Types of RR fans (NO PUN INTENED)

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
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Ok, there’s been a lot of people trying to defend their favorite railroads reputation these days (especially UP fans[;)][:p]). So, I thought I’d do some stereo typing on the certain kinds of railroad fans:

ATSF fans: These guys are usually the nicest guys you can meet, considering ATSF was a friendly road. Even though some of them are sad that the BNSF merger happened, others endorce it. But they’re all happy that BNSF still uses the Warbonnet.

BN fans: Hmmm, well let’s just say these guys are, hmmm, I don’t know to much about BN. Well, I guess you could say that some are happy that they merged with ATSF, while others aren’t. Unfortunatly, the BN cascade green scheme is not a BNSF scheme, so that beloved scheme is slowly fading from the scene.

BNSF fans: Either former ATSF or BN fans, or people that just love this road, these guys are usually pretty, well, cocky. I mean they’re nice, but you know, BNSF will outlast UP, etc. You could say they want their favorite road to be the best.

UP fans: If you thought BNSF fans were cocky, these guys are the kings of being cocky. But, can you really blame them for bragging about UP? I mean, it’s the only road to have lasted over a century, has kept it’s name since the beginning, and is the only modern Class 1 RR to operate steam locomotives. You can see why these guys think their road is the best.

NS fans: Generally quite friendly, since NS operates in the south and northeast, where friendly (or overly friendly) people are found. I still don’t see how they can see any beauty in that paint scheme, though. Black and white, UCK![;)][:p][:)]

CSX fans: Well, what can I say. CSX has probably had the most names of any RR. B&O, C&O, Chessie, and now CSX (T). Fans of CSX usually ador (or sometimes hate) the railroads that formed CSX ( B&O & C&O). This RR has come along way, as have it’s fans.

Conrail fans: These are truly the nicest of all RR fans, since Conrail was an EXTREMELY f

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yes us U.P. fans have a right to be cocky…are RR is the biggest and best, and we run steam, and have American Flags on the engines.

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And they provide a use for all those dummy locomotives…paint em UP, and sit them on a siding waiting for a crew…

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I have one to add to the list:

Pennsy Fans: Usually creative, and like to stick with one idea, or method until it is too old and out of date. Experimental, and love to revise older technology so it can compete in today’s world.

Hey, what do you know, I’m kind of like that!

[8]TrainFreak409[8]

P.S. I too believe that UP fans have every right to be cocky.

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Penn Central fans: Love a good challenge, as in will the train actually complete its run in one piece?

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WP fans: Rugged individualists who sympathize with SP fans’ loss of their railroad (WP got eaten by the big yellow anaconda years earlier) even though SP fans try to pretend the WP fans aren’t there. Almost universally respect the orange/silver Zephyr scheme and mourn its passing.

Key System fans: Nice, but frequently with a loathing for Pacific Electric fans (it’s a NorCal vs. SoCal thing.) Like the Sacramento Northern, but pretend that it didn’t run any farther east than Rio Vista Junction, since of course nothing worth knowing about exists outside the Bay Area.

Pacific Electric fans: Ignore Key System fans (it’s a SoCal thing) since, of course, nothing PERIOD exists north of San Luis Obispo. They really don’t give a hoot about UP, but mention National City Lines and they will start into a rage that would make the biggest Uncle Pete detractor look timid by comparison.

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I’m a Tweetsie RR fan. It is steam and it just goes round and round and round, just like my first electric train. [(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D] Couldn’t help myself here!!!

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Santa Fe fan. I’m not all that disappointed with the merger since for me, the Santa Fe I enjoy and remember is from the 70s. I liked the blue and yellow paint scheme and never really cared for warbonnet except for passenger trains. BNSF colors are not all that bad either. It had to happen sooner or later. Glad SF wasn’t merged w/UP.

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Am a fan of one of CSX’s primary ancestors that wasn’t mentioned: Seaboard Coast Line.

Locomotive crews were usually quite friendly to polite railfans here in Tampa back in the 70s. Have had cab rides in: GP7, U18B, GP38-2, GP40, and a short ride in an Amtrak SDP40f. Sad that this era is gone for good.

Because of all of the idiotic lawsuits against railroads as well as “terrorism threats”, railroads are not as friendly towards us as back then. Can’t say I blame the managers for their stoic attitudes. That’s why I prefer to model the past when the atmosphere was a lot more enjoyable.

As for the above? I can’t agree with it 100%. While fun, it does seem to stereotype. I’ve met many railfans and except for one, they all seemed decent. Non were cocky, including the UP fan whose name was Stewart.

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Branchline. Depending on my mood my branchline (8x4 layout) is UP owned with ATSF, BN, BNSF, Rail America, Tourist, Thomas, Weyerhuaeser, Washington Central or whatever pretty engine I like, operated.

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I’m a santa Fe fan. I liked the blue and yellow engines with the war bonnet. I was sad to see the merger. I’m also a Rio Grande fan, as I think the paint scheme on their engines is sharp. And of course, I’m also an SP fan too. Up? I just never paid them any mine.

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Rock Island fans:

Consistantly inconsistant !

One of everything, please !!

We run anything with anything, and we run 'em till they drop !!!

Or till we run out of track … or wear down the track … are we even ON track ???

Having only one color scheme is for wimps !!!

Or two … or three … or four … or five …

Why - we have eight railroads in one !!!

What’s not to love !!!

Hey buddy … can you spare a dime … or a loan … anyone want to merge ???

Oh nevermind !

I’m just a little blue …

Still, all in all, A Mighty Fine Line !!!

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Western Maryland fans.

Doing more, with less. [:p]
Still not recognising the legality of the merger that formed Chessie!!!

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EBT, D&S, C&T, D&RGW: All these lines & others would be narrow minded, from all that narrow gague track. Very little interchange, as all the trucks have to be swapped out. Very frugal & cheap, with most items built & not purchased.
Resourceful, since they put a track where other could not follow.

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What about us Canadian Pacific fans?

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Dunno. Why don’t you “profile” them?

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CP - We’re a real solid bunch who stick together and know how to make things last – we’re the oldest railway in Canada afterall. We may not be as efficient as the CN guys, but we don’t complain as much and like our work. We are independent - never been government owned, yet we always seem to be playing second fiddle. We’re the older, more independent brother compared to CN, always trying to out do our little brother but never quite getting there…but our mom is still happy.

Does that make any sense? [^]

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Yeah I guess you do have a right to be cocky. I’ve never seen such a large parking lot ever in my life until I have seen the UP. & let me guess on the best part of it. You don’t have to pay to park there?..Just kidding,… I’m a fan of the SOO LINE of the past & the WSOR of the present. “HAPPY RAILS”