Are children safe around train watchers?

Question

We have a regular group of guys near our tracks that watch the trains, I'd love to have my son watch there too, but I'm a bit worried about the guys. Pardon my question, but they seem a bit weird...I've never seen them with women, and there's just something about them that seems strange. I'd be watching my son, but I'm worried that these guys might take more than a normal liking to him and stalk him later. My neighbor says I'm way too worried, but are these hard core train watchers dangerous?

Answer 1

First off, whoever said they all have wives at home lied. About half still live in Mom and Dad's basement. Second, I wouldn't worry about them "liking" your son. I have met several that don't "like" women, men little boys or anything except they really -REALLY "like" the trains.

Before you all jump on me, I've had too many 21 year old boys out watching trains on a Saturday night. When I've stopped for a switch or signal, I've asked why they weren't out looking for girls. They can't give a straight answer. 21 year old boys more interested in trains than girls is a bit odd.

Bottom line, I'd be more concerned that they would influence him to be unsafe around the tracks than to try to influence about being "liked" by grown men.

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

Iam not a train watcher myself but iam sure he will be safe as with anything in life theres a crowd of fans .At a football match air show opera racing.etc etc
So this is just the same and attracts a fan base.My friends dads a train spotter and goes all round the country on trains.Not my cup of tea but hes safe enough and his wife would never go and watch trains all dad as iam sure many wifes wouldnt go fishing with there hubby all day.
At the end of the day what is weird look at all the things famous people and mps get upto

Answer 4

While it's impossible to say what those folks are like in your particular situation I will say that railfans, as train enthusiasts are commonly known, in general are very well-behaved, law-abiding citizens, many of which are also quite friendly. The railfan hobby itself is much the same way and if your son enjoys trains, it's a very safe, clean and relaxing hobby. If you're curious about those folks simply walk down and talk to them because there is a good chance that they will be quite friendly and willing to speak with you.

In any event, about what they do. Train watching along active railroad tracks is just one facet of the railfan hobby (others include things like model railroading, study of rail history, and collecting historical railroad artifacts just to name a few), although it is certainly one of the most popular aspects of it. Usually when watching trains, aside from just the enjoyment, railfans are doing one (or more) of many things which include; taking pictures/video, looking for a particular locomotive/freight or passenger car, or IDing the particular train (they'll even carry notepads and everything with them, sometimes even lawn chairs!).

Indeed, while it can look a bit weird it's all in clean fun and almost always they mean no harm in being there (as long as they have permission to be on the property where they are watching from, if it is not public). Most of the time the reason you don't see women with them is that many don't follow the hobby like men do, so it's almost always a "guy" thing.

Again, though, walk down and speak with them just to feel more comfortable about whether you feel alright about allowing your son to watch with them. And lastly, more often than not (if they are indeed respectful, likable people), they will even teach/show him all about the railfan hobby.

Answer 5

HI Renys Mum, you can rest assured railway enthusiasts are the best group of people you could wish for. In my experience of the hobby which spans over 30 years I have found everyone involved in all aspects of the hobby to be friendly, trustworthy & law abiding. They may seem odd to the uninitiated because they constantly have so much information to collate & digest-all aspects of railways are completely engrossing & fascinating so the reason you have never seen them with women is very possibly they don't have the time!! Oh, by the way there are a (very) few female enthusiasts-I have known 4 in 30 years!

I can say with almost 100% certainty your son will be safer in that community than practically any other.

Answer 6

Railfans that I have met may be a bit odd but I think your son is probably safer there than a lot of other activities.
He is old enough to be able to understand about staying a safe distance and not getting in the way of RR equipment isnt he?

Answer 7

Hard core train watchers (or "railfans") could pretty much care less who is there with them watching the train. They are there for one reason and one reason only . . . . to watch trains. I am a female railfan. It is a very odd occurance for there to be female railfans. Normally it's a "guys night out" type of thing to go train watching. Just as long as you are with your son . . . he'll be fine.

Answer 8

There is absolutely no correlation between train spotters and perverts. The probability of any of them harming your son is no more than when you take him to the supermarket. He is probably more at risk at the beach or swimming pool, but even there the principle of many eyes keeps him safe. They are a regular group - and I bet if you get to know them they may be a bit shy at first, but will prove to be decent citizens, and probably married and with kids and grandkids of their own.

Answer 9

Hey there,
Read this ebook here http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=416. It's the only good resource I found online about train models with a step by step guide to plan and build a model railroad.
Cheers ;)

Answer 10

The short answer is they all have wives at home, that wouldn't be caught dead watching trains. At least I do. If they were perverts, they'd be watching something other than trains.