Help a new train spotter

[FranklinC55]

Hey everyone,

I am new to train spotting but have been facinated by trains all of my life. I am a 15 year old high school student in Chicago. A few months ago I started trainspotting after getting a new camera for Christmas. Now every weekend I go out on my bike to do some train spotting. I was originally only interested in steam locomotives. But recently I developed an interest in Diesels. I allways had this Thomas the Tank Engine inspired hate for diesels but now find them fascinating.

 

I am having trouble distinguishing different locomotive classes. I see guys who can tell what model a locomotive is by how many exhaust stacks or steps it has. Can someone give me some tips. I just learned today the difference between Geeps and SD's 4 versus 6 axles.

 

Thanks

[SSW9389]

Maybe start with the builders link on this website http://www.thedieselshop.us/ There are diagrams and photos galore on that site. Like anything else diesel spotting takes time to learn. What diesels you see now will likely be gone in 10 or 15 or 20 years.

[THayman]

My suggestion is to just start looking at sites like the one suggested by SSW9389, and look up photos on Google images and such. Also, sites like http://railpictures.net can be very helpful for finding a wide variety of photos from different railways.

 It will take time to learn. I am an 18 year old railfan, and have been really trainspotting since I was probably 12 years old. I too started with only the 4 vs. 6 axle GP vs. SD designation, but have moved a long way. There is now (I would dare to suggest) no, or extremely few, locomotives running today that I can not identify immediately. You just have to keep researching, and build up your wealth of knowledge over time.

Start with big things, like GE vs. EMD, and then start to subdivide into different models.

 I wish you the best of luck in what is an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable hobby!

[ndbprr]

Purchase a book from Kalmbach called "The Second Diesel Spotter Guide"  It lists every diesel ever made up until it was published. tells you who bought them originally and how many were made as well as the distinguishing features and what not to look for (which in many cases is more important then what to look for). Then carry it with you and study it.

[trainfan1221]

It was easier in the past to tell what was different with locomotives, F units aside.  But any of the listed sources should help. There are only a couple of types of new power being built by the major builders today anyway.

[blade]

i would highly recommend reading  the book field guide to diesel locomotives by greg mcdonnell from kalmbach publishing the same great folks who publish trains and classictrains this is if you like diesels i have book and it has pictures along with specifications of various diesels i know to that they publish one on steam locomotives but unfortunantly i cannot recall the title for this reason i suggest you visit the website of trains magazine i belive it is www.kalmbachbooks.com. hope this helps.

[carnej1]

 I find it interesting that the British term "train spotter" seems to be coming into vogue here in the US in lieu of "railfan"...

[Wyonate]

For BNSF its fairly easy, colors and paint schemes.  I have a 3 year old and a 7 year old that are really picking up on it.  They are having troubles telling a Dash 9 from an ES44 though, I love being a Dad.  LOL.

[al-in-chgo]

I think probably the Kambach Publishing book is the best way to go.  In 1996 a Peterson Guide for trains came out (Same company as does the bird, reptile, etc. guides) and it wasn't bad, but now it's sadly outdated. 

 

[al-in-chgo]

 I find it interesting that the British term "train spotter" seems to be coming into vogue here in the US in lieu of "railfan"...

 

I am glad you noticed that because previously I had avoided the word for fear of sounding too British or talking over people's heads.  Trainspotter is a really handy term, IMHO, because it narrows down to looking at trains as opposed to the category of "railfan," which includes that but a lot of other things too.  I certainly don't expect the term "railfan," nor even "foamer," to go out entirely. 

In Britain does the trainspotter also photograph?  I am going to use the term whether or not I'm intending to photograph because that seems to work here.  It also is a more descriptive word when I try to communicate my hobby to "civilians."  - a.s.

 

 

[Andrew Falconer]

Take a look at the locomotives at the website called Q Station for Santa Fe, BN, and BNSF.

www.qstation.org/

There is the RRPictureArchives.net site that will break down locomotives by type.

www.rrpicturearchives.net

Compare the photos and soon you will see the similarities and differences. 

Andrew Falconer