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Good question. I suppose I never thought of compiling a list.
From a non-railroad employee perspective:
Don't trespass. Not everywhere is posted, but typically right-of-ways (15 feet from the ballast, service roads, parking lots) are RR property. A rule of thumb I use is: if I think I am on their property, I probably am. Trust your gut.
Keep your distance. There are numerous places close enough to railroad tracks that are not on RR property. Many railroaders already don't care for rail fans. Not much you can do about that, but there is no need to scare the employees into thinking you darted infront of their train, or tried to sabotage it. Their viewable area begins several feet in front of the nose. But then this goes back to rule #1.
Be friendly. This applies to employees and other rail fans. Think of how you would like random guys to come and watch you work, or take photos! Again, if a conductor or gandy dancer doesn't like rail fans to start with there is not much you can do to change their mind. But, being polite and/or friendly may soften up the encounter and help future visits trackside. If you are met by a Resource Protection Agent (RR cop) treat them as you would any city police officer during a traffic stop. Also, this may be a great time for you to find out where you can safely be to watch trains. [While this may not work - such as meeting a disagreeable agent - or be feasible at that particular time, it goes to show that you respect RR operations and property and pose no risk. Such encounters also go better if you were not on RR property initially. Serious consequences occur when trespassing.]
Be aware of your surroundings. I am referring to fellow human beings. Some very unsavory characters frequent tracks, overpasses, and camps near rail lines. There are several spots in the Metro I wouldn't hang out for extended periods of time. Trust your gut instinct, that is what it is there for! I was going to advise taking a page from the hiker's playbook, tell others where you are going. That may not work. On any given outing I could go from Northtown to South St. Paul to Prescott, WI to Shakopee to Elk River.
If you find somewhere new, size it up. Look for signs of: drug use; an over abundance of graffiti (especially gang type markings); locations which are difficult to see from the street or offer limit means of escape; and natural hazards.
There are a few railroaders who participate in this forum, they may have something to say as well.
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