I think a couple things are in play here. I'm not a railroader, per se, but I am a railroad professional (director of an operating railway museum), a qualified operator on said railway, and also a railfan, so I kind of see this from both points of view. I think the first thing is RESPECT. Mutual respect. Railfans absolutely 100% need to respect the railroad and those who operate it. That means no trespassing. It means staying well back from the tracks whether at a grade crossing or not. It means not doing stupid things to get the perfect photo. And if the crew operating this behemoth does something, intentional or not, to "ruin" it for a railfan, then it means the fans need to respect that it's just the way it is. Unless safety is in question, there should be no exception to this rule.
But I think crews need to respect railfanning, as well. Maybe not individual fans, but the hobby overall. Look, it's been mentioned, lots of people wouldn't want to be followed around with someone looking in on them regularly, snapping photos, etc. etc. But most of us don't work in a rolling office painted in pretty colors rolling across America. I don't think cube farms have the same appeal. Railfanning has been around for a long time and isn't likely to stop. Yes, a crew can screw with some fans, but that isn't going to make railfanning go away. And isn't concentrating on screwing up fans sort of distracting the crew from their actual job of handling a train safely over the road?
I absolutely think what these fans did was inappropriate. Bad feelings will emanate from this event for years on both sides. The fans should have demonstrated ACCEPTANCE. You're not going to get the perfect shot every time. A cloud may come along. A passing train on the close track might ruin your shot of that train on the far track. The scenic code line may be removed, or still there, depending on your perspective.
YOU CAN'T DO A darn THING ABOUT IT. Not all train crews are the same. Neither are all railfans. I have tremendous respect for several railroaders who have taken the time to talk with me, teach me things, help me out. Some are friends, others strangers, but I appreciate it all the same. And if you're a fan who is interacting with railroaders while they're on the job, then the most important thing to do is ASK. Never go around thinking your entitled to anything. But I accept that not all railroaders are the same, share these interests, etc. It's the way it is. I think most of us here know this, but not all railfans are the same, either. Yes, there are idiots out there climbing on equipment, standing by the end of the ties, putting cameras between the rails, etc., but we all know that many fans aren't like that. To think that ALL railfans would write such a letter in this case is laughable.
We get all types of folks who visit our museum, and railfans form a regular part of this crowd. I have no problem showing interested fans extra equipment, specific cars, explain our operation and signal system, that sort of thing, if they are respectful and ask. But the minute someone starts to act entitled, do stupid things, act unsafely in any way, that's the end of that. I don't get less professional, but the extra opportunities go away. That doesn't mean, however, that the next time an interested fan walks through the door, this attitude continues. Our streetcars are just as photogenic as mainline freight or passenger equipment, and I recognize this.
I've been annoyed with a crew from time to time. But that's how it goes. It becomes a story for later. It's actually kind of inspiring to go back again to the same place to try to have an better experience. Just like if that one stupid Charlie Brown cloud blows in right when the train comes around the corner. RESPECT and ACCEPTANCE, and a little less stupidity.
I appreciate it every time an engineer or conductor sticks their hand out the cab window in a wave as they pass by me.
Now let me fall off my soapbox....
) I just wanted to take pics of the engines, not the people in them.