When did you become a railfan?

[Anonymous]

I've always loved trains since I got my Lionel 4-6-2 pacific train set, but I really got hooked into the rail industry when I became a volunteer at Steamtown National Historic Site, ( I'm very happy I did). Steam locomotives are my favorite type of motive power.

[Anonymous]

Dang! Mark and dougal stole my answer!

Oh, well, ditto for the third time. It really is in the blood, you know....

--JD

[espeefoamer]

When I was born,the doctor slapped me,and I said"choo-choo".I've been a railfan ever since[:)]!

[eolafan]

I became a foamer in 1974 at age 24 when standing on the commuter platorm at the Tuckahoe, NY station waiting for the (now) Metro North m.u. train that would take me to Grand Central and my new job. While waiting for my train another from way up north with older cars and two FL9 units went by at about 60 per and I was hooked.

[Anonymous]

I have always been fond of trains. Grew up in C&NW territory, in Wisconsin. Hopefully before I leave this Earth, I will get to ride in a loco. Than my life will have been complete!!!!

[Anonymous]

Been one as long as I can remember. Life would be less interesting without trains around somewhere.

[MP57313]

Ever since the early 60s, age 3 or 4, when we lived within walking distance of the Delaware & Hudson, near BinghamtonNY. Also had a Lionel set, with a 2-6-4 (what IS that anyway).

[Anonymous]

For Gregoryj: If you want to ride in a locomotive engine or even the one seen in the movie "A League Of Their Own," then go to Union Grove, Il. that is where they filmed the scene of the two sisters running to catch the Burlington Zephyr in the beginning of the movie. They have a form up there that you have to sign regarding if you get hurt while on the engine, you will not hold them responsible. After that you can ride on the engine all day if you want to. It is unique. ralph zimmer [e-mail]

[Anonymous]

I've always loved trains, but never really enjoyed them to their full potential until I read my first issue of Trains at my local hobby shop! Sounds canned I know but it's true. Thanks Trains!

[Anonymous]

Ever since I could walk to the tracks by myself. I would sit there and wait for a train to pass. As I got older, I became more inquisitive.
Thanks to this forum, my interest has increased.

[cnw4001]

Can't say exactly when but it was as a child. Grew up looking out the back window at Cincinnati Union Termina, C & O. B & O, Southern yard operations.

[espeefoamer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by gregoryj

I have always been fond of trains. Grew up in C&NW territory, in Wisconsin. Hopefully before I leave this Earth, I will get to ride in a loco. Than my life will have been complete!!!!

Several museums have a rent a loco program,where you get an hour in the cab and you can(under supervision) run the engine.[:)].

[Anonymous]

I have to agree with CSX Engineer. After being a lifelong railfan, last year I decided to make the leap and work for the railroad (CP). I have to admit that the experience has pretty much soured me about railroading. My other love is motorcycling and after this, I will never, ever work in the motorcycle industry for fear that it will ruin that hobby for me also! For those of you who are considering taking your hobby to the next level, ie: actually working in the industry rather than watching it from the sidelines, be very, very careful what you wish for!

[ZephyrOverland]

My first train trip was on the C&NW 400 when I was three. But my interest in trains was ignited at age 12 when I rode Amtrak's Broadway Limited a month after it was referbished in 1972. I still recall the the twin-unit diner, the lounge car with the purple and orange "mod" colors and the televisions in there which were not working. We rode in one of the Ex-Sunset Limited coaches in which the car was very cold even though it was July. On the return trip I was able to obtain a national schedule - that was the spark for my interest and passion of passenger trains.

[Anonymous]

Almost since birth.I grew up in a house that was 50 feet from the track. It was a PRR,later Penn Central freight that ran through my hometown in eastern Ohio along the Ohio River.I remember the old steam engines and later the diesels.I knew one of the caboose men by name and so did my family because the trains often stopped infront of my house and the brakeman and i would sit and talk.Many fond memories.