What is the purpose of a railfan?
What is the purpose of a railfan? 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.
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 is a gunzel?
noun - a person who has an interest in trains or trams - sometimes to the exclusion of all else. Such people often lack basic social skills. The term originated in Victoria in the mid 1970s, and was then highly derogatory (equivalent of USA foamite/foamer or UK anorak).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.