Before you go blindly bad mouthing Pentrex, it should be noted that when Pentrex has utilized a helicopter in recent years, it has been a television newschopper, equipped with the Wescam system, mounted under the nose of the chopper. The news chopper was clearly marked for L.A. television station. The exceptional optics of Wescam system makes it unnecessary for the news chopper to fly close to the train as described. Using the Wescam system the chopper can be way behind the photo lines, and/or way above the subject, to where you might not even be aware the chopper is there, unless it passes directly over your location. Also the news chopper is considerably quieter than the choppers you have witnessed in the past. In addition the newschopper was flown by an experienced, responsible pilot who does not feel the need to fly as described in the first post. The experienced, responsible, and professional cameraman/Wescam operator would not need to demand such flying either.

Please see: [www.wescam.com]

[www.pentrex.com] (At the end of this program the Wescam system in shown and demonstrated.) also see:
[www.pentrex.com] (Note that the sound was matched up in the studio, and note the distance from which these shots were taken with a long lens, as evidenced by the foreshortened shots.)

It should be noted that Pentrex has done a great service to the Railfan community, in providing FREE events such as renting Los Angeles Live Steamers for two weekends, FREE party at the L.A. Arboretum for launching of the book Walt Disney and His Railroads, and FREE pizza parties for many years the evening before Winterail, until rental costs became prohibitive. Pentrex normally invited everyone on their mailing list and other guests to attend/freeload at such events. Pentrex rented a theater at Railfairs in Sacramento, for a FREE place to cool off and watch FREE programs. Pentrex continues to send FREE merchandise to various model railroad and railfan conventions and events. As photographers themselves, the folks at Pentrex are well aware of how annoying a noisy chopper or fixed wing aircraft can be. It has also been past practice for Pentrex crews to hand out freebies to entice persons to move, who might otherwise spoil their video shots.

Yes, there are obnoxious, selfish railfans who don't care about anyone else's shots but there own. Ever been to a automobile show? Try getting your roster shots at a car show and you will be glad to be around railfans again. Unfortunately railfans never look as good as the women at car shows.

Glen Icanberry
Redlands, CA