aggressive photographer preserved line

[Antman]

I have a long standing interest in trains and have visited many preserved lines without a single problem. Till an incident today that really shock me up. End of the day and I decided to walk down the platform to view the locomotive. Two photographers taking pictures of the train, both by the back fence, so I had to walk in front of them to get to the loco.

First was a stills camera, so I judged that passing him wouldn't do much harm. Second was video, so I ducked under the camera. Then all hell breaks loose, the man with the video camera jumps in front of me. Then gives me a mouth full if abuse, he was bigger than me, had me virtually pinned to the platform fence, really in my face.

He threatened physical violence and also to find me latter. Fortunately members of my family were nearby as where station staff. Who removed the man and got abuse for their trouble.

The other photographer said this guy has boasted of doing this to another person early that day. I am posting because I want to know if anyone else has had a similar experience. Also because I believe the man in question is dangerous and frankly in hindsight I wish I had involved the police. To be honest I find it shocking that such an individual could be a train enthusiast, a group I have always found cuteous, welcoming and friendly.

You should have called the police at the time, the idiot would probably have been arrested and prosecuted if there were witnesses

 

[455driver]

You should have called the police at the time, the idiot would probably have been arrested and prosecuted if there were witnesses

This is where it would fall apart, nobody wants to get involved these days.

 

[Harbon 1]

I've hardly ever had any problems really. I was filming a 56 at Warrington this time last year and another enthusiast was in the video as the train pulled away. Never mind, its not the end of the world, he apologised a lot when he realised but I'm not going to lose my mind over it. At the end of the day, its a train

I always stand away when I might be intruding on other photographers pictures, but I'm not the one (and I really despise these lot) to barge through a crowd of photographers who have been waiting there longer so I can get the 'perfect shot' and stand in the way of every other enthusiast taking a picture.

 

[zaph]

You should have called the police at the time, the idiot would probably have been arrested and prosecuted if there were witnesses

Alas it ws a rural location and when the member of station staff arrived he left. So it would have involved a long journey for the police, and it was unlikely they would have been able to find him.

 

[GarethJohn]

If your going to abuse or assault someone then isn't it a bit stupid to do it too someone recording or taking photos at the time?
Even the most inept crooks will be put off at the sight of a Camera.