Foamers

[espeefoamer]

Because a lot of railfans hang out on the platform at Fullerton, some Surfliner crews call the town Foamerton!

[Anonymous]

I prefer Ferro_equinologist

Def: One who studies the workings of the iron horse

[Anonymous]

At the Roseville shop we had an old camera and would act like we were taking pics of the foamers taking pics of us.

[athelney]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Junctionfan

I like being a railfan. Foamer or not, I look out for the railroads in between trains. I often monitor the tracks looking for defects and making sure that there isn't any kids or adults for that matter, acting stupid on the tracks. I reported one guy to police because he drove around the crossing gates. When the train goes by, I inspect the cars and how the track reacts to the cars.

It's not my job but railfans can't railfan when the railroad has to stop for a derailment, accident or vandalism. I just wish some of the railroads would be nicer to us.

I agree with your post -- we have to look out for problems & report them when necessary . I carry the emergency # for the railroad in my camera case -- just because you never know if a phone call can prevent an accident of derailment -- I have never had to use it --- yet !! Maybe the railroads will realise one day the amount of support they have in rail fans !

[Randy Stahl]

A real foamer is someone who blows perfectly good money on old locomotives that no one wants to buy!!!!!!!
Randy

[Junctionfan]

I like being a railfan. Foamer or not, I look out for the railroads in between trains. I often monitor the tracks looking for defects and making sure that there isn't any kids or adults for that matter, acting stupid on the tracks. I reported one guy to police because he drove around the crossing gates. When the train goes by, I inspect the cars and how the track reacts to the cars.

It's not my job but railfans can't railfan when the railroad has to stop for a derailment, accident or vandalism. I just wish some of the railroads would be nicer to us.

[slotracer]

We used the term over 20 years ago aimed at the social oddballs and weiros the hobby seems to attract more than it's share of.....we used the word FOMITE

Freaked
Out
Mentally
Incompetant
Train
Enthusiast

[trainfan1221]

QUOTE: Originally posted by UPTRAIN

Here we call them foamers or railfans, they have saved us a couple times here from hotboxes and stalled cars, thank you if you are reading this. We appriciate you as long as you take nice pics and stay outta our way and off the tracks. You don't bother us and we won't bother you (unless you railfan NJ transit)!!! [:)]

I see the antics of our beloved local transit system has even reached out west. At least I assume UPTRAIN is out that way. Yes, we are under suspicion if we even look at a train. And don't even THINK about having a camera with you. They consider anyone taking any pictures a possible threat, and have made it known that we are very unwelcome. We used to have respect for NJT here, and while everyone can appreciate the efforts to make things safer, they have gone overboard. Thankfully most of us have enough pictures of anything interesting they have to offer. However, if I want to chill out on a station platform and watch a few trains go past, nobody better tell me no. We do have rights.
Ironically, several years ago me and a friend were harassed because we were said to be "suspicious". For waiting at a train station for a train! Gee, wouldn't want to do that! The ironic part is that nearby was a guy who was sprawled out in questionable condition, but that didn't seem to bother them. And that was before all this now.

[snakespol]

Who are the people who write their legislators for additional rail funding, who show their support in all aspects for rail service wether it be commuter or freight? To a large extent it is us the 'formers'. This as I see it helps to keep the railroaders employed. And helps us keep America moving.
I was in the fire service for 25 years, and we had our share of 'lookers', but that was OK, we appreciated the support, if we had issues with our city council we could count on their support, plus it's nice to know that you have a job that people enjoy. So here's a thought for unenlightened....LIGHTEN UP!!!!!!! As once was said' The worse thing than being talked about is not being talked about at all'.

[Trainnut484]

My beer has some Foam. Does that count? [:o)][:p][:p][:o)][;)]

Take care,

Russell

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by espeefoamer

FOAMITE: Freaked Out And Mentally Incompitant Train Enthusiast!

LOL, you just have to understand that someone who spells SP "Espee" would spell Incompetent "Incompitant".

And yes I know about the history of the Espee spelling...

LC

[espeefoamer]

FOAMITE: Freaked Out And Mentally Incompitant Train Enthusiast!

[MP57313]

Several years back I rode Amtrak's Sunset from BensonAZ to LordsburgNM (it was only 90 minutes late). Since the Sunset is less-than-daily I rode Greyhound back to Benson

The bus route on I-10 runs somewhat parallel to the (then SP) main in several places, and it was a good vantage point to watch the passing trains. I recall another passenger staring at me wondering what I was looking at. I explained to him what I was doing. He looked and looked...and all he saw was a train.

I guess you have to be a foamer to appreciate one....

MP

[Anonymous]

Yes im a railfan and proud of it!![^] hold up whats that white foamy stuff on my face!? [(-D][(-D]

[Anonymous]

I have to agree there with you.
BNSFrailfan.

[csxengineer98]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BNSF9838

csxengineer98,your bad. just think youll be working for the UP someday......hehehe.
BNSFrailfan.

hey, i dont care whos name is on the engins..or whos name is on the pay check..just as long as it clears the bank...lol...
csx engineer

[Anonymous]

It's really sad when you go to a party of non railroad enthusiasts and your wife introduces you as a "foamer". Even more sad is going to a nice, quiet little rail museum, waxing eloquently over one of the last FT-B's left in the country, and having one's wife tell the museum curator, "Sorry, he's a foamer."

It's not the term I object to. It's the rabies shots that follow....

Erik

[Big_Boy_4005]

I used to foam in my younger days, now I merely fizz.[swg]

[OldArmy94]

Railfans are really an interesting breed. There are very few other industrial/commercial endeavors that attract the same type of devotion in significant numbers.

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

Thank you Eolafan.... and.....

DAN!!!!!

You can't send me to the couch......I already reside there. I think Kevin fell in to the cushions though. [:0]

[Mookie]

Thank you Eolafan.... and.....

DAN!!!!!

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

And is the female version a Foamette? Or a Foameress?

Moo

That seems to conjure up memories of something I saw in the Far East on deployment once.......

[Anonymous]

csxengineer98,your bad. just think youll be working for the UP someday......hehehe.
BNSFrailfan.

[eolafan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

And is the female version a Foamette? Or a Foameress?

Moo

No Moo, foamer is a unisex term that applies to any and all genders, men, women and those who practice an "alternative life style".

[Mookie]

And is the female version a Foamette? Or a Foameress?

Moo

[UPTRAIN]

Here we call them foamers or railfans, they have saved us a couple times here from hotboxes and stalled cars, thank you if you are reading this. We appriciate you as long as you take nice pics and stay outta our way and off the tracks. You don't bother us and we won't bother you (unless you railfan NJ transit)!!! [:)]

[louisnash]

Should they be referred to as Foamers or Historians.

Look at some of the great photographers of the past. The history left behind in pictures is outstanding.

Just as long as they do what we have all preached before. Take pictures, leave footprints. And stay off RR right-of-way.

Brian (KY)

[mudchicken]

FOMITE = Fraternal Order of Mindless Incessant Train Nuts

[Modelcar]

....Some of the "enthusiasts"of thirty some years ago may have helped to create Amtrak hence making some jobs available on that system yet today......