Did you see this interesting rail documentary <link included>?

Question

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59Pb0giq00E

I'm not so sure that I've seen US railfans taking down notes this way? Also I really doubt that the female in the film is actually a railfan, she's likely a film student playing the part. What do you think of the part where they ask strangers what a trainspotter is? Would that be true for American railfans?

Answer 1

This is definitely the response you would get from the majority of of the British public. So that, in a way, is accurate!
The rest, I have to say is completely erroneous!
During the early 80's to the mid 90's I "trainspotted" and
found it thoroughly enjoyable.
I travelled the length and breadth of the country, spotting and travelling behind (haulaging) locomotives, and found it so rewarding.
There was a real kinship amongst other enthusiasts, not to mention a rivalry!
The knowledge gained, plus the geographical advantage you have on the next man, regarding towns, and there proximity to each over, remain unsurpassable.
However, I am now approaching 40, and still keep a half closed eye on proceedings, and now find the UK's rail scene completely boring, with the only locomotives used nowadays the sadly ubiquitous Class 66's.
In concluding, train spotting, I feel, was exciting during the 1970's to late 1980's, but has now a deafening blandness and familiarity about it!
Blame progress and EWS!

Answer 2

If you haven't guessed it, this film was made in England. I think you are right in saying the girl is a student playing the role. She says she was brought up in Salisbury, but her accent to me is more Bristol. The 'vox pop' bits produced the comments one might expect, except from the woman who was interviewed last. Personally, I think people who watch men playing with balls on a field are very sad.

So far as taking notes is concerned, books are published in the UK listing details of all trains, loco numbers, set numbers etc. The numbers are taken in the notebook and then the trainspotter marks off those he has seen in his book. I must admit that to someone brought up in the days of steam when there was a great deal of variety, it does strike me as fairly pointless these days when everything is very uniform.