Post Your Best Train Shot......

Cormac wrote in post #18223189
Of course! But all from this end. I didnt realize all the rolling steel was on the other side! Ill post more when i get to my computer

I can imagine. I think the 5 mile thing should be 2 miles instead. 5 is excessive. If a plane is at 400 ft 5 miles out, its probably crashing anyway. As for 400 ft. Id rather it be 1500 ft. But it is what it is. Early drone pilots ruined it for the rest of us.

The 5 mile thing almost corresponds with the "surface" airspace around many airports (Class C, class D), except that circle is usually 5 nautical miles (AKAIK, the drone rules are in statute miles placing you within the surface area) and mostly keeps you away from IFR aircraft.

The altitude limit clears you (usually) from manned aircraft making IFR approaches as they may descend to a minimum descent altitude and level off before the airport environment. They do this to increase the chances of seeing the airport and avoid having to go missed approach.

texaskev wrote in post #18223141
I can relate. I live within the airspace of 3 airports and its a PITA to get permission from all 3 to fly for my real estate photography. Nice shot!

I understand the laws and abide by them. They just seem a bit overly restrictive is all.

Cormac wrote in post #18223189

Inspeqtor wrote in post #18223032
Very VERY nice!!

You did get MORE than one shot right? Please post more!!!!

Of course! But all from this end. I didnt realize all the rolling steel was on the other side! Ill post more when i get to my computer

texaskev wrote in post #18223141
I can relate. I live within the airspace of 3 airports and its a PITA to get permission from all 3 to fly for my real estate photography. Nice shot!

I can imagine. I think the 5 mile thing should be 2 miles instead. 5 is excessive. If a plane is at 400 ft 5 miles out, its probably crashing anyway. As for 400 ft. Id rather it be 1500 ft. But it is what it is. Early drone pilots ruined it for the rest of us.

How are you able to determine the height of your drone?

I had not thought of "this" before reading what you just typed above, but it does seem at 400 foot, then you have to keep your drone somewhat close to you to keep radio contact... so I can understand now how flying your drone the length of the rail yard (guessing 1 1/2 to 2 miles) would be dangerous for losing control of your drone!

Cormac wrote in post #18223326
I understand the laws and abide by them. They just seem a bit overly restrictive is all.

They seem that way until one see the use of the airspace from a manned aircraft perspective flying IFR approaches.

Hopefully, as the technology evolves, the restrictions can be changed.

Inspeqtor wrote in post #18223432
How are you able to determine the height of your drone?

I had not thought of "this" before reading what you just typed above, but it does seem at 400 foot, then you have to keep your drone somewhat close to you to keep radio contact... so I can understand now how flying your drone the length of the rail yard (guessing 1 1/2 to 2 miles) would be dangerous for losing control of your drone!

I can't speak for other drone companies. But DJI has an option to set for "return home" if you lose signal with the drone. Also you can set parameters for max height so you can't fly above 400ft accidentally. Can also set for max distance from the remote. Again, if you should lose signal, it will return home. It won't crash itself. If a drone crashes it's like 99% human error. Flying into a tree or getting to close to the ground, or not tightening the props, etc...

Capn Jack wrote in post #18223434
They seem that way until one see the use of the airspace from a manned aircraft perspective flying IFR approaches.

Hopefully, as the technology evolves, the restrictions can be changed.

I hope so! Time will tell.

Anyway, sorry to hijack the thread. Here are a couple more shots I liked from yesterday!

Christmas Eve found this crew sidelined waiting for an west bound Z train south of Escalon Califonria. Hopefully they were able to get going in time to get home without timing out.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/PZXR​m7

Itsed65 wrote in post #18223565

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/PZXR​m7
Waiting at Escalon by lennycarl08, on Flickr

Nice shot

Itsed65 wrote in post #18223565
Christmas Eve found this crew sidelined waiting for an west bound Z train south of Escalon Califonria. Hopefully they were able to get going in time to get home without timing out.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/PZXR​m7
Waiting at Escalon by lennycarl08, on Flickr

Nice shot!

What does "get home without timing out mean"?

Cormac wrote in post #18223492
I can't speak for other drone companies. But DJI has an option to set for "return home" if you lose signal with the drone. Also you can set parameters for max height so you can't fly above 400ft accidentally. Can also set for max distance from the remote. Again, if you should lose signal, it will return home. It won't crash itself. If a drone crashes it's like 99% human error. Flying into a tree or getting to close to the ground, or not tightening the props, etc...

I hope so! Time will tell.

Anyway, sorry to hijack the thread. Here are a couple more shots I liked from yesterday!

Hosted photo: posted by Cormac in
./showthread.php?p=182​23492&i=i72598098
forum: Transportation

Hosted photo: posted by Cormac in
./showthread.php?p=182​23492&i=i239183526
forum: Transportation

Ok that second shot right there is just awesome........I wanna print that on a giant print and hang it in my home office lol!

Love the drone pictures of the rail yard!! I am learning with a small drone I was given and once I master it hope to get a larger one. Closest airport to me is about 20 miles.

Inspeqtor wrote in post #18223871
Nice shot!

What does "get home without timing out mean"?

Just like an airline crew, there is a maximum number of hours a train crew can be at the controls. Once that clock runs out, they are done, regardless of where they are. If they are close to home, no big deal, a van comes and gets them, but if they are not near their home base, its to the motel. I don't know how each railroad works it, but I was an air force crew member for over 20 years and spent many holidays away from home due to unforeseen delays, and can sympathize.

Old SD40-2, long past its glory days, is now relegated to the yard, where it spends the days going back and forth, and back and forth...

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/QoAG​Dn

Itsed65 wrote in post #18224315

Inspeqtor wrote in post #18223871
Nice shot!

What does "get home without timing out mean"?

Just like an airline crew, there is a maximum number of hours a train crew can be at the controls. Once that clock runs out, they are done, regardless of where they are. If they are close to home, no big deal, a van comes and gets them, but if they are not near their home base, its to the motel. I don't know how each railroad works it, but I was an air force crew member for over 20 years and spent many holidays away from home due to unforeseen delays, and can sympathize.

Thank you! Got it

Itsed65 wrote in post #18224316
Old SD40-2, long past its glory days, is now relegated to the yard, where it spends the days going back and forth, and back and forth...

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/QoAG​Dn
Yard Duty by lennycarl08, on Flickr

...until it can no longer "go back and forth"...