Regarding Cooperating with officials when approached

[M1_9174]

Folks,

Tonight upon arriving at St. James while getting ready to do my usual Monday, and Tuesday photography, from overhearing from LIRR employee friends of mine, the engineer of Train 660 was to file a PD report on me in the means of acting suspicious, and upon listening to them, just did it anyways.  The PO's who came to me were very understanding, and as I already heard from the occurance was ready to mention to them about this matter.  As they took my information, they saw my photos on my Blackberry, and made it clear to them who were very understanding as they themselves are railfans too.  The engineer of 660 is no railfan, and it is sad that some of the LIRR employees aren't by any means.  I as a respected railfan, and hope you are all in this together, ask that as the MTAPD mentioned that taking photos are perfectly legal, and had mentioned that Helena Williams has encouraged us to do so by all means.  They had mentioned to me however not to go behind the curbs of parking lots, or climb fences as they proclaim it is LIRR property.

[RetiredLirrConductor]

Not saying you, but some Photographers do get in the way sometimes.
I saw it all the time when I worked for the RR.
Standing on the Roadbed, on an adjacent track to photograph a train going by.
On a few occasions, Photographers set up their cameras on the yellow line, making it impossible for me to see if the doors were clear.
On one occasion,  as we pulled into Bayside station, I opened the window as I was going to get the doors, and was hit by a camera on a tripod too close to the edge of the platform. (Good thing it hit me in the head )
I am retired, and still like to take photos of various things, including trains.
So I am in your corner.
Just use common sense, stay off the tracks, stay back from the edge of the platform.
Here in Illinois, I go to the Rochelle train Park from time to time, nice day out for me and my dog.
Every time I go there I see people on the right of way, with their Children, oblivious to the danger involved.
Just use common sense.

P.S. I am planing to get a new camera in July, I was not happy with the delay in response  with my fuji finepix camera. Lost some good shots..
Any ideas on good cameras for taking action shots?

[M1_9174]

I have seen it.  And the funny thing joking with the cops last night was a commuter was illegally walking along the trackway after getting off of 660 last night.  And the cops never went to the guy to issue him a summons.  Now that should be the thing us railfans should do to keep everyone safe, lol!  No agreed there are many obnoxious ones out and about interfering with the operations, and I've seen it first hand.

[Lirr168]

I don't see the problem here: by your account, the officers were pleasant and respectful.  As long as I am treated with respect, I would rather have an employee call someone in than ignore potentially suspicious behavior.