (which kids and adults tend to really like). It's just a short walk up Main St...
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Post by cf7 on Aug 14, 2015 5:17:10 GMT -8
On another note, this city of Fostoria is one highly Diverse little city!! I see so many blacks, whites and black & white families! I am pleasently surprised. I have only seen one cop in the whole city in three days too! He drove right thru the Amtrak parking lot last night around 11:30pm while my car was parked and the interior lights were on. He did not even stop!! Surprised! If this city was not so damn flat and desolate I would stay longer! The city is dead even in the middle of the afternoon! No business were open! It is like Sunday, EVERYDAY!! Too boring here to stay more than 4 days in one shot. LOL. One more day here then off to Altoona. So? What does this have to do with anything? |
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Post by eh49 on Aug 14, 2015 6:23:36 GMT -8
Actually what does any of this have to do with HO Model Railroading?
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Post by mlehman on Aug 14, 2015 8:35:51 GMT -8
Talking about trains has a lot more to do with model railroading than complaining about what else someone might say in the process about their positive experience railfanning. We seem to get relatively little of that. No wonder people think we're strange...some of us spend way too much time saying it's all those other railfans who are strange. The public just sees railfans. But I'll move one. Already enough  I'm intrigued by the fact that some seem to think a photo means exactly what they think they see in it, rather than what actually happened. Personally, a cab visit is just the sort of thing that might make Adarius a committed lifelong model railroader -- or even perhaps a real railroader. |
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Post by Dear Leader on Aug 14, 2015 15:40:36 GMT -8
Wow. These dudes. SMFH. I am now dying to see the reactions when I post pictures of Adarius and I in the cab of the engine behind Adarius since the engine was sitting on idle there and the crew brought us up for pictures. I am guessing many people on the forum will instantly die when their heads EXPLODE after viewing the pics. Book'em Dano, murder one!!!!!!! |
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Post by Dear Leader on Aug 14, 2015 15:42:08 GMT -8
Is that the Fostoria railfan park? If it is, its much too close. As a working railroader, I might be tempted to call in to the dispatcher if I saw a group that close. Kids... Lawn chairs! Are you going to be able to react and GET UP and move fast enough if you need to? Adults standing with cameras I don't mind, since they usually take their photos and then step back a few. But seated in a lawn chair? I dunno. I don't think the above comments were out of line. And the madness continues!!!!! |
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Post by Christian on Aug 15, 2015 2:06:42 GMT -8
Boy Howdy. A hundred trains a day, year after year in a society of lawsuits. Yet, the rail park is still open!!! Apparently the working railroaders who actually pass along the triangle see no problem.
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Post by gevohogger on Aug 15, 2015 2:25:55 GMT -8
Boy Howdy. A hundred trains a day, year after year in a society of lawsuits. Yet, the rail park is still open!!! Apparently the working railroaders who actually pass along the triangle see no problem. Never been to Fostoria, but the photos I've seen showed a fence between the railfan park and the tracks. Are they inside the fence? Or just elsewhere on RR property?
Only on a foamer forum would the point of view of a professional be considered "madness".
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Post by mrsocal on Aug 15, 2015 4:12:25 GMT -8
Al said they were at or near the Amtrak station, you can see it on this map. The park is over to the right inside the triangle.  |
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Post by curtmc on Aug 15, 2015 8:27:18 GMT -8
The location Al and family were chilling at is the old Amtrak parking lot that is just to the east of Main Street and sits between the CSX (ex-B&O) and NS (ex-NKP/N&W) mainlines. The area Al was at has been used for decades by railfans and is a better location for watching trains on the CSX ex-B&O mainline (the line with the most trains per day) than the new railfan park (which is a good place to watch NS action but lacks in proximity to the heaviest traffic CSX line).
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