Railroads + + Critical Infrastructure or A Scenic Work of Art

theDRONEranger · Mar 30, 2020

It’s a slow move, but the railroad association is attempting to (obtain additional governmental funds) attain governmental status of critical infrastructure. As such, the FAA would be required to include the railroads and trackage under critical infrastructure coverage.

I grew up in central Pennsylvania with the PRR mainline. As a kid, I did the same as others and hopped the westbound freights to ride to the Horseshoe Curve and eastbound to get back. My home town was a definite stop for ice in the reefers of the time. If I had known then, what I know now! Stupid moves, I know.

If the Railroad Industry attains the ‘critical infrastructure’ status nationwide (some states have enacted), then that would effectively place the rail industry (to include trackage) in the No Drone Zone. While I do believe trains to be a thing of beauty and love to photo some of the more unique consists, how do you drone video/photo your trains.

My health, these days does not permit too much travel (non COVID19 time we’re talking here). I’m presently awaiting CABG, but right now as (with COVID 19) elective surgeries are no go! ( Mod Removed Language)I can get around, I just can’t get too far.

Share your train (drone) videos/photos please. Short video clips are great as are still photos!

Thomas B · Mar 30, 2020

Here’s my Grandfather. He was an engineer for the MKT for almost 50 years. He drove the first diesel-electric engine into Texas, an ALCO RS1, but he knew steam well.... here he is with his engine.

jmaeding · Mar 30, 2020

why is the 268 upside down

theDRONEranger · Mar 30, 2020

jmaeding said:
why is the 268 upside down

It isn’t. That was the old way some of the RRs wrote the numbers. Looking closer one can actually see it is 897.

jmaeding · Mar 30, 2020

shoot, my humor is too dry. I need to choose smileys better.
I just thought it was funny those numbers are "upsidedownable".

theDRONEranger · Mar 30, 2020

jmaeding said:
shoot, my humor is too dry. I need to choose smileys better.
I just thought it was funny those numbers are "upsidedownable".

They really do look bass-ackwards don’t they! I watched a video once of cold start up on an old 484 once. Took em over an hour from cold start to house exit.

jmaeding · Mar 30, 2020

I've been reading Atlas Shrugged lately, can't live without railroads.

theDRONEranger · Mar 30, 2020

jmaeding said:
I've been reading Atlas Shrugged lately, can't live without railroads.

She was a good writer! A Nd, that was good writing!

jmaeding · Mar 30, 2020

I, am John Gault.

theDRONEranger · Mar 30, 2020

The old Huntingdon, PA ice stop. The ice came to the conveyer via a tunnel leading from the ice plant located behind the camera. The Juniata River supplied the water. Our house would have been about 1/8 mile straight up and over the engine. Trains would stop, both East and west bound. One man would pike open the fore and aft roof hatches and two men would wrangle 200 pound blocks of ice down the hatch. Then the opener would close em all up again. Steams were before my time but the ice process continued until the new modern reefers came in. Then, the ice plant went away.

memories . . .
And, yes, the mind is a force to recon with. Many of us older ones are also John Galt.

Vic Moss · Mar 31, 2020

Georgetown Loop Railway in Colorado.

MAvic_South_Oz · Mar 31, 2020

Longest video I've ever made . . . but it was the longest train too !!
These ore trains are around 3km 1.86m) long . . .

Caught his one on a drive home, and set up down the highway / rail line to catch it coming through . . .

theDRONEranger · Mar 31, 2020

Vic Moss said:
Georgetown Loop Railway in Colorado.

I’ve ridden that one.

swimpmeister · Mar 31, 2020

Just a quick shot of some busy tracks in Memphis, TN

theDRONEranger · Mar 31, 2020

I was just looking at some railroad maps across the USA. It’s just truly amazing the infrastructure. My Daddy grew up with the East Broadtop Railroad, narrow gauge Mount Union, Orbisonia, and more in PA. I think they still run a modified short trackage, as a tourist attraction. It does cost $1,000s to keep even a small line in operating condition. East Broad Top Railroad and Coal Company - Wikipedia.

dronerdave · Mar 31, 2020

I also enjoy shooting video of railroads. There is a place not far from me that rebuilds RR equipment. I'd love to get permission to fly over all the engines and what not they are restoring. I frequently fly along the Sierra RR out of Jamestown CA. Love to catch one of the old engines on the track with my Mavic but just flying the track is nice especially when the grasses are green during springtime.

I have a friend who built a model RR of the Yosemite Valley RR route. Being the RR was in my neck of the woods I'm amazed how accurate Jack's model is.
Anyway a link of Jack's build if anybody is interested.

theDRONEranger · Mar 31, 2020

It’s amazing, the amount of love (and $$$) that goes toward restoration projects. Looking forward to your videos in the future.

The Cripple Creek & Victor NG RR is just waiting to be ridden. Perhaps after the C19.

Cripple Creek Railroad

cripplecreekrailroad.com

jimlips · Apr 1, 2020

bushie · Apr 1, 2020

I spent most of my working life as a Civil Engineer maintaining, designing and building railways, first in Australia and then in the UK. Even did some work in China helping design railways in Africa to be built by China.

Now (pre COVID-19) a volunteer with a local heritage railway. Here are a couple of videos

The railway is a 3'6" gauge track and runs on a branch abandoned by the WAGR. In normal times the "Steam Ranger" runs on Sundays and holidays in the winter months, a diesel train runs into the forest on Sats and Sundays and a Diesel hauled restaurant train runs Sat nights.