et&wnc Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Especially along the old D&RGW, you could have
> your runbys at places you can't get to
> conventionally.
> 4449's NRHS trip to Wishram WA in 2005 did exactly
> that. You could
see the photo line from
> highway 14 but it was a comically long way off and
> nowhere near any road. Only tose paying for the
> trip were ever going to get the shot there.
> But one thing everyone seems to forget is the
> drone equation. I've heard from some UK friends
> that drones are ruining things for photo lines.
> People will line up and then a drone will lazily
> lower right into everyone's shot just as the loco
> comes into perfect view. The operator could be
> goodness-knows-where so there's nobody to yell at
> (and popping rounds at one in the US is a crime).
> I've even heard that drones have crashed into the
> consist on some trips, and has happened more than
> once in the UK. The police, when they can find the
> drone operators, are citing them now:
> [
forums.theregister.co.uk]
> 3/essex_drone_photographer_tornado_steam_engine/
> It's only a matter of time before that happens
> everywhere.
> Nothing new here, we have all heard of the horror
> stories of people renting choppers and ruining
> everyone's shots/video/audio of trips. But now,
> it's not
just the rich who can screw it up
> for everyone.
As a drone operator I feel like I must answer this post. I can only speak for myself but I know for a fact that Mr. Steve Forney feels the same way.
I am sure drone operators are just like Charter riders and train chasers and yes I am sure there are a lot of them that on a scale of 1 to 10 would only get a1 or at the best a 2.
1. What Steve and I do is meet before we go and fly and we discuss where and how we are going to get our videos and photos with out interfering with anyone.
2. We both have moved after we were set up even if we have arrived 1st so as not to interfere.
3. When someone else shows up and they don't have a video camera I always approach them and tell them my plan so we both can adjust and get the photos or videos we are after.
4. If more than one person shows up I do tell everyone the plan. If they have someone with them that is not using a camera I invite them to come watch the monitor and see a new way to get photos or videos. I would say 95% of the time they take me up on my offer. At the next location I am at it is not usual for the same car to stop again and this time both folks come and watch and ask questions.
5. Probably about 95% of the time they ask me for a card so they can see the results.
6. IMHO it is just a matter of respect, courtesy & common sense not only for drone operators but for anyone out chasing the train.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/07/2018 07:24PM by Roger Hogan.