Howdy,

I've been slacking for a number of years on my railfanning habit, and was wondering if any of you had any input or information on how well Guilford and NHN are treating trainspotters and photographers these days. If I head back out with my digicam, am I going to get harassed by local and railroad police, possibly the FBI?

I don't mean to trivialize the state of world affairs, but I don't want to be put on a watch-list either, if you get my point. I was just wondering if a call to Billerica is a wise courtesy, or should I just stay away completely?

One of my favorite spots used to be the junction in Rollinsford, where the Conway Branch meets the main. The last time I went down there, I was shooed off by a local cop. That was early last spring.

I've read a little in Trains Magazine, that's it's becoming increasingly difficult to railfan like in the past, is this true?

Happy New Year,
Matt

I have never had any problems in southern NH. Only once have I had a Guilford employee make a polite comment that I really shouldn't be on the railroads property. With several trails in the area and good weather there were often some one around. Of course wandering around the middle of the Nashua freight yard will get you a different response!

Matt:

My son Justin and myself have done railfanning on GRS and NHN and the only time we encounted a problem was at North Adams last April. Some kids were jumping off and on a freight and the GRS cop tried to tell us to move away from the tracks...I politely replied: "we're in the parking lot of this club (American Legion or Amvets--I could be wrong) and it's not on GRS property, have a nice day." He was a bit PO'd but nothing he could do.

Justin goes railfanning every other weekend to Ayer and he never has a problem.

Buddy W.

Thanks Buddy, long time no see either. Glad to hear that. I figured me showing up im my McGinnis cap, digicam and field guide along trackside might tip off that I'm just a geek and not a mad bomber anyway, but it's reassuring to hear that.

This message is old, but as things evolve, I believe it is worth updating to keep people informed, especially if you are not familiar with a specific area, or haven't already heard about it some where else.
At the Amtrak station in Dover NH, there is an individual, I think a NNEPRA station host, who is fanatical about people taking pictures. He has the Dover P.D. on speed dial, and the Dover P.D. is not known for their hospitality.
In Exeter NH, especially during times of heightened paranoia, the police meet all arriving trains. They don't check passenger I.D's or baggage or anything, but if you have a radio or a camera they will come after you. They are not very sociable either. This I have experienced first hand.