We should take note of what has been happening to the Flying Scotsman with the number of fans trying to get pictures by making themselves a nuisance to the railroads by way of trespassing.

Just yesterday the Scotsman was forced to stop due to railfans being on the tracks.

http://everytimenews.info/index.php/201 ... ake-pictu/

This is a problem that has only gotten worse since the Scotsman returned, and we have seen the same happening in the US with 611 (and other locomotives), and around the rest of the world too, I am sure. We walk on a thin wire here, and incidents like the above could easily result in the suspension of mainline steam trips in the US.

Trouble is, what do you do when the foamers don't get the message trough their thick skulls and stay off the tracks?

You presume it's the "foamers."

Nearly every time of late I've witnessed what could be called egregious behavior while chasing 611 or other such excursions, it's been the "selfie snapper" crowd, who doesn't read forums or railfan magazines.

The only thing we can legitimately do about that is cancel such excursions.

Kick the cylinder cocks open. That will clear them off!

That or hang eyesore banners on the tenders.

Banners on the tenders would only kep the hardcore fans home.

It would do nothing about the "daisy picker" selfie-snapping crowd, who don't care about such details.

Ever seen the crowd around Thomas the Tank Engine?

Yes and I remember being horrified at the parents wanting to put their kids on the front of the locomotive for pictures, unaware of the danger of being burned. That happened the first year TVRM did DOWT. The next year, we had a photo stand built so that guests could safely stand in front of the locomotive once the train was in the station.