Is watching trains a hobby?
Is watching trains a hobby? Trainspotting is the practice of watching trains, particularly as a hobby, with the aim of noting distinctive characteristics.
Is Trainspotting a British hobby?
Trainspotting first originated in the UK in the 1940's, when a young PR trainee working in Waterloo spotted a gap in the market for a guide to inform young locomotive enthusiasts. There are a few different types of trainspotting practiced in the UK.
What do you call people who watch trains?
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 is a ghost train UK?
Ghost trains – also known as parliamentary trains – date back to the 1960s and are services that run over a line – or stop at a station – so infrequently that they often go unnoticed.
What is slang for train spotter?
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.
Why are train enthusiasts called Foamers?
“Foamers” is how railroad employees refer to railfans because they think we “foam” at the mouth anytime we see a train. To them, railroading is just a job. To us, it's a passion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why is the Flying Scotsman so expensive?
Over the years there has been a lot more money spent on the train to maintain and restore it. When the National Railway Museum bought the train for £2.31m in 2004, they spent a further £4.5m to overhaul it. This makes Flying Scotsman one of the most expensive locomotives in the world.