Looking on - with responsibility

[Another Silly Raving Foamer <locopads@senet.com.au>]

On Thursday Night, May 20, 1999, as 5AM3 was passing through the South
end of Mile End Loop, near the Keswick Terminal overpass, someone closed
several coupling cocks on vehicles at the rear of the train.  At the
time, 5AM3 was momentarily standing awaiting clearance for signal NR2
(Leader Street).

This is not the first time this has happened to trains in the Adelaide
metro area.  This of course causes delays to our customers' services
that we can do without.

No doubt all readers of this forum would realise how dangerous this
could have been to these individuals, if the train had started to move
off.  After all, at times freight trains can start with a start!

What is also of concern, is that witnesses may have seen what was going
on, but may have been unable to stop it.  Of course, no one wants to
totally isolate trains from railfans, but bystanders near the tracks -
who may be innocently looking on - may well be treated with some
suspicion if these sorts of actions continue.  ASR certainly - and I
suspect NR also - take a dim view of this irresponsible behaviour, and
will prosecute if offenders - or suspected offenders - are caught. 
Please don't be the one that gets caught.  If you detect something like
this going on - report it - most of you know the numbers to call.

It is worth keeping in mind also, that the properties purchased from
Australian National are now PRIVATE properties.  ASR will prosecute. 
Some railfans have already found out that ASR does not tolerate persons
detected trespassing.   By all means, continue to partake in the hobby
that is railfanning, take those photos - I would prefer to call it the
recording of history, for in effect, it is precisely that - but do it
responsibly.  Stay OFF the property.  Stay safe.  Stay alert.  Be a
responsible railfan please.

Barry Walding
Manager - Operating Practices
Australia Southern Railroad
Adelaide

BTW - Genesee & Wyoming have a web site (under development) at:
WWW.gwrr.com  -  You might like to visit.