Railroads & Locomotives Photography Tips Railfan and train-watching safety

Railfan and train-watching safety

By Robert W Scott | June 6, 2022

Fire chief, rail photographer offers tips on how to stay safe; maintain situational awareness when out watching trains

A green locomotive leads a freight train in a rail yard.

Want unlimited access to Trains.com?

Learn More Start Your Free Trial

You’ll get complete access to all content on Trains.com from our family of brands, PLUS thousands of issues in the archives, video series and workshops, live webcams and more!

Magazine subscribers enjoy access to online subscriber benefits.

Learn more about magazine subscriber access

Already a magazine subscriber? Sign In

Card image cap

Trains Magazine

Seven iconic trains that shaped railroading history and culture

Passenger Service

Classic Trains

Kansas City Union Station

Card image cap

Locomotives

Trains Magazine

Big Steam and PTC: A Reset Stage

Card image cap

A historic roundhouse and a new building: More from the Rhatische Bahn shops

Trains Magazine

A historic roundhouse and a new building: More from the Rhatische Bahn shops

Shop our Trains.com Store

Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. Join Today!

Tourist Trains Guidebook, 10th Edition

New and completely updated, featuring 500+ fascinating train rides, museums, trolleys, dinner trains, and historic depots.

Celebrate your favorite railroading magazine with this exclusive Trains branded hat.

Union Pacific Family Tree Pint Glass

Union Pacific railroad family tree, which dates back to the original transcontinental railroad.

Montana Rail Link

Step into the heart of Big Sky Country and experience the rise, reign, and legacy of one of America's most respected regional railroads, the Montana Rail Link.