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What do you think is the PERFECT RAILFANNING VEHICLE?

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miniwyo
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Rock Springs Wy.
  • 1,967 posts
Posted by miniwyo on Sunday, October 2, 2005 9:44 PM
A Ford Ranger, good on gas, and It will go anywhere I want to go.

RJ

"Something hidden, Go and find it. Go and look behind the ranges, Something lost behind the ranges. Lost and waiting for you. Go." The Explorers - Rudyard Kipling

http://sweetwater-photography.com/

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icmr
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  • From: Mp 126 on the St. Louis District of NS's IL. Div.
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Posted by icmr on Sunday, October 2, 2005 10:01 PM
Geeps are good. I like the Cop car idea. Mine would be anything that can get me a couple miles ahead of the train.



ICMR

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]
Illinois Central Railroad. Operation Lifesaver. Look, Listen, Live. Proud owner and user of Digitrax DCC. Visit my forum at http://icmr.proboards100.com For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. Dream. Plan. Build.Smile, Wink & GrinSmile, Wink & Grin
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alcodave
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: marion
  • 234 posts
Posted by alcodave on Monday, October 3, 2005 2:18 AM
I like my Suzuki Aerio SX it is a 4 door hatch back.Kinda like a station wagon.It has a storage bin under the passenger seat that currently has a nice library of Trains and Model Railroader magazines. It has plenty of space for hauling gear.The seats lay almost flat so you can nap between trains or when out pulling an all nighter waiting on Amtrak in Ohio.Also the peppy little four cylinder engine gets great gas mileage.A jeep would be very awesome,but there isnt really a need for it here in Ohio.
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AntonioFP45
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    December 2003
  • From: Good ol' USA
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Posted by AntonioFP45 on Monday, October 3, 2005 5:59 AM
Looks like me and AlcoDave are the oddballs here.

At my teacher's salary there's NO WAY that I can afford the gas guzzling V8 anymore! (I used to own hot rods). I hear a lot of people complaining here in Florida how they spend $80 to fill up their SUVs! Yipes!

Since 1994 I've been driving Toyota 4 cylinders and have never looked back.

My 1998 4 banger Tacoma extended cab pickup does it for me if I railfan. Has no problem traversing rough terrain, still rides like a car on the road and contrary to the myths about 4 bangers, it will hit 90 mph with ease if pushed..

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"

 


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Mookie
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    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Monday, October 3, 2005 6:34 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by csmith9474

MT-19A with an ice chest full of Dr Pepper and cookies.
What kind of cookies?

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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bobwilcox
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Crozet, VA
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Posted by bobwilcox on Monday, October 3, 2005 6:49 AM
The Arden, UP business car UPP 5449.
Bob
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tree68
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,026 posts
Posted by tree68 on Monday, October 3, 2005 6:52 AM
You'd be amazed what you see from the cab that you miss from the cars.....[:D]

It all depends on what you're 'fanning - it's a little difficult to catch that shot of a rare engine if it's going by in the other direction. Not to diss you, Chris, but this is a little like the "what's your favorite engine" question. It all depends on where and what you are 'fanning. Several of the crossings we passed when I rode the Adirondack last week require hiking shoes - in fact, running a motor vehicle to that spot will get you arrested... Mookie's ride does just fine for her, and I suspect the closest that car gets to off road is the driveway. I can railfan the heavily travelled CSX Chicago line from the parking lot of a mall.

The correct answer is - "The one that gets me to where I can see the trains."

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

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CopCarSS
  • Member since
    August 2002
  • From: Turner Junction
  • 3,076 posts
Posted by CopCarSS on Monday, October 3, 2005 8:27 AM
I'm with Larry on this one...a good pair of hiking boots can't be beat.

Of course, the CopCar idea is pretty cool...oh...wait...I already have one of those!


My baby girl on a very old road near Roggen, CO.

-Chris
West Chicago, IL
Christopher May Fine Art Photography

"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." ~Ansel Adams

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Bergie
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    January 2001
  • From: US
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Posted by Bergie on Monday, October 3, 2005 2:42 PM
The perfect railfanning vehicle? A rental. [:D]
Erik Bergstrom
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csmith9474
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • 3,590 posts
Posted by csmith9474 on Monday, October 3, 2005 2:57 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

QUOTE: Originally posted by csmith9474

MT-19A with an ice chest full of Dr Pepper and cookies.
What kind of cookies?


Choklit fudge cookies, and some beef jerky too.[:p]
Smitty
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pat390
  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Valparaiso, IN
  • 113 posts
Posted by pat390 on Monday, October 3, 2005 3:10 PM
my bike has gotten me around since i cant drive yet, but i would have to say a GMC sierra beacause they are just awesome trucks, plus you can park and sit in the bed
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chad thomas
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    January 2005
  • From: Ely, Nv.
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Posted by chad thomas on Monday, October 3, 2005 3:10 PM
My company truck.[swg]
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Anonymous
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 3, 2005 3:16 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

Looks like me and AlcoDave are the oddballs here.

At my teacher's salary there's NO WAY that I can afford the gas guzzling V8 anymore! (I used to own hot rods). I hear a lot of people complaining here in Florida how they spend $80 to fill up their SUVs! Yipes!

Since 1994 I've been driving Toyota 4 cylinders and have never looked back.

My 1998 4 banger Tacoma extended cab pickup does it for me if I railfan. Has no problem traversing rough terrain, still rides like a car on the road and contrary to the myths about 4 bangers, it will hit 90 mph with ease if pushed..


You can get a 4x4 with 4 cylinders though - my Disco has a 2.5ltr straight 4 with a turbo, returns 30mpg. The V8 sounds nice but in my experience the TDI will do anything you ask of it when handled well. Put it in low range 1st and it'll pull a 40 ton truck...

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bobwilcox
  • Member since
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  • From: Crozet, VA
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Posted by bobwilcox on Monday, October 3, 2005 3:21 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Bergie

The perfect railfanning vehicle? A rental. [:D]


You have a good point. A friend and I once did Tehachapi with a Lincoln Town Car from Budget. A very comfortable off road vehicle!
Bob
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Anonymous
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 3, 2005 5:14 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

Looks like me and AlcoDave are the oddballs here.

At my teacher's salary there's NO WAY that I can afford the gas guzzling V8 anymore! (I used to own hot rods). I hear a lot of people complaining here in Florida how they spend $80 to fill up their SUVs! Yipes!

Since 1994 I've been driving Toyota 4 cylinders and have never looked back.

My 1998 4 banger Tacoma extended cab pickup does it for me if I railfan. Has no problem traversing rough terrain, still rides like a car on the road and contrary to the myths about 4 bangers, it will hit 90 mph with ease if pushed..



I'm a teacher too, and I hate to see other guys who teach give up their hotrods, or other hobbies just because the salary is low. So I feel sorry for you Antonio.

But I'm hanging onto mine. It's a 2003 Mustang GT, no longer stock. It WILL run.
But I'm also lucky because for the most part, we have good roads where we go to railfan. So I've never had a problem getting where I want to go. I hope I never have to give up my Mustang just because I'm a teacher.
As for speed...the most I've had the guts to do is 115 in third gear. Lord knows what it would do if I had the cojones to top it out in 5th.

mike
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PigFarmer1
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Nebraska
  • 253 posts
Posted by PigFarmer1 on Monday, October 3, 2005 5:26 PM
I kind of like our boom truck. We're always trackside, I don't pay for the fuel, AND I get paid good coin to watch trains roll by us.[:D]
MoW employee
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claycts
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    June 2003
  • From: AIKEN S.C. & Orange Park Fl.
  • 2,047 posts
Posted by claycts on Monday, October 3, 2005 5:37 PM
1978 Rolls Royce, hate to be uncomfortable doing anything. http://www.seecarr.org/images/DSC00086.JPG
Take Care
Take Care George Pavlisko Driving Race cars and working on HO trains More fun than I can stand!!!
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adrianspeeder
  • Member since
    March 2002
  • From: Harrisburg PA / Dover AFB DE
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Posted by adrianspeeder on Monday, October 3, 2005 6:25 PM
Well if I wanna take a crew of chicks, and get there fast, I fire up the ole powerstroke...



If I wanna get there with some class, I take a cherry mint 84 bronco.



If it is gonna be rough, I take a beater 88 bronco...



If I wanna go old school, I take a 71 F100



heheheh

Adrianspeeder

USAF TSgt C-17 Aircraft Maintenance Flying Crew Chief & Flightline Avionics Craftsman

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MP173
  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Valparaiso, In
  • 5,921 posts
Posted by MP173 on Monday, October 3, 2005 8:29 PM
I drive my Jeep to work, but when I am around the house and hear something on the scanner, it is the Trek 21 speed bike.

Pat, one of these days we will run into each other. Til then, keep taking pictures and asking questions!

ed
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Anonymous
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 3, 2005 9:25 PM
My wife and I have a KIA Sportage 4x4, new Firestones 21575R15, she does not like getting it muddy, however when getting to the location, mud or snow you gotta go to get the shot.
Craig and Karolsue Cloud
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blhanel
  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Cedar Rapids, IA
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Posted by blhanel on Monday, October 3, 2005 10:37 PM
Hey Adrian, you sure you got enough vehicles to choose from?[:D]

Brian (IA) http://blhanel.rrpicturearchives.net.

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Tulyar15
  • Member since
    July 2005
  • From: Bath, England, UK
  • 712 posts
Posted by Tulyar15 on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 2:17 AM
I reckon the best vehicle would be an off road motorbike that's road legal. That way on the road its easier to over take slow moving vehicles and you can also go places that a 4x4 might not. Finally its cheaper to run.

Having said all that its many years since I last owned a motorbike and I don't normally chase trains. If I film a train I just choose one location to film it from taking into account factors such as time of day and position of the sun.
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adrianspeeder
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  • From: Harrisburg PA / Dover AFB DE
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Posted by adrianspeeder on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 6:40 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by blhanel

Hey Adrian, you sure you got enough vehicles to choose from?[:D]


Nope, always on the hunt for the next one.

Adrianspeeder

USAF TSgt C-17 Aircraft Maintenance Flying Crew Chief & Flightline Avionics Craftsman

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spbed
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Austin TX
  • 4,941 posts
Posted by spbed on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 8:43 AM
ANY vehicle that gets me to where I want to go. Last I looked a car cannot assist watching or photographing trains can it now[?]

Originally posted by rgroeling
[

Living nearby to MP 186 of the UPRR  Austin TX Sub

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Anonymous
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 8:52 AM
right on the locomotive i am running
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Tilden
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  • 790 posts
Posted by Tilden on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 10:40 AM
Well......My government Jeep Cherokee was very handy when taking "rest stops" by the tracks on trips. And for some reason, with the government plates, no one ever bothered me. :-)
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vsmith
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
  • 10,743 posts
Posted by vsmith on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 10:49 AM
Oh this is too flipping easy...

2005 Bentley Continental GT with a cooler in the backseat full of breads, pate, salmon, and cavier, and nice bottle of Scotch single malt....

Hell I wouldnt even leave the driveway if I had all this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

   Have fun with your trains

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bnsfkline
  • Member since
    October 2002
  • From: St. Louis Area, Florrisant to be specific!!!!!!!!!
  • 1,134 posts
Posted by bnsfkline on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 12:49 PM
My Current Car

1 1999 White Chevy Tracker 4 door with Luggage Rack.

Installed a Scanner, a dash cam for pacing, and turned the back into a "Railfan Command Post"
Jim Tiroch RIP Saveria DiBlasi - My First True Love and a Great Railfanning Companion Saveria Danielle DiBlasi Feb 5th, 1986 - Nov 4th, 2008 Check em out! My photos that is: http://bnsfkline.rrpicturearchives.net and ALS2001 Productions http://www.youtube.com/ALS2001
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CopCarSS
  • Member since
    August 2002
  • From: Turner Junction
  • 3,076 posts
Posted by CopCarSS on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 2:37 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by adrianspeeder

Well if I wanna take a crew of chicks, and get there fast, I fire up the ole powerstroke...


Hmmmm...a whole crew of chicks? Methinks I need to go railfanning with you sometime Adrian! [;)]

-Chris
West Chicago, IL
Christopher May Fine Art Photography

"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." ~Ansel Adams

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vsmith
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
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Posted by vsmith on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 2:55 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by CopCarSS

QUOTE: Originally posted by adrianspeeder

Well if I wanna take a crew of chicks, and get there fast, I fire up the ole powerstroke...


Hmmmm...a whole crew of chicks? Methinks I need to go railfanning with you sometime Adrian! [;)]


Of course it could also mean he's taking a bunch of crates of chickens to the place where they turn them into McNuggets.....[;)][:p]

   Have fun with your trains

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