(C) 2023, Jack Bruce, Jr.
If you have read a few of my posts, you know I enjoy parking my car trackside to watch trains go by. I will take my tablet with railroad magazines and several books on it, my camera and video camera, and, most importantly, my dog, park my car safely by railroad tracks, and wait for the train to come. This hobby is pretty popular and is called railfanning. Someone who participates in it is referred to as a railfan.
Occasionally, I see other guys doing the same thing, especially on weekends, but without a dog. Mine goes with me for many reasons that will be shared later in another post. For general information, I wouldn’t enjoy my outings as much without her. And, trust me, she is securely harnessed in the backseat with windows rolled up enough to prevent her from getting out but still has fresh air.
As with many things in the life of a Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) patient, railfanning is not something we can do without planning. It is a fun and fascinating hobby, but it can turn dangerous faster than you would think. Did you know that a train in the United States hits a person or a vehicle every three hours? That it takes a train approximately one mile to stop?
First and foremost, all railroad tracks, including approximately thirty feet on each side, railyards, bridges, and tunnels are railroad property. Therefore, they are no-trespassing areas to avoid. The railroad companies employ their own police and other security measures to help maintain safety on their property. Whenever someone cannot obey the no trespassing guidelines, it can lead to stricter measures, which may cause others not to be permitted to railfan.
I always park my car at least 30 feet from the railroad tracks and ballast. I am uncomfortable parking as close to the tracks as possible. I do this to keep myself and my dog safe. I saw a YouTube video recently where a train was traveling at a good speed with a piece of metal hanging off the side of a freight car. Apparently, the engineer nor the conductor knew it was happening. If someone were parked or standing close to the tracks, they would have been hit. Also, as CMT patients our mobility is somewhat challenged. For me, I can’t always turn and run. Obviously, I would just risk turning my ankle in a situation like this. However, staying away from the tracks, to begin with, is best.
Regarding mobility, it takes me a few seconds more than the average Joe to move my legs and get out of the way, as I stated earlier. Trains move faster than they appear. They can come upon you before you know it. Also, the locomotives are much quieter than they used to be. I was watching trains in my usual spot when a train snuck up from behind. I was surprised but was safe as I was sitting in my car. As a kid, I remember the locomotives being so loud you knew when one was coming from a distance away. Nowadays, nope, you’re not likely to hear it until it’s upon you.
Another concern with mobility is the ballast used around railroad tracks. Ballast are large rock. These are very challenging to walk on. I’m guessing they are a bit challenging for those who do not have deformities in their feet, too. I stay away from ballast because it can cause me to fall. If I fell on ballast, it could mean I’d seriously or severely hurt my knees.
Crossing the railroad tracks has always been a challenge for me as far back as I can remember. Before I cross, I look both ways to ensure no trains are coming. I never ever cross the tracks when a train is coming. Since my feet will stumble, or even drop, and catch on anything and everything, I could easily trip on plenty of things such as the rails, spikes, ballast, and the list could go on. Heaven forbid I fall when a train is coming. I might not be able to get up fast enough. If I need to cross the tracks, the safest place is at a crossing.
If there are two railroad lines, I never ever go to the middle area and wait. Why not? My type of CMT has a severe nerve component. I would not want to be in the middle of two passing trains because it could set off my nerves, causing me to feel really bad. Or even fall down. Not to mention, any debris from either train could be a problem.
Also, never try to beat a train. Or play “chicken” on the tracks. You won’t win. One morning, I was watching my Railstream camera, focusing on a busy line in Indiana. As the train came rolling up the tracks towards a crossing, a man decided to run across. The phrase “missed it by that much” comes to mind as the man nearly made it. Instead of waiting a few minutes for the train to pass, he had to be taken to the local hospital. Don’t try to beat a train. It isn’t worth it. Wait for it to go through, and then head wherever.
Railroad tracks are meant for trains and track maintenance equipment. Do not jog, walk, or run on them or beside them. Keep yourself safe by doing those activities in areas designed for it.
One of the most insane actions I’ve seen near railroad tracks is those who stop their car on the tracks, thinking the traffic light will turn before the train comes. Actually, you don’t know that. In many areas, trains move quite fast, and they cannot stop for you while you wait for the light to turn. Also, these people who do this don’t allow a plan of escape should a train come. They can’t go forward or backward, and traffic is coming in the lane headed in the other direction. What I like to do when approaching a railroad crossing is to slow down, being alert as to whether a train is coming so I can stop at the last minute. Also, I notice whether I can get safely across if I have to stop for traffic or a traffic light on the other side. My wife says, “You’re hoping to see a train, aren’t you?” The answer is always “YES!”
If you are into photographing trains, always photograph safely away from the rails. Never pose people or animals on or close to the tracks. This is a very dangerous thing to do because, as I mentioned, the locomotives are quieter these days. As a photographer, I know I adjust my camera settings to create the perfect exposure, which can be a distraction, causing me not to notice a train coming. Also, if someone gets hurt, you can be held liable for any damages that happen.
Railroads, watching trains, photographing, or creating videos of trains is a fun and interesting hobby. I’ve enjoyed sharing my photography and videos on social media for those who cannot get out themselves. Help keep this hobby safe for everyone by learning the laws regarding watching trains and following them at all times.
Do your part, and encourage your friends to do the same, to be safe around railroad tracks. This way, you can be around for a long time to enjoy them.