Is This Illegal?

One day while i was walking by a railroad track i noticed all the bolts and stakes,etc laying around, so i started collecting them. It was just a small bag full ( probably about 300 lbs ). The next day i turned it into the scrap metal place, got 30 bux or so for it. Just curious is that illegal to do? Besides the tresspasing on railroads, is turning otm in for money illegal, do the railroad companies re-use those bolts and stakes?

Thanks

Btw. i live in wisconsin, usa

 

YES!!!!!! Trespassing AND theft!!!!!

 

Here in Kingston NY I've had some great chats with the guys at our trolley museum. For years there has been a big problem with theives pulling up the rail from abandoned lines to sell as scrap. At least one yard that I know of has been shut down for trafficing illeagle scrap. Thier defense was they thought abandoned meant it was abandoned.
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This question comes up all the time out in the west as well. If the trolley company (read any corporation) still owns the right of way and the property thereon (i.e. rails) then it is criminal trespass and theft of real property. It may be that the right of way has reverted to public trust or private individuals. If this is the case it is still theft if the current owner/gevernment does not give specific permission for entry into the property and removal of scrap.
John

 

I should also mention that if the abandoned railroad line is over 50 years old it may also be a federal crime to remove the spikes etc. as they are considered to be part of an historic archaeological site (yes railroads are considered to be important cultural properties under the Federal Antiquities Act).
John

 

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....And I forgot to say "welcome to Trainboard." Please don't think anyone here is yelling at you, we would just like to keep you out of trouble . The problem is that if everyone starts picking this stuff up, then soon it will all be gone and then we have nothing left of the historic property. Owners of the land also may have plans to do something with the "abandoned" line. I hate to think what would have happened if folks had collected all the rail etc. from what became the Durango and Silverton Scenic Railroad in the years that the line was shut down and "abandoned." Bottom line: preserve the lines as part of our heritage, and along the way you will also stay out of federal court.
John

 

YES!!!!!!!

Without their premission you just walk onto their property and stoled things and then sold stolen property.

:angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: ​

 

Dmeyer07, not only do you steal from the RR, then sell stolen property, but you are dumb enough to post on here asking if it is against the law?? That's like stealing a car and saying "Oh Gee, I didn't realize it was against the law."

I don't normally say this or wish this on anyone, but I hope you get caught. It is no wonder railroads are chasing people off the property now, people like you are ruining it for railfans.

 

Gentlemen,
I get this sort of question all of the time. Two days ago I had a young woman come into my office with Anasazi pottery she collected with the exact same question. One part of my brain says "do you really think it is legal to collect 1,000 year old artifacts from federal land (or private land without permission)? The other side of me (and the one that usually wins) says "this is a chance to educate someone about not only the law, but the importance of archaeological and historical property. So, no matter how I personally feel, I patiently explain why it is not only illegal, but that it really destroys our heritage. Once this is clear, the majority of folks not only don't do it again, but becomer champions of preservation. Just some food for thought.
John

 

Welcome to Trainboard. The reception to your post was rather blunt, but correct. There are easier and faster ways to make $30, that are legal. The responses are trying to keep you out of trouble.

 

yah i can make $30 fast. But i cant blame you.If you thoght it was old scraps.

 

nexxt time track side and you notice stuff laying around take note, then go and ask a RR supervisor or anybody in charge that can help you out, should said individual give his/her permission get his/her name AND TITLE of the RR

Tom

 

In Holland, historical artefacts become property of the owner, as far as I know. And railroad artefacts? Well, I have found some nuts and bolts while walking an old line, and took them as souvenir. But he, I work for the railroad so I have taken our own things with me ;-)

 

You got some balls!

 

Great job...really...just great

Guys, I think the guy who started this thread has gotten the point. I understand your frustration at this sort of behavior but blowing someone out of the water for asking a simple question is counter-productive. For perspective, most members of the public don't equate a car with a bent spike or rusted bolt.

There's not many people who have never -- accidently, of course -- stolen a pen. How about pilfering office supplies from an employer? What about an MP3 from a friend of a favorite song? My point is that petty theft occurs all the time. That doesn't justify the activity in the slightest, but to come unhinged on someone for asking if it's wrong isn't going to win any friends. Besides, losing your cool is just begging for a troll to come along and bait you, if they haven't already.

John had a good idea of how to handle it.

 

Dmeyer07
Welcome to Trainboard (now if you have read this far and are still a member{I hope you are}) you can also see. We here at trainboard take our railfannig very seriously. Ask any question any time there are no dumb question and only few wrong answers but with asking you will get a wealth of knowledge. Again Welcome to train board and go and enjoy some of the other post.