Have you ever asked what is a railfan?
For generations, railroad enthusiast have been known as “Railfans”. A railfan is captivated by the rumble of steel wheels on steel rails. A train’s horn echoing across the landscape, and the rumble of a locomotive is music to the ears. This passion, once the domain of a select few, has grown into a widespread and diverse hobby known as railfanning. From the earliest days of the iron horse, railfans are drawn to the history, technology, and economic power of railroads. Over time, these fascinations coalesced into a dedicated pastime with its own set of activities, communities, and rules. This article will provide you with an introduction to the world of railfanning. Let’s explore its history, diverse individuals and activities that define this unique and enduring hobby.
The American railroad story.
Where it all began
The history of railroading in the United States is inseparable from the history of the country itself. The first railroads were developed in the early 19th century. The inaugural trip of the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad in 1830 lead the beginning of a transformative era. Initially, railroads were seen as a faster, more efficient alternative to canal systems for transporting goods and people. However, their impact quickly grew to be far more significant.
The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 was a pivotal moment. Speaking both physically and symbolically it linked the east and west together. It accelerated westward expansion, facilitated trade, and dramatically reshaped the American landscape. Railroads became the backbone of the nation’s economy, carrying everything from raw materials and manufactured goods, food and mail. The sheer scale of these engineering projects were huge. Blasting tunnels through mountains, spanning rivers with massive bridges, and laying tracks across vast prairies captured the imagination.
Modern Day
The romance of the rails is a significant part of why they continue to fascinate railfans like myself. Trains evoke a sense of adventure and nostalgia of a bygone era. Powerful steam locomotives of the past like the restored Union Pacific Big Boy #4014 are a site to see in the modern age. With plumes of smoke and the thunderous chugging and rhythmic motion, its represent a peak in mechanical engineering for their time. The transition to sleek, powerful diesel and electric locomotives showcases the evolution of technology. Don’t get me wrong, the industrial might and operational precision of modern railroading continues to impress many railfans. The workforce that built and operated railways, economic opportunities it created, and social changes that occurred are alluring.
The modern railfan is part of a diverse community.
A railfan, also known as a train buff or foamer (in more derogatory terms) is just a railroad enthusiast. A person who has a passionate interest in trains and railroads. The term “railfanning” describes the active pursuit of this interest. While a stereotype of the rail hobbyist might persist, the railfan community is actually quite diverse. It spans a wide range of ages, genders, ethnicities, and professions.
The stereotype of the older white male dominating the hobby has been challenged in recent years. Though some regional anecdotal evidence in places like the United Kingdom still suggests an older, male-heavy demographic exists. However, online forums, social media groups, and community events demonstrate a growing and inclusive railfan population. Modern platforms like Virtual Railfan, which broadcasts live camera feeds from around the world, attract a global and diverse audience. The railfan hobby appeals to a broad spectrum of people. This includes families with young children, retirees, and individuals of all backgrounds. A railfan simply finds joy and fascination with sitting track side.
Activities involved in railfaning.
Railfanning is not a passive hobby, you don’t just sit trackside and watch trains go by, unless you want to. It’s defined by a wide range of active and engaging pursuits. The most visible activities include photography and videography, but the hobby extends far beyond simply capturing images.
Photography and Videography
For many railfans, the ultimate goal is to capture the perfect shot or video of a train in motion. This can involve scouting unique locations, waiting for specific trains, and understanding lighting and weather conditions. Railfan photographers may specialize in different aspects, such as:
- Action shots: Capturing a train at speed, with a sense of motion and power.
- Scenic shots: Composing a photo that showcases the train within its natural or urban environment, using bridges, tunnels, and landscapes to frame the subject.
- Historical preservation: Documenting older locomotives or rail infrastructure before they are retired or changed.
Reading and Research
A significant portion of the railfan community is dedicated to the historical aspect of railroading. Railfans can spend countless hours researching railroad history, collecting internal railway documents, tickets, and artifacts, and reading specialized magazines like Trains and Railfan & Railroad.
- Train riding and excursions: Many railfans enjoy experiencing the railways firsthand by riding on trains, especially those with historical significance. Excursion trains pulled by restored steam locomotives are a major draw, offering a chance to step back in time and experience the power of a vintage engine.
- Crossover interests: Railfanning frequently intersects with and enhances other hobbies like Model Railroading and Live Steam.
- Travel: It provides a unique lens for exploring new places, with fans traveling to visit specific rail lines, museums, and historical sites.
- Technology and electronics: Modern rail systems involve complex signals, communications, and tracking systems. Some railfans are also hobbyists in radio scanning or signal monitoring.
- Geography and mapping: Tracking a train’s journey across various terrains gives rise to an interest in geography and the physical landscape.
- History: As mentioned, a love of trains often leads to a deeper exploration of American history, industrialization, and westward expansion.
Train Chasing
This is a more active form of photography or videography where railfans follow a specific train, often a historic steam locomotive or a specially painted modern locomotive, to capture it at different locations and angles. This requires careful planning, knowledge of the railroad’s schedule (often aided by radio scanners to listen to railroad communications), and an understanding of the train’s route.
Safety first! The dangers in railfanning.
The romanticism of railfanning should never overshadow the inherent dangers of railroad operations and other track side activities. According to the National Safety Councils Railroad Deaths and Injuries Report, Railroad related deaths totaled 954 in 2024 and Nonfatal injuries totaled 6,542.
In recent years there has been a growing trend with Social Media Influences (there terminology not mine). In an attempt to record a viral event, so call “influences” have manipulated railroad equipment from switch stands and freight cars to running locomotives. This behavior is uncalled for and is not a accurate representation or reflection of a true railfan.
Contrary to popular belief, railroad track and equipment is legally classified as private property and not publicly accessible. If you are caught trespassing you are subject to arrest, fines and even jail time in most jurisdictions. Even if you just want to cross the tracks, you can legally cross at a designated crossing area only. Responsible behavior is paramount and your life or the life of others depend on it. Railfans respect the tracks and equipment they admire and so should you.
Basic safety rules to follow include:
- Stay off railroad property: Tracks, bridges, and railroad rights-of-ways are private property. Trespassing is illegal and extremely dangerous. You should always observe trains from a safe, legal location, such as a public road or designated viewing platform.
- Maintain a safe distance: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recommends staying at least 25 feet away from the tracks. The overhang of large locomotives and freight cars, along with shifting loads, can pose a serious threat to those standing too close.
- Never climb on equipment: Do not climb on or interfere with stationary or moving railroad cars or locomotives. This includes touching power lines or other equipment, which may be energized.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Always pay attention to your environment. Trains can move suddenly and in either direction. Be aware of multiple tracks and watch for approaching trains on adjacent lines, even after one has passed.
- Use designated crossings: Never cross tracks anywhere other than a designated crossing. When crossing, look left, then right, then left again, and never try to beat a train.
- Avoid distractions: When railfanning, stay alert and avoid distractions like headphones or mobile devices that can prevent you from hearing an approaching train.
To learn more about railroad safety and free community programs you can attend, please visit Operation Lifesaver for a presenter near you.
Railfans and Model Railroads.
For many, railfanning is the first step on a journey that leads to other creative pastimes. The most popular being model railroading as the two hobbies are closely related, with one often informing the other. The intricate details captured through railfan photography, the research into historical equipment, and the understanding of railroad operations provide model railroaders like myself with invaluable source material for our model empires.
As a model railroader, none of my Modeling Projects would be complete without the information I gathered threw railfanning. My Layout Progress Journal showcases my efforts to meticulously recreate a specific era and prototype railroad in scale. For many railfans, model railroading is a way to express a passion for trains in a more hands-on, creative way, allowing them to control and operate their own railroads.
Final Thoughts
The community surrounding both hobbies is strong, with many individuals participating in both. Model railroad clubs and railfan events provide opportunities for enthusiasts to share their creations, learn new techniques, and connect with like-minded individuals. Please consider exploring my Latest Trains & Model Railroad Content. After all it’s a natural next step, offering a new perspective in your love of trains.
