As a railfan/railroader, I really enjoyed the Apr 2004 “From the Editor” column. He hit the nail right on the head.
I’d say that the biggest difference between an insider railfan and an outsider" would be the insider gets to see the “inner beauty” of railroading. Many times what makes something interesting to an outsider would be it’s scarcity. But for the insider, it’s function is what’s important. For example, a GP38 and a GP38-2 are held in equal esteem by an outsider, but to a shop electrician, the Dash 2 is more “beautiful”.
To me, a train going by is beautiful, but if it is on-time or has some new, identifiable business on it, it is even more beautiful.
What aspect of railroading has “inner beauty” to you?
Just give me sunshine a train(dont matter whose power at the point) and film and batteries and Im happy.
matt and I will wave at the conductor and engineer
stay safe
Joe
For me, its the puzzle of taking it all apart, then putting it all back together again correctly.
I am a yard switchman, and most of the railfans have no idea what I really do, but you guys and gals get to see my handiwork, and the handiwork of hundreds of other switchmen like me, everytime a train rolls by you.
We are the first step in the dance that ends up putting it all in motion.
…I would consider more railroad action a thing of “beauty” because it will make the railroads more stable and help clear up the interstates somewhat. I believe all will agree traveling on I-hiways in busy areas is more crowded with trucks and the more freight we see on the parallel rail routes the better.
Sheeesh, as I are just a “simpull” Hogger I guess my job MUST be the easiest out there…lol…
Actually I agree that without tracks I wouldn’t be going too far and without those yard dogs to sort out my road freights my conductor would have to walk MUCH farther to make those set outs, but give me the road. There’s something about the feeling of air blowing in the open window of a locomotive at 50 mph or the glistening of dew on the morning rails. The feel of the air taking hold in the seat of your pants on the hill with that 12,000 ton coal drag and the relief it brings…just gimme the ROAD boys…
As an “insider” (RR Museum Volunteer), I agree that you see the inner beauty of railroading. And that it’s a lot more interesting than the outer beauty. For example, the California State Railroad Museum is impressive, but sterile. “Thomas the Tank Engine” day at the Illinois Railway Museum is more impressive (100+ train movements).
I also thot it was a great editoral, What is the inner beauty of a Railroad?
From an outsiders point of view, being trackside in the middle of no where, miles from any town and being over takin by the sound of a fright train working up hill all the way. At a wonderful location to view it all.
-justin franz
Just as MudChicken can take pride in trackwork well-done and Ed in a well made train, “having a plan fall together” has to rate high on the list. Train made on time, crew ready on time, train departed on time, arriving at its destination on time. When the system runs like that, well, its just sooooooo gooooooood
As a railfan and an English one at that, the beauty is being lineside on a hot sunny day, the birds are singing, all is a t peace, a bell sounds, theres the rattle of signal wire, a whistle and a train comes round the corner (Steam /diesel whatever)
5 minutes later the sun is shining, the birds are singing and all is peace again.
The editor made an excellent point, and it’s one that I’ve come to appreciate over the years. Much has changed since I first started watching trains many years ago, but I’m still drawn to trackside. Railroading is still absolutely fascinating in all of its aspects.