In a move that has Chicago area railroad buffs fuming, Union Pacific Railroad recently banned photography of its trains from Metra station platforms.

Union Pacific, which contracts with Metra to operate three commuter rail lines, said the new rule was issued in response to heightened security concerns.

"With recent incidents around the world, we felt that it would be prudent to heighten awareness and step up security measures," Union Pacific spokesman Joe Arbona said. "We want to keep people safe."

That argument doesn't wash with the Railroad Club of Chicago, whose president said the restrictions will have the opposite effect.

"UP is targeting those who are most likely to observe and report something out of the ordinary," Railroad Club president William Shapotkin said, noting that rail fans spend much of their free time riding and taking photos of trains.

Not only that, but because Metra station platforms are public areas, the ban is on shaky legal ground, too, Shapotkin contends.