My son and I started railfanning about 2.5 years ago. We were complete rookies with not much to go on other than follow the rails. This forum has been a blessing so I thought I’d share with you a great moment. My son and I have been quite lucky, as the local crews got to know us, we have been invited up over a half dozens cabs, he has gotten to sound the horn on 3 different engines and we even got a 6 mile cab ride. Short, but oh so sweet.
Well, this weekend was another great first. While out at one of our favorite railfanning sites this weekend, we got an extra special treat. The place has been known for over 20 years as a hard core railfan site. Down on the old SP, some crews have been running that line their whole career and know us fondly. Well, we got reward on Saturday morning. We saw a large freight coming up the hill and I was a bit stumped as I saw and pointed out a fellow standing on the nose platform of a newer GE. I was a with a long time local fan and his son who knew and said “you better get up to the fence”. And with that, the crewman started waving and so did we and he made motion he was going to throw something… We smiled and waved some more and he timed it pretty good. He threw at us wrapped in a plastic bag, a bunch of paper work that include several manifests of trains. Also, some work order, speed restrictions and bulletins and even a news letter for the local division. After he threw it, he waved to us a great big one and we just standing there with huge grins and waving a big thumbs up
Completely new to me and amazing stuff to read. The kid just though it was cool he “gave us” something.
I am very pleased to here that the crues in your area are railfan-friendly. I have met many engineers for a few different railroads, and I have my “collectioin” of railroad items from various engineers. I have been up in a few engines, including Amtrak P42DC #189.
The way I feel about fanning: it is fun, it has reshaped my life. I have gone from a child who was depressed about his disabillity of blindness to a confident young adult who is accepted in the world of railroading.
My point is, fanning is fun and has reshaped my life. However, icing on the cake is meeting all of the different railroaders.
I liked your story. Count yourself lucky that in today’s world an engineer would invite you and your son to climb up into the cab of a locomotive. That happened to me here in my hometown on the BNSF a year ago this past May.
I have met a few nice people in the railroad industry around here. I have been photographing trains for the last 14 years or so. I discovered that, as a photographer, and something of a “fan” that the railroaders will treat you well, so long as you respect their property, their work, and act in a sane, and safe manner around their tracks. I know of a couple of “foamers” who can be seen at a couple of my favorite haunts who get harrased by local cops, and by railroad security types because they are oafish, obnoxious, and have no apparent respect for the railroads property, or safety while around the tracks.
I met an engineer once who said the worst thing that a railfan can do, is “get in the way”…
I whole hearlty agree. We have been very, very lucky with our adventures. Granted, I know I have gotten away with alot more with my 6 year old son next to my side. But then again, if it werent for him, I would havent gone to half of these places. I taugh him early on manners and explained to him the were in “someone else’s work” We have to be respectful. No doubt some of the crews have noticed and reason why we have been treated so. One Old Hogger even told me once about the difference between 'Fans and Foamer’s. He liked th fans, hated the foamer’s. I have learned that a smile, a wave and good showing of respect can go a long way.