German Railways - Photography Advice

[Crompton Karl]

Hello Peeps,

My lovely company are sending me to Koln this weekend to have a meet and Greet with the Lovely people from DB and out Rail Europe office just outside Koln HBF. Now i will have quite a bit of spare time while i am there and i was wondering if anyone knew what the Germans are like towards people taking pictures of Trains. I haven't been to Germany in over 10 years so i wanted to see if anyone else had experience of the mentality towards the Rail Enthusiast out there post 9/11. Hopefully i will get a pass from my hosts at DB but in a worse case scenario i wont get this and was hoping one of your fine fellows or lasses would have any info?

All the best

Karl

 

[Zamracene749]

I've taken a few pics over there on staffed stations around Niedersachsen whilst visiting the kids this year, had no problems at all although most of them were not at large stations. I doubt you will have any problems, having said that who knows- the camera paranoia might afflict DB yet.

 

[theblackwatch]

I've been to Germany most years for a few days (except this year) and never had a problem with photography. In fact, at the plandampf I went to, there were people wandering across track and nobody batted an eyelid - I wouldn't try that on ordinary services though!

 

[1D53]

How about for France guys? Any advice? Sorry to stamp on the original thread but better than creating a second!

 

[Crompton Karl]

I travel France quite a lot and find away from Paris there are usually no problems when taking photos away from the capital. However, if you are looking to take photos in central Paris stations then i suggest speaking with the station staff and asking permission first. You may need a permit or just need to sign in before you take photos. I now have the help of SNCF on my side as i work for them, however, before i worked for them i never used to have any problems.

Karl

 

[960012]

not been to germany for a while but the years i have been ive had no problems with taking pictures, not been question atall

 

[Julian G]

Hello Peeps,

My lovely company are sending me to Koln this weekend to have a meet and Greet with the Lovely people from DB and out Rail Europe office just outside Koln HBF. Now i will have quite a bit of spare time while i am there and i was wondering if anyone knew what the Germans are like towards people taking pictures of Trains. I haven't been to Germany in over 10 years so i wanted to see if anyone else had experience of the mentality towards the Rail Enthusiast out there post 9/11. Hopefully i will get a pass from my hosts at DB but in a worse case scenario i wont get this and was hoping one of your fine fellows or lasses would have any info?

All the best

Karl

Koln is alright,

Koln Hansaring [S13?] is a nice location, I went there and i saw the Empty Stock Movements, and the odd shunter
I heard that Koln West is a good location for seeing freights

when i went there two years ago, there was this Steam Train Charter that went around Koln [Buffer Puffer Style] all for 10 Euros! I'm not sure if it still runs today

 

[Beaker]

that was taken in Koln with a train going over the bridge and a barge going under the bridge.
Some of the barges have similar engines to Rats

 

[33056]

Hi......

Spend loads of my annual leave in Germany and have never had a problem photting. Some pictures from Köln taken earlier in the year can be seen HERE .

Pop round to Köln West on the line to Bonn, good for phots and you will see some freight as well. If you want a train ride, then a trip to Koblenz or Mainz alongside the Rhein is recommended - left or right bank equally good for scenery.

 

[gordonthemoron]

Hi......

Spend loads of my annual leave in Germany and have never had a problem photting. Some pictures from Köln taken earlier in the year can be seen HERE .

Pop round to Köln West on the line to Bonn, good for phots and you will see some freight as well. If you want a train ride, then a trip to Koblenz or Mainz alongside the Rhein is recommended - left or right bank equally good for scenery.

And you could also pop over to Wuppertal to have a go on the Schwebebahn: http://schwebebahn.com/?lang=en

 

[Driver74]

How about for France guys? Any advice? Sorry to stamp on the original thread but better than creating a second!

I’ve never had any problems in either France, Germany or Switzerland. Railway staff think us photographic nuts are best left alone.
The secret is. Never put yourself in a position of danger and never use flash. Showing photographs of a previous visit to Switzerland to one of the train staff created quite an interested group of employees and their comments. Whilst Language with some of them was difficult it was amusing seeing them getting ribbed by their colleagues.

Basically, commonsense is the rule. Tripods I fear are a dodgy item so don’t invite trouble. Just enjoy your hobby.

 

[ukrupp]

Hello railfans

just dropped in to wish you a happy new year from Cologne/Germany. I saw some nice pics in your galeries about my hometown. Cologne/Germany is worth a journey. Take your place in Köln West, Köln-Süd or Köln-Gremberg. Have all a nice evenig.

So long
Udo

 

[Crompton Karl]

For those of you that are interested i have finally been able to upload the photos i took in Koln during my stay there. They can be found at http://raileuropeemployee.fotopic.net/c1437043.html

Enjoy.

Karl

 

[ukrupp]

Karl,

great Pics. Keep up the good work.

Udo