I've not had time to read all the comments in the freeloaders thread, but as one of the organizers of the charter, I'd like to make a few points.
First, I fully support the Friends and understand that without them, no freight charter would be possible. After our 2014 flanger charter we made a $500 donation to the tank car bearing fund.
This year, I was approached by 3 different individuals who asked about buying chaser passes and I told them that our organization does not sell chaser passes for liability reasons, but I suggested that they make a donation to the Friends. I don't know if they did or not.
Second, it's a free country and a public road, so no thought has ever been given to "banning" anyone from photographing any of our charters. What we do hope for though is some consideration on the part of the non paying participants. Setting up at a photo runby location and not moving, if requested, is disrespectful and as Matthew has pointed out, if our charter had not been operating, there would not have been anything for them to photograph. That said, I asked a couple of people at Apache Crossing if they could move over a bit to allow people in the line to get their shots and they did so willingly. Courtesy is always appreciated.
Third, I appreciate all that Roger has done for the railroad with his photography, but he needs to put a little more thought into his drone flying. After flying at low altitude directly in front of the photo line, he proceeded to hover forward of the photo line at an altitude that did keep his drone out of all but the widest angle shots, but the whirring of the drone was picked up by the mic's of anyone shooting video or recording sound. When the train is up close, it overrides the noise of the drone, but at a distance that is not the case. I understand Roger is still on a learning curve with his drone, so I hope he takes this to heart. Anyone else considering flying drones at or on charters should as well.
Bottom line, enjoy watching and photographing a charter if you happen to be in the area, as did several British railfans who happened to stumble across the charter, but keep in mind, the people who paid to make it happen should be allowed to take their photographs without interference.
Thank you.
Michael Allen
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/04/2015 04:14PM by trainrider47.
