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The first foamer?

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  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: West Coast
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The first foamer?
Posted by espeefoamer on Thursday, March 12, 2009 7:25 PM

I found an interesting quote in THE RAILWAY REVOLUTION,George and Robert Stephenson,by L.T.C. Rolt

"... Fergurson is insane.(Italics in original quote). He quite foamed at the mouth...in our Railway Commiteein support of this...loco-motive Monster...

This quote was from ca. 1825. Could this have been the first raifan?

Ride Amtrak. Cats Rule, Dogs Drool.
  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: Orange CA
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Posted by glh3751 on Thursday, March 12, 2009 7:54 PM

Hey Dan --

 Do you know the Genisis of the term Foamer?  As far as I know, it goes back to a Monty Python skit about a banker (Graham Chapman?), droning on and on until he started foaming at the mouth and then fell over.   Is there more to "foamer" than that?

--Gary in OC (whom you called from the 3751 last June)...

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: West Coast
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Posted by espeefoamer on Friday, March 13, 2009 7:23 PM

I never heard about the Monty Python connection,just that rabid railfans tend to foam at the mouth while railfanning.

Are you going to either chase or ride this trip? I have already sent in my $$$.

Ride Amtrak. Cats Rule, Dogs Drool.
  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: Orange CA
  • 20 posts
Posted by glh3751 on Friday, March 13, 2009 7:57 PM

Of course rabies, etc...  just didnt know if the Python thing started that or not - obviously not - 1825!  Thats from the beginning of railroads - truly the first foamer!!!

Re:  3751:   No, I won't be riding...  I did before back on the initial big trip LAUPT - Barstow - Bakersfield - Barstow - LAUPT.   That was what, like 400 years ago???   Certainly a millineum ago!Anyway, I much prefer the chase and being trackside - to me it is much more fun...   Although it sounds like this trip will be more than just Amfleet cars - so that will cerainly be more interesting to ride and see!

One of these days I'll see you @ Fullerton  (If we don't get run off the platform!)

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