Every rail enthusiast dreams of the day when they are invited into the cab/footplate of a locomotive or train, however this is an occurance that is a lot rarer than it used to be in the heightened security climate of today and also due to incidents in the past. If a driver is caught with an unauthorised visitor in the cab, it could result in disciplinary action for the driver. Basically, if it happens to you ... you are one of the lucky few who get to enjoy this unique experience - it is not encouraged by any means.

If you would like to experience a cab ride legally, the best place to go is to your local tourist railway. They are usually more than happy to show you where the driver sits and may even give you a ride.

Do you have permission to be inside the railway fence line? No. Under no circumstances should anyone be inside railway property to gain an added vantage point. However yes, it does happen occasionally where one is to find themselves inside the railway boundary. Please keep in mind, if you are told to move on by a railway employee or the police - do so, if you refuse you may be liable for a fine.

If that is the case, be sure to keep in mind the following -

• You should always be over 10m from the track centre at all times when inside railway property.
• A position of safety is over 3m from the track centre.
• Never cross tracks other than at provided crossing facilities (bridge, pedestrian crossing, subway, etc.) it is a $150 on the spot fine if these facilities are not used.
• Be cautious of colours worn trackside -
  • Lemon Vest = Lookout
  • Orange Vest = Standard (this does not mean it is a ticket into railway property, you must have a reason to be there)
  • Big no nos - Red, Green, etc. These have been mistaken as signals/stop boards in the past.
    
• Do not interfere with railway infrastructure - be it lever frames, points, ballast, signals, etc.
  
• The Overhead Traction Wiring Equipment (or the overhead wires) is energised at 25kV 50Hz - lethal voltage, do not climb the masts (especially the lattice ones erected on the North Coast Line) or else you will end with the nickname 'Char Grill'.

Everyone knows the road rules, or at least we hope you do. A couple of key things to remember when out railfanning or chasing a train:

• Be courteous to your fellow users of the road - do not parallel a train if it is travelling well below the posted road speed (ie. 80km/h in a 100km/h zone). This is extremely dangerous and is definitely frowned upon amongst rail enthusiasts.
• Stick to the speed limit.
• Do not operate electronic devices while driving such as camera gear, mobile phones, etc. If you have passengers, let them take the photos/video or answer your phone.
• Do not overtake when it isn't safe, your life is more important than trying to catch up with a train.
  
• Do not park illegally - ie. No Parking Zones