What are some public places where railfans like to hangout?

Question

...besides train stations

Answer 1

The one public place that comes to mind for me is located in Rochelle, ILL at the Rochelle Railroad Park, It is situated in the crossover double diamond of the Union Pacific's Clinton Subdivision and the BNSF Aurora Subdivision, there are an average of 40 to 50 trains a day on the Aurora Sub, but I am not sure about the UP.

If you want a video of some action at the Rochelle Double Diamond go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5ELcXd2Sl8

Also for more info on the Rochelle Double Diamond Rail Parkyou can visit:
http://www.trains.com/trc/objects/pdf/webcam_rochelle_brochure.pdf

Also you can view still shots and web cam video from a webcam that Trains Magazine has set up at the Rail Park go to:
www.trains.com
1. scroll down towards the middle of the webpage.
2. click on the picture under webcams.
3. if you are not a current member of trains.com it will ask you to sign up for a user account (FREE)
4. after you validate your account via e-mail repeat steps 1 & 2, if it goes to the same page click the returning guest link.
5. after logging in it will take you to a page with a little info on the railpark, in the upper left corner of the text that has 3 links: webcam, recent images, and FAQ, to watch the action live click web cam, and to view still pics the camera has taken click recent images.

other than that you should be up and running on the webcam part.

Hope this helps.

*Note* you need Adobe Acrobat for the second link

Answer 2

Anywhere the tracks run. The most notable, which has spawned the general term "foamers", are the people that would frequent the "Feather River Route" of the Western Pacific. Found only in the Feather River canyon between Portola and Marysville.

They are everywhere. Forgive me for saying so, but your question seems "couched," like you are thinking about coming out of the closet.

There is nothing wrong with being a "fanatic, spotter, enthusiast, or other". So, if you want to "hang out" with those who have already made their preference known, keep an eye out for a "special" kind of event near you, special train, steam exhibit, etc.

Your kind are everywhere. How pervasive are they? I wish I had a dollar for every time my picture was taken.

But, public places mean on or near railroad property. If you intend to get close, get close smart. Be prepared for the movement of any equipment, at any time, on any track, in either direction without warning.

If your intent is to get "up close" with a moving train, keep in mind that the broken bands of a steel strap around loads of lumber may be protruding from a car and cut you in half quicker than a brand new Ginsu. This is guaranteed to ruin an afternoon.

So, find the hangouts. You'll be in good company.

Answer 3

on buses or on transit fan websites like www.etspe.ca/cptbd

Answer 4

Hobo jungles