Re: How can chasers be of more benefit to the railroad?

2 Points Of View

I have done both many times = Riding a charter & chasing a charter. Of the two choices I prefer chasing rather than riding, this is a personal thing and not a suggestion to anybody.

I have been accused of being a freeloader more than once and that is fine cuz IMHO everyone has a right to their opinion. This has happened to me when I was there at the railroads request as well as at the Charter operators request.

I always ask the railroad to give me a list of their runby locations so I can make sure I am no where near them because I don't want to interfere with the folks that on on the charter.

When there is a open chase to Cumbres and then the charter folks get on the train I try to pick spots that others won't pick or know about.

I understand how the folks feel when they are part of the charter and they want to get the best shots possible and not be interfered with but they need to understand that they don't own or control public access.

IMHO a few things that everyone on both sides needs to think about and if possible do.

1. Be respectful

2. Being courteous it pays dividends

3. First come first serve is a real thing

4. If Chasing remember #1 and #2

5. If riding the charter remember #1 and #2

6. If things go bad with one of your photos = Learn Photo Shop so you can fix it.

7. Remember you are there to have fun and enjoy, so let that be your number ONE priority.