I participated in the recent C&TS photo freight "private" charter a few days back, and am writing to voice my disapproval of the local freeloaders cashing in at the expense of the paying patrons.
The definition of "private" in private charter is: 'belonging to a group, not public, not known by the public or other people'. In addition, a "freeloader" is 'someone who exploits chances to get free stuff when possible'.
As an outsider, it is highly disrespectful, and a complete lack of any class, to post media almost immediately after the event; while the active participants who funded the bill for the event are traveling enroute to their home states or countries.
More so, to even be trackside with any type of recording equipment during a private event, and to post anything ever, shows no courtesy or professionalism whatsoever.
You could have easily approached the group prior to the event and offered to help defray expenses with a cash offering, and also say "I will stay back and not interfere with your event and participants - let me know if I am in your shots and I will kindly move" - but maybe that would have been to classy of a thing to do, and outside of your thought processes. When confronted by trip organizers and to say "I was here first" or “I have the railroad’s permission” is a complete lack of class and ethics.
Did I help to sponsor this high dollar "private" excursion for enjoyment of myself and the other paying attendees - or for the moochers who intrude a private charter by flying drones directly in front of and across well-established photo lines, are set up with cameras and tripods at the next runby location before either the train or patrons arrive, and publicly gloating for cheap self-accolades as quickly as possible afterwards?
By the comments heard after some of your exploits by event attendees, and others calming them down - you might reconsider your crashing of future events.
Matthew Malkiewicz
