The Travels with Kev Weekly Newsletter

Hello Reader,

Two things this week. One is short, and the other is something I am passionate about. The first is that I have a new post out, and the second is a safety concern about taking videos and photos around trains.

New on Travels with Kev: Amtrak in Arizona.

Planning an Amtrak trip to Arizona? The Southwest Chief serves northern Arizona, while the Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle serve southern Arizona. However, Phoenix can catch travelers off guard because Amtrak trains do not stop downtown. My new guide, Amtrak in Arizona, explains the routes, stations, Phoenix connections, and what you should know before booking.

Stand Back and Enjoy the Show: A Few Train-Watching Reminders

I have been following Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 as it travels across the country, and it has been fun watching so many people come out to see it.

If you want to see it, here is the Big Boy Tour schedule!

However, I have also noticed people standing either dangerously close to the tracks or on the tracks, walking on railroad property, and so focused on getting a photo that they lose awareness of what is happening around them. Below is an example of how important UP and other railroads take rail safety.

There have been incidents where people were unsafe and got hurt.

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I do not want this to sound like a lecture, but sometimes we need a reminder. New people may not even know how to stay safe.

I love seeing people get excited about trains, whether they are watching Big Boy, photographing an Amtrak train or another train, or waiting to begin their own journey. Still, a few simple precautions can make the experience safer and may even help you take better photos.

Give the train some room

Standing closer does not necessarily give you a better view, and you can often get those dramatic head-on photos without standing on or near the tracks.

With Big Boy, standing just a few feet away from such a large locomotive can make it hard to fit the entire train into your photo or video. By stepping back, you can capture the locomotive, its movement, the surrounding scenery, and the excitement of its arrival.

Otherwise, you may return home with an impressive video of a portion of a wheel.

Standing farther away can also help you avoid wind, dust, debris, and anything else a passing train may stir up. Steam locomotives also blow out steam, and that could spray you.

Find a legal public viewing location, stay well away from the tracks, and use your camera’s zoom when needed. The safest location is often the one with the best view.

Stay off the tracks and railroad property

Railroad tracks, some bridges, signals, and the gravel area surrounding the tracks are technically private railroad property. Even when no train is visible, walking along the tracks or standing on the ballast is unsafe and may constitute trespassing.

Trains are also wider than the rails beneath them. Being clear of the rails does not necessarily mean you are clear of the train.

Another train could approach on a nearby track while everyone is focused on the train they came to see. After one train passes, pause and check both directions before leaving your viewing spot. Another train may be approaching on an adjacent track.

Keep your attention on your surroundings

It is easy to become so focused on your phone or camera that you lose track of what is happening around you.

Avoid wearing loud headphones while watching trains, and keep children and pets close. Do not place tripods, chairs, bags, strollers, or other belongings near the tracks or in areas where someone or the train could trip over them.

Avoid blocking roads, driveways, station entrances, or nearby businesses when waiting for a train.

If you are driving, do not stop on a railroad crossing or try to keep pace with the train from a nearby road. There will always be another place to see it.

No photo or video is worth putting yourself or anyone else in danger. A single poor decision can also affect train crews, passengers, emergency responders, and others.

These reminders also apply at Amtrak stations

A station platform is a legal and appropriate place to wait for or photograph a train, but it is still beside an active railroad track.

Pay attention to station signage. If the platform is restricted to ticketed passengers, look for another legal public viewing location.

Stay well behind the yellow line or the textured warning strip until your train has stopped and the crew is ready to let passengers board. Keep your belongings, children, and pets behind it as well.

The next train you hear might not be yours.

Amtrak, commuter, and freight trains can pass through stations without stopping, sometimes traveling faster and more quietly than expected. If you are unsure whether an approaching train is yours, stay farther back from the platform edge.

At stations where passengers must cross the tracks to reach another platform, use only the designated crossing and follow directions from Amtrak employees. Do not cross simply because you see your train approaching or believe you are on the wrong side.

I have seen passengers try to beat an approaching train. Instead of merely being late, they risk becoming permanently late, if you know what I mean.

Missing a train is frustrating, but it is never worth risking your life to get to the other platform.

Enjoy trains for the right reasons

I want more people to enjoy trains, not fewer, and I also want them to do so safely.

Someone who comes out to see Big Boy could become a lifelong railfan, a future Amtrak passenger, or a child who remembers seeing an incredible locomotive alongside their family.

Stand back, stay aware of your surroundings, and give the train plenty of room.

You will be safer, the crew will appreciate it, and you may return home with a much better photo.

What Is Kev Up To?

This has been a busy week!

On Saturday, Mack’s family rolled into town. They signed the paperwork for their house and then headed north. It sounds like the twins handled the trip well, and Mack is happy to be reunited with her siblings.

Monday brought a full-circle moment. Over the winter, I was playing bingo with friends at the brewery where I hang out, and it was busy. A couple asked if they could join our table, and we said yes. As the conversation unfolded, I learned he was a pastor, and he learned I was an organist. When he mentioned that their church needed a new organ, I told him, “I know a guy!”

Well, on Monday, I helped install that organ.

On Wednesday, Mack’s family moved into their apartment, which opened up a lot of space in the house. It was not just the extra people—my sister had sent quite a few things ahead of the move. Between the people and the boxes, the house felt small quickly, but thankfully, not for long.

It was a hot, not-so-fun day, but it went more smoothly than I thought.

Beyond all that, I also heard some amazing young theatre organists perform. Milwaukee hosted the American Theatre Organ Society’s Student Youth Adventure, and since I serve on the board of directors of the local chapter, I had the privilege of meeting some of these talented young musicians and their families.

Thank You!

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Until Next Week!

Safe travels & Happy Planning,
Kev Monteith

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