(The following Associated Press article appeared on the website on Iowa television station WHOTV on June 3.)
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Iowans who like to watch railroad trains roll along the tracks have come under closer inspection since the 2001 terrorist attacks.
Railroad companies are more concerned than ever about security and people trespassing on railroad property.
The Association of American Railroads, an industry trade group, started a Rail Fan Club about a year ago that now has about 800 members nationwide. The club emphasizes ways for its members to avoid trespassing while observing or taking pictures or video of trains.
Union Pacific spokesman Mark Davis says employees may take a second look at spectators, but he says train crews usually can tell if someone’s acting suspiciously or is just a railroad fan. Davis says Union Pacific encourages the hobby of watching railroads.