Besides cameras and camcorders, what does everybody out there have to have when they go on a railfanning trip?
Here’s my list:
The Iowa Railfan Guide -Grefe-
The Minnesota Railfans Guide -Glischinski-
The Railfans Guide to Wisconsin -Baker-
The Official 2005 Locomotive Rosters and News -Kerr-
Diesel Locomotives: The First 100 Years -Marre-
Field Guide to Modern Diesel Locomotives -McDonnell-
Critters Dinkys and Centercabs -Reed-
Comprehensive Guide To Industrial Locomotives -Reed-
Whew! Too Many Books[:D]
Also,
Burlington Northern Iowa railroad Map
Icom IC-T90 Scanner & Accesories
and a Averatec 3270 Laptop (works beautiful on trips)
I take… (extreme detail follows due extreme to boredom and the fact that everything but my camera is ready right beside me for tommarow. Cept’ also the ice.)
oCamera (nikon [6800?] 5.0MP)
oScanner (Radio shack Model PRO-95 with the 11" rubber antenna)
oExtra camera memory sticks (2x4GB sticks or a 8GB)
o Extra camera battery and 4x"AA" for my scanner
o My cameras battery charger (12 Vdc)
oLighter socket to 2x 120v outlet converter
o Some printed google and Terra server maps.
o 2x “Giant Eagel Natural Spring Water” 16.9 FL OZ (.5L)
o Small generic cooler with Jeff gordan (#24) and the DuPont Logos.
o 10-15 regualar sized ice cubes from my GE (yay!) “ice box”.
(note: Ice cubes and water are instered into cooler for cooling action).
(caution: Ice cubes may melt in heat, causing water to lose chill. Add more ice to slow process.)
Depending on my mood, there can be a fairly simple rangefinder camera (usually a Canonet QL17 GIII, FED 3b, or a Zorki 4), or there can be lots and lots of camera gear, from a D60 system to a Graflex Crown Graphic 4x5.
Scanner is along. Rat Shack Pro 92 with adapter to autos 12 VDC system.
Delorme Atlas of the state I happen to be in at the time.
That’s about it. Sometimes there’s grub, and I usually have a book/magazine along. Other times, I just like to enjoy being outdoors, anticipating the excitement of an approaching train.
I always take the following (by keeping it ready in the car):
Binders with alphabetical listing by state of area maps, points of interest, Internet printouts, etc.
DeLorme Maps
Digital Camera, 35mm camera, sometimes video and tripod
Extra film, chargers, batteries
Scanner and Frequency listings
Binoculars (low and high power)
Note book to log trains viewed (spare pens)
Cell Phone
Train Magazines and Books to read
Diesel Locomotive Guide
Moniker drawing photos (Buzz Blur, Smokin Joe, etc.) to share with those interested
Personal handheld communicators
Chairs, Cooler with refreshments and food, Munchies
Spare clothing for weather variables (and train tshirt and hat)
GTWHS membership card (helps with all the rest if met by local law enforcement)
Personal Train Photo albums to share
And most importantly, my significant other who enjoys the same.
What do I use the most?: Camera, Scanner, log book, chair, refreshment and something to read when I’m not exploring.
Ya All enjoy this weekend as it is looking GOOOOOOD for Railfanning!
It depends on where I’m going. If I’m just going to check out the WSOR hear in Reedsburg, I just grab my Scanner and my Camera. If I’m going to do some main line railfanning over at Wisconsin Dells Or Portage, I take the following:
Camera, a Fuji Something or another
Scanner, a radio shack portable one
A list of scanner frequencies for the are I’m going to
A few Model Railroader and Trains Magazines to read in between trains
A Feild Guide to Modern Locomotives,
And, depending on what time of day it its, sandwiches and potato salad for lunch[;)]
After reading all your “kit requirements”, I got to thinking how lucky I am living where I do and not having to pack everything up to go railfanning. I can walk out on my front porch if I want, as the tracks are about a block and a half from where I live, or go to my ususal spot in Flatonia, which is only 12 miles away. Our train guru Tommy lives about 70 ft from the tracks there, so if it gets slow at the pavilion, we can go to his house and cool off, or maybe have a cup of coffee, or even just sit in the shade. So, at most I’ll have my camera, a chair, something to drink, and my dog (she loves the trips almost as much as I do) , unless it’s evening and my wife goes along (what a good sport she is about it!) I guess I’m trying to say that I’m grateful that I don’t have to pack all the stuff you guys do, just to go railfanning.
I take two or three cameras (one is usually the new Kodak disposable black-and-white that uses C-41 to be developed), sunscreen, LOTS of quarters for phones and vending machines (I take the cell too but you know how frustrating noncovered areas are), a system map if I have one, a good road map regardless, some extra film and batteries, and my best friend if I don’t abuse his patience TOO much (!).
I also take as much patience as I can muster, for all kinds of reasons but mostly because a scheduled freight train is not particularly obliged to be a punctual train.
Lastly I take whatever Triple-A guides correspond to the state(s) I’ll be in. The AAA guides have been a godsend to me to find inexpensive (h)(m)otels and good “family-style” restaurants. I mean, who wants to eat at Mac’s or Ruby Tuesday every day?
If I’m really feeling prepared, on a long trip I take the road atlas Wal-Mart sells for $5.97. Along with the usual stuff, it also lists the location of each and every Wal-Mart, and since I usually prefer to get my 35 mm and batteries there, it’s a saving.
Finally I wear some article of clothing — usually a hat – to ingratiate myself into the foamer community. I have the best luck with my Chessie hat, because railfans recognize the reference and the ladies just think it’s the sweetest thing!
Jeff gordan (