Are railfans foamers?
Are railfans foamers? The term foamer started out as a derogatory term used by railroaders to describe a railfan. But, in the past few years within the industry, at least here where I work, it's not always used in the negative context.
Are train tracks live all the time?
All railroad lines shall be considered live, until verified that a line is abandoned or dead (out of service). Never assume a line is dead, always assume the line is live or active, until confirmed by the railroad for work on or over railroad right-of-way.
Why is foamer offensive to railfans?
It is a term often used as a derogatory way to describe railfans by people who actually work on the railroad. It is derived from the idea that railfans foam at the mouth at the sight of a train.
How do railfans know when a train is coming?
Railfans get used to the usual patterns of trains in their area, and use scanners to listen in on railroad dispatch frequencies. But it takes knowledge and practice to decipher what you hear on the scanner.
Do railroaders like railfans?
Railroaders see railfan's as a nuisance only when they get in the way and/or endanger themselves or others. They may not understand what you see in it, especially if they don't like the job.
What is a flirt train?
Stadler FLIRT is an electric multiple unit (EMU) manufactured by Stadler Rail, a Switzerland-based rail manufacturer. FLIRT stands for Fast Light Innovative Regional Train. These trains are manufactured for operations on suburban and regional railway lines.
What is a frog railroad?
A railroad frog is a device that helps the wheels rolling from one track to another. It is also called the “common crossing”. As a part of the railroad switch, it takes the area where two rails cross. Crossing nose and wing rails are main parts of the frog.
Why are railfans called Foamers?
True confession (as if you didn't know): I am a railfan. But don't call me a “foamer!” People who love trains come in all shapes and sizes, but “foamer” is a term they universally hate. “Foamers” is how railroad employees refer to railfans because they think we “foam” at the mouth anytime we see a train.
Is it unhealthy to live by train tracks?
Near freight rail facilities, residents are likely to be exposed to high levels of diesel exhaust particles and other airborne pollutants at potentially even greater levels than those from major freeways.
What do railfans do?
Railroad enthusiasts are found throughout the world and hail from all walks of life. Some follow train technology or operations, others create elaborate train layouts or models, and many enjoy taking photographs or are content to just watch trains from a distance.
What is the most remote train station in the US?
Alpine Station, Texas, USA This unmanned stop on Amtrak's Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle routes links Alpine to the US. Nestled in remote Texas at 4,475 ft amid towering peaks, you can catch regular trains from Houston, though the journey spans about 15 hours.
Why do train spotters love trains?
Some spotters desire photos of the trains, whilst others just enjoy the satisfaction of having seen them in real life, and they do not feel like they require proof. Some spotters also take an interest in old rail tickets, timetables, rail signage or other railway related memorabilia.
What are train nerds called?
The word for geeks who are obsessed with trains is railfans or train enthusiasts. They are often referred to as rai.
Why is a Trainspotter called a gricer?
Etymology. From grice, supposed plural of grouse (on analogy to mouse/mice), likening a person who identifies railway locomotives to a sportsman who bags grouse.
What are railfans called?
A railfan, rail buff or train buff (American English), railway enthusiast, railway buff or trainspotter (Australian/British English), or ferroequinologist is a person who is recreationally interested in trains and rail transport systems.
What city in America has the most trains?
The numerous freight and passenger trains coursing through Chicago define the city as the nation's railroad hub.