66183 + HTA heading Down from Onllwyn washery through the old Neath and 
Brecon station 20.10pm. Sorry if we worried the driver for being trackside. 
He and the chap riding up front looked worried when they saw us, I suspect 
they thaught we may try and cross in front of them or jump! However, once 
they could see I and my 5 year old son, who was on my shoulders were waving 
I guess they realised we were ok and they waved back. I was standing back 
from the track, about 20-25ft.

This brings me onto me next question. This is a public footpath that crosses 
the above line, so as I, as a member of the public have the right to cross 
the line here, do I have the right to take photographs here? Its a nice low 
angle to get some unusual shots.

One thing I noticed too was he had the daytime headlights on the rear of the 
loco on, they were shining on the first HTA, I thaught all rear lights 
should be off?

"Piemanlager"  wrote in message 
news:oqPIe.23488$bT4.1178@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net...

> snip<
> One thing I noticed too was he had the daytime headlights on the rear of 
> the loco on, they were shining on the first HTA, I thaught all rear lights 
> should be off?


If the footpath is a public right of way (check your OS map) you have the 
right to be there and take photos so long as you do not endanger your self 
or obstruct the railway.

"Piemanlager"  wrote

>
> This brings me onto me next question. This is a public footpath that
crosses
> the above line, so as I, as a member of the public have the right to cross
> the line here, do I have the right to take photographs here? Its a nice
low
> angle to get some unusual shots.
>

The right to use a public footpath is to walk along it and for purposes
reasonably incidental to walking along it. Taking a photograph would be
'reasonably incidental'; loitering at one point for an hour and a half
taking photographs might not be. I would suggest that taking a photograph of
a passing train while sitting or leaning on the stile at the edge of a level
crossing would be reasonable, but taking the photograph while standing in
the cess wouldn't be.

Peter

Piemanlager  wrote:

> 66183 + HTA heading Down from Onllwyn washery through the old Neath and 
> Brecon station 20.10pm. Sorry if we worried the driver for being trackside. 
> He and the chap riding up front looked worried when they saw us, I suspect 
> they thaught we may try and cross in front of them or jump! However, once 
> they could see I and my 5 year old son, who was on my shoulders were waving 
> I guess they realised we were ok and they waved back. I was standing back 
> from the track, about 20-25ft.


This reminds me... I frequently use occupation crossings (just a gate and
telephone, no signalling equipment) on a busy main line.  The hedges are
such that I have to go onto the crossing and almost stick my head over the
four foot to see if the line if clear.  If I see a train my instinct is to
get off the crossing, go behind the gate and wait for it to pass, even if
it's a long way away.  But of course the driver has seen me, and then I
vanish.  What's the best thing to do in this situation - get off the
crossing even if the driver can't see me, or stay trackside but visibly back
from the line?

Thanks
Theo

On 06 Aug 2005 21:48:27 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos wrote:


> What's the best thing to do in this situation


Advise Network Rail that the hedges at this particular crossing are a
safety hazard.

-- 
http://gallery120232.fotopic.net/p15036440.html
(43 023 at Reading, 6 Apr 1985)

"Heavyhorses"  wrote in message
news:wYPIe.112075$Pf3.37890@fe2.news.blueyonder.co.uk...

>
> "Piemanlager"  wrote in message
> news:oqPIe.23488$bT4.1178@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net...
> > snip<
> > One thing I noticed too was he had the daytime headlights on the rear of
> > the loco on, they were shining on the first HTA, I thaught all rear
lights
> > should be off?
>
> If the footpath is a public right of way (check your OS map) you have the
> right to be there and take photos so long as you do not endanger your self
> or obstruct the railway.
>


I would just add that from a driver's point of view it would be much
appreciated if photographers on crossings would acknowledge the warning horn
by raising a hand. That way we know you are aware of the train and therefore
not likely to walk in front of it.

Roger

http://rpm-railpics.fotopic.net/
http://therailwaystationgallery.fotopic.net/
http://therailticketgallery.fotopic.net/

All opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views
or policies of my employer.

Chris Tolley  wrote:

> On 06 Aug 2005 21:48:27 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos wrote:
> 
>> What's the best thing to do in this situation
> 
> Advise Network Rail that the hedges at this particular crossing are a
> safety hazard.


I suppose it's worth doing, but that's not an easy answer.  It's standard
concrete post and wire fencing, which would be visible enough except it has
been colonised by bindweed.  Remove the bindweed and it grows back in a week
or two.  It's almost impossible to kill (find a way and gardeners all over
the country will love you).

I suppose some sort of mirror next to the crossing might help though...

Theo