What do RR employees call "US" railfans?

[mackb4]

  I've always referred to railfans as buffs,buffys.But I guess that sorta what I am.

 Just because I work on the railroad,doesn't mean I don't like taking pictures and enjoy the rich history or railroading.I sometimes get frustrated with the railroad,and hate being on call 24/7,but it is the railroad.An industry in it's own spectrum.

 I find more of the fellows I work with enjoying this also along with model railroading.And I think alot of that has to do with "the next generation in the family" getting jobs on the railroad.I'm 4th generation on my Dad's side and 3rd on my Mother's and I think that surely added to the enthusiasm I show in railfanning.   

[Phoebe Vet]

I guess we're just friendlier here in Charlotte.

Most of the top level NASCAR teams are here.  They all have areas in their shops where fans can stand and watch the guys work on the cars.  Some are behind glass, some are elevated overlooks.  A couple let you right into the work area as long as you stay behind a line painted on the floor.  There often is a car out where you can even touch it.  At several of the shops you can watch the pit crews practicing at a short pit wall in the parking lot.  Only Michael Waltrip's shop charges admission, the rest are free.  Cameras are OK, and if you are lucky enough to be there when one of the drivers is, he will talk to you and sign autographs.  They all have free handouts for the fans.

Our airport, the tenth busiest in the US, has an unlocked, unattended overlook parking area where you can watch the planes come and go.

Our light rail facility had an open house and gave tours of the maintenance facility and dispatch center to attendees.

No one seems to be offended that "those people are watching me work and/or taking my picture".

That's why my flabber was completely gasted when the police detained a tourist because he was taking pictures of the skyline from a city street.