A question about train watchers?

Question

I was in a town the other day and strolling past a railroad crossing. I thought that something weird or bad was going to happen because all of these guys were standing around with walkie talkies and cameras. I asked one guy if something had happened and he said no they were "railroad-fans". he said they did this every weekend. The guyz seemed freindly enough, but wow were they incredibly weird. Sort of like my dad's ham radio buddies except with really bad hygiene.

Are train watchers mostly introverted middle aged guys? Some ladies strolled by, looked puzzled and then were giggling to themselves as they walked off-----obviously amused by these men. Are these guys married and have kids and everything? Is this some sort of club or gang or something for men who dont deal with women ?

Answer 1

Thats a very unfortunate stereo-type - unfortunate because its true for some railfans (the bad hygiene and the women thing). I don't much appreciate it at all.

To address the first thing, they weren't "walkie-takies", rather scanners (receive only radio) set to railroad frequencies. It gives you a heads-up for when the train is coming. Second, its also perfectly legal and normal to photograph trains. Plenty of people photograph aircraft, ships, birds, classic cars - an interest (specifically a photographic one) in trains is no different.

At any rate, I'm in the 18-25 demographic, have good hygiene, a very normal interest in women (I like every hot one I see), and am pretty much prefectly normal.

I don't railfan every weekend. Maybe just a couple times a month. I take my Nikon SLR with my 70-300mm Zoom telephoto lens, along with my 28-80mm Fisheye Zoom lens, and expose some Kodak Ektachrome 200 to some trains.

Some railroad's have company calendars and accept photo submissions. There are lots of train magazine and even more books that need pictures. Pictures that railfans in the 1800's-to present are considered priceless especially for history books and publications.

I plan to marry a woman, have kids, and continue photographing trains. There's nothing odd about it.

Answer 2

I'm a 14-year-old railfan myself. ( A more formal term for a "Train Watcher") I live in a small town, and I've never personally met another railfan. But, I've talked to many on forums and on instant-messaging. From what I've observed, they're very nice people. They're always friendly, and more often than not, law abiding citizens. I honestly can't say 'yes' or 'no', because I honestly don't know the situation well enough to advise you on how to proceed. Do you see these railfans commonly, AWAY from the tracks? Grocery Stores? Convienence Stores? If you've only witnessed them watching trains, then under no circumstances is it odd that they're not with women. Think of spending a day with a group of women shopping. Sound fun? Probably not. And sitting by the tracks watching 9000 tonnes thunder past is probably boring for women, too. If you can, provide more details on the situation so we can help you further. Do these men behave strangely? (Aside from watching trains) Do they drink? Are their appearences strange? Information like this is nessessary. If they appear to respect the laws and do not appear to behave strangley or abuse substances, I'd say that they're fine. Just remember to tell your son to respect the railroad's property. Not just for saftey's sake; some train crews can get a bit nasty.

Answer 3

I'm not as much of a train watcher as I used to be. This would be because I'm not so much into it as I once was. These days with how everything has gone "Hi-Tech" and impersonal, train watching isn't as much fun anymore. Not all train watchers are introverted middle aged men. Some of us are married with families. Some of us are retired railroad employees. And some of us are even model railroaders. Oh, there are also some female train buffs in our groups.

Answer 4

So, men who watch trains are a problem, but you obviously don't have the same problem with men (and there are plenty of them) who watch planes, tanks, ships, SUVs, HGVs, and so on.

I have been a 'train watcher' or 'trainspotter' or 'railfan' for most of my life. It is one of my hobbies which I share with many people and I have many others which I also share.

I don't agree with the tiresome stereotypes that you seek to regurgitate courtesy of this MB and anyway, when was the the last time you saw a classic, historical film or TV series that didn't depend for at least some of its effect on people who work at and restore vintage trains?

Pls list 2 me the exceptions, you might find them easier than the rule.

Peace and love

Answer 5

The proper term is Railfan. I belong to a club of model railroaders, sometimes they can be a strange bunch. Most are older guys with money who can afford the hobby. Anyway, railfans are all shapes and sizes, can't say I've ever hung out with true railfans, but it's fun to watch the big engines go by, for me, anyway. Railfans are probably old mechanical tech geeks, they love big, noisy, rail-riding equipment. Probably similar to computer geeks, but in a different way. Have you ever watched Dead-heads follow a concert tour? They're unkempt, drive weird vehicles, etc. I guess any kind of faithful following may tend to distract someone from personal hygiene niceities, etc. LOL. I'd say most, though, are married to tolerant women, yes many have children, and share their love of trains constantly. They're not loners or women-avoiders.

Answer 6

I'm a train fan myself. I'm 19 years old, been interested in trains since I was like 3 years old. I have good hygiene and have no problem with getting women, in fact, they seem to think it's a pretty neat hobbie to have. I actually got a few interested in them..lol. I'm just your average railfan, I do not go to great lengths to get that perfect picture. I never put myself in any danger, and I know my boundaries. I just enjoy watchin' the trains roll through. Don't need any pictures!

Answer 7

My Uncle is a rail road fan. He also worked for the railroad for 40 years. Not all are like that. He's also play's in an marching band. teachs sports. Him and my Aunt travel all though the country and vidio trains, go to musuems. And ride the rails. I love to travel by train also. They used to take me on trips when I was younger. And he showers everyday.

Answer 8

for gods sake, stop profiling them!!

We railfans are mostly guys (there are women in our ranks) who enjoy watching and taking pictures of trains. Yes, some of us are wierd.

The walkie-talkies were either for communication with thier friends up the tracks to find out where trains were, or to listen to the RR radio to get alerts on when trains will be at that crossing.

Many of them have families, and they will sometimes bring thier kids with them (kids love trains) and give the wives some time off.

They arent a gang, they deal with women just fine. dont judge.

Answer 9

So..
On the book they sell on this site http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=416 you'll find a great step by step guide about train models and about how to plan and build a model railroad. I'm not a beginner but it helped me a lot. Check it out.
Bye

Answer 10

some railroads people call them formers (because they seem
to foam at the mouth when they see a train..
(but unfortunally a lot of railroad official detest those guys
like the plague (oh they ":could be terrorists!:
and a number of them have been report to either FBI or Homeland security,,
yet foamers are really the eyes and eyes for the railroad
(just try telling that to a railroad official!