@Henryjint posted:When I received my first 35MM SLR camera in the early 70's I used to go to the CNJRR Elizabethport shops and later on to EL's Croxton shops. Both places RR workers would just tell me be careful and 'watch out for the Bulls'.
But a few years after 9/11 I did get hassled by local police when I was taking pictures of planes taking off and landing at Newark Airport. I was across the NJ Turnpike in a big box store parking lot. Cop came up to me in his car and wanted to know if I was a Taliban. After questioning me for a few minutes, I was told to beat it.
If it is not a station platform, I no longer go on RR property and if it's not at an air show, I don't photograph aircraft anymore.
Many moons ago, early in the Conrail era and long before 9/11 I decided to go to E-port to look at the remnants of the approaches to the CNJ lift bridge at Singers. While poking around an elderly Uniformed on-duty Elizabeth cop came over and struck up a conversation with me. Fine gentleman and a lifelong resident and he was impressed how the intermodal business made more money for the city than Singer did when they were in business.
Didn't manage to get behind the building onto the right of way since it was locked and fenced so I went a block or so to where the CNJ overpass and steps to the old CNJ station were. Went up and walked around the old right of way. Within maybe 10 minutes two non-uniformed armed Conrail detectives came walking down the right of way to chat with me. I expected a lecture, chasing or citation for trespassing but they were friendly. Chatted with them and they said to not venture much further or linger longer for personal safety reasons.
They left and shortly thereafter I left. Many, many hours (days) in the not so nice parts of cities so that part never scared me.
