Do railroaders like railfans?
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.
Can trains sneak up on you?
FACT 7: TRAINS CAN SNEAK UP ON YOU You don't always hear that loud “clacking sound” anymore. This means that trains can be closer than they appear and move faster than you think.
What are train guys called?
The conductor title is most common in North American railway operations, but the role is common worldwide under various job titles. In Commonwealth English, a conductor is also known as guard or train manager. A conductor on an Amtrak train.
What is the slang for train riders?
The term hobo is a loose one used to define everything from happy-go-lucky train hoppers to large homeless communities (and sometimes derogatorily so). But in its most popular definition, itinerant workers traveling the country by train use the word to describe themselves and their unique and intentional lifestyle.
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.
Are train tracks electrocuted?
Standing upon (or making bodily-contact with) both wheel-rails of a railroad line simultaneously would almost-certainly not result in a life-threatening (nor even mild) electrical-shock of any sort (they are grounded and almost never carry any more than a few stray, harmless volts of electricity, if any).
What is a British train spotter?
noun British. 1. someone who is very interested in trains and spends time going to stations and recording the numbers of the trains that they see. 2. informal.
Do train workers sleep on train?
Does the Railroad Crew Sleep on the Train? People who work on a passenger train including the porters and other staff may have to stay onboard the train for up to 48 hours at a time. In these situations, the onboard crew will often sleep in a dormitory car on the train.
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 illegal to hang around train tracks?
Railroad tracks are private property, not public trails. It's illegal to walk on the tracks unless you're at a designated crossing. It's extremely dangerous to walk, run, or drive down the railroad tracks or even alongside them. Trains travel in both directions and at all times of day and night.
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 railfanning illegal?
Walking or playing on railroad property is trespassing. It is illegal, very dangerous and poses a serious safety and security risk.
How many railfans are there?
Trains Magazine, an industry publication, estimates that there are 175,000 U.S. railfans, mostly male baby boomers. The word 'enthusiast' doesn't begin to cover their devotion, said Rhonda Del Boccio, head of the Okefenokee Chamber of Commerce, which oversees railfan tourism in Folkston.
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.
Is it unhealthy to live near train tracks?
In one study conducted at the BNSF Railway Hobart Railyard in Los Angeles, the California Environmental Protection Agency estimated that residents living near a railyard experienced a higher risk of carcinogen exposure.
Are trainspotters autistic?
The trainspotter, it was recently revealed, may be psychiatrically challenged. Dr Uta Frith of the Medical Research Council's Cognitive Development Unit, has said that trainspotters and other obsessive collectors of trivia, may be suffering from Asperger's Syndrome, a mild form of autism.
What is a dude train?
The Dude Train traveled from Boston to Woods Hole, Massachusetts from June 1st to October 1st for the convenience of summer residents starting in 1884. The train made its last run at the end of the 1916 season. Photograph by Baldwin Coolidge. Photographer: Coolidge, Baldwin, 1845-1928 Format: Photographs.
Is train hopping illegal in UK?
Trespassing on the railway is illegal and dangerous. You could be taken to court and face a £1,000 fine. For this reason, when we see someone trespassing, we have to stop all trains in the vicinity to remove trespassers, check for damage and clear blockages.
What are railroad fans called?
A railfan, also known as a “rail enthusiast” or “train buff” in North America, is a person with a strong affinity for anything related to trains and rail travel.