Trains.com

Teenage Railfans

10111 views
111 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, September 25, 2003 9:19 PM
go to http://messenger.msn.com/Download/

download it! It's free, and I personally like it better than Yahoo. Plus, more people use MSN.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, September 25, 2003 8:43 PM
I'm glad you have found this topic. My friend sent me a copy of the messenger to download like 5 months ago, but i didn't do it. Is it free?
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, September 25, 2003 8:43 PM
I'm glad you have found this topic. My friend sent me a copy of the messenger to download like 5 months ago, but i didn't do it. Is it free?
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, September 25, 2003 6:46 PM
Sorry for diggins this up,

but I'm a teenage railfan, too

btw, who has MSN messenger?
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, September 25, 2003 6:46 PM
Sorry for diggins this up,

but I'm a teenage railfan, too

btw, who has MSN messenger?
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 12, 2003 4:02 PM
Mookie, She loves music. That's what she is studying at college. I have always been a fan of music, but after meeting her, my interest in it has grown a great deal. So I think in the grand scheme of things, we have each showed each other something that we enjoy, and both of us greatly appreciate getting the chance to learn more about something new! But you are right about sharing her interests. Thanks for the advice!
UPRR-MDC
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 12, 2003 4:02 PM
Mookie, She loves music. That's what she is studying at college. I have always been a fan of music, but after meeting her, my interest in it has grown a great deal. So I think in the grand scheme of things, we have each showed each other something that we enjoy, and both of us greatly appreciate getting the chance to learn more about something new! But you are right about sharing her interests. Thanks for the advice!
UPRR-MDC
  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Friday, September 12, 2003 6:19 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by UPRR-MDC

I am 18, and have been dating a girl for close to 3 years. Her house is right next to the tracks(she has the better location than I do, I have to drive a little bit). But anyways. I told her that I liked trains. Models, watching, photographing, etc. At first she was leery, but quickly caught on. She now can tell me what engines went by and what type of cars they were hauling. She even excuses my tardiness to a date because of trains(can't beat that!!). We will occasionally go and invest a few hours by the tracks, but with her at college, it won't happen much more. But they are out there! And if at first they are unsure, just keep pushing and they will give in and find out how awesome and serious this hobby is!
Good Deal! Now to be fair about this, you need to share one of her interests; besides you, of course!

Thoroughly Modern Mookie!

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Friday, September 12, 2003 6:19 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by UPRR-MDC

I am 18, and have been dating a girl for close to 3 years. Her house is right next to the tracks(she has the better location than I do, I have to drive a little bit). But anyways. I told her that I liked trains. Models, watching, photographing, etc. At first she was leery, but quickly caught on. She now can tell me what engines went by and what type of cars they were hauling. She even excuses my tardiness to a date because of trains(can't beat that!!). We will occasionally go and invest a few hours by the tracks, but with her at college, it won't happen much more. But they are out there! And if at first they are unsure, just keep pushing and they will give in and find out how awesome and serious this hobby is!
Good Deal! Now to be fair about this, you need to share one of her interests; besides you, of course!

Thoroughly Modern Mookie!

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, September 11, 2003 6:51 PM
I am 18, and have been dating a girl for close to 3 years. Her house is right next to the tracks(she has the better location than I do, I have to drive a little bit). But anyways. I told her that I liked trains. Models, watching, photographing, etc. At first she was leery, but quickly caught on. She now can tell me what engines went by and what type of cars they were hauling. She even excuses my tardiness to a date because of trains(can't beat that!!). We will occasionally go and invest a few hours by the tracks, but with her at college, it won't happen much more. But they are out there! And if at first they are unsure, just keep pushing and they will give in and find out how awesome and serious this hobby is!
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, September 11, 2003 6:51 PM
I am 18, and have been dating a girl for close to 3 years. Her house is right next to the tracks(she has the better location than I do, I have to drive a little bit). But anyways. I told her that I liked trains. Models, watching, photographing, etc. At first she was leery, but quickly caught on. She now can tell me what engines went by and what type of cars they were hauling. She even excuses my tardiness to a date because of trains(can't beat that!!). We will occasionally go and invest a few hours by the tracks, but with her at college, it won't happen much more. But they are out there! And if at first they are unsure, just keep pushing and they will give in and find out how awesome and serious this hobby is!
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Waukesha, WI
  • 271 posts
Posted by Kathi Kube on Thursday, September 11, 2003 8:27 AM
Jen,

That's the truth! Thanks to my wonderful, loving, musician husband, I know far more about drumsets, and percussion than I ever would have guessed I would. The give and take makes life very interesting, indeed.

Kathi
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Waukesha, WI
  • 271 posts
Posted by Kathi Kube on Thursday, September 11, 2003 8:27 AM
Jen,

That's the truth! Thanks to my wonderful, loving, musician husband, I know far more about drumsets, and percussion than I ever would have guessed I would. The give and take makes life very interesting, indeed.

Kathi
  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Thursday, September 11, 2003 5:55 AM
Kathi - my husband didn't know an engine from a caboose and didn't care until he met me. Now he sneaks a peek from behind his magazine - a lot. Even takes some pictures. I sit and patiently listen to him explain karate and he sits and patiently watches for trains. That's what relationships are - give and take - and give more than you take! Bet Joe knows that too!

Jen

Jen

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Thursday, September 11, 2003 5:55 AM
Kathi - my husband didn't know an engine from a caboose and didn't care until he met me. Now he sneaks a peek from behind his magazine - a lot. Even takes some pictures. I sit and patiently listen to him explain karate and he sits and patiently watches for trains. That's what relationships are - give and take - and give more than you take! Bet Joe knows that too!

Jen

Jen

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 5:06 PM
good luck Kathi
stay safe
joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 5:06 PM
good luck Kathi
stay safe
joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Waukesha, WI
  • 271 posts
Posted by Kathi Kube on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 4:58 PM
Admiral, that rocks.

That's it, folks! We've got to convert them all, one by one. Teen guys, good luck. Teen girls are pretty stubborn, but there's hope you can turn at least one or two into railfans during your dating years.

Married guys...hmm. We don't get too much stubborn after we're married, do we. Well, good luck to you, too. Maybe a romantic picnic that just happens to be trackside. ("I think we should spend more time doing things together, honey—Whoa! Did you just see that SD70MAC?")

Mookie, and any other train chix here, we've got to convert our friends. Think: Dishes or diesels? Kidnap your best friend, pick up some lovely gourmet coffee and scones, and go for a stroll—"Oh, I didn't realize railroad tracks ran near here..."

First chance I get, I'm going to try it on my friend. (Don't tell her!)

We can conquer the world!!!!



OK. I'm done now.
[;)]
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Waukesha, WI
  • 271 posts
Posted by Kathi Kube on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 4:58 PM
Admiral, that rocks.

That's it, folks! We've got to convert them all, one by one. Teen guys, good luck. Teen girls are pretty stubborn, but there's hope you can turn at least one or two into railfans during your dating years.

Married guys...hmm. We don't get too much stubborn after we're married, do we. Well, good luck to you, too. Maybe a romantic picnic that just happens to be trackside. ("I think we should spend more time doing things together, honey—Whoa! Did you just see that SD70MAC?")

Mookie, and any other train chix here, we've got to convert our friends. Think: Dishes or diesels? Kidnap your best friend, pick up some lovely gourmet coffee and scones, and go for a stroll—"Oh, I didn't realize railroad tracks ran near here..."

First chance I get, I'm going to try it on my friend. (Don't tell her!)

We can conquer the world!!!!



OK. I'm done now.
[;)]
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 1:11 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Kathi Kube

Jen et al,

I have to agree; I don't know of any teenage female railfans. In fact, unless someone's been holding out on me, all my adult female friends who are railfans—including myself—found their passion for trains after taking a job that had something to do with railroading.

But I contend that the exposure to railroading just awakened an interest that already was there.

My teen daughters have little interest in trains, but one is interested in photography and the other has been known to stand beside me in a local restaurant's parking lot feeling the whoosh of air as a loaded CPR train heads toward Milwaukee. Maybe this is a latent tendency toward being a railfan later. Maybe not.

Either way, teen girls aren't likely to just appear trackside. But if she likes a guy and he introduces her to railfanning, she might end up liking it herself.

What about you older guys who are married or dating someone? Does your "significant other" share your passion? Understand it? Or just tolerate it?

Kathi


The first time I took my wife train watching, she stood at the fence as a CN freight roared by at 60+ MPH, not more than 8 feet away fom her. After the train had passed, she turned towards me and had the biggest, silliest looking grin I have ever seen on her face. Now, she complains that we don't go train watching often enough. Guess I kind of created a monster. She is really improving on her railroading knowledge and vocabulary. She no longer refers to gondolas as "half box cars".

Admiral
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 1:11 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Kathi Kube

Jen et al,

I have to agree; I don't know of any teenage female railfans. In fact, unless someone's been holding out on me, all my adult female friends who are railfans—including myself—found their passion for trains after taking a job that had something to do with railroading.

But I contend that the exposure to railroading just awakened an interest that already was there.

My teen daughters have little interest in trains, but one is interested in photography and the other has been known to stand beside me in a local restaurant's parking lot feeling the whoosh of air as a loaded CPR train heads toward Milwaukee. Maybe this is a latent tendency toward being a railfan later. Maybe not.

Either way, teen girls aren't likely to just appear trackside. But if she likes a guy and he introduces her to railfanning, she might end up liking it herself.

What about you older guys who are married or dating someone? Does your "significant other" share your passion? Understand it? Or just tolerate it?

Kathi


The first time I took my wife train watching, she stood at the fence as a CN freight roared by at 60+ MPH, not more than 8 feet away fom her. After the train had passed, she turned towards me and had the biggest, silliest looking grin I have ever seen on her face. Now, she complains that we don't go train watching often enough. Guess I kind of created a monster. She is really improving on her railroading knowledge and vocabulary. She no longer refers to gondolas as "half box cars".

Admiral
  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 12:39 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by JoeKoh

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

Gentlemen - substitute golf for trains. As you will find if you haven't already - many men love golf. Many women don't. But there are a few out there. I think a lot of women have taken up golf just to participate in something their spouse, friend, lover enjoyed and found that they liked it also.

Or let her look at the sunset while the trains go by. Something you can both enjoy! Sounds very romantic to me!

Mookie

golf? that game stinks! but having a picnic in the park is even better!
stay safe
joe
Joe - not if you take me with you - I play golf like I play pool - all by myself. I can make one shot on either and the everyone ducks, hides and leaves! I have absolutely no hand/eye coordination. But people who are really serious about either take me along, so they can have the place to themselves to practice! [8D]

Mook

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 12:39 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by JoeKoh

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

Gentlemen - substitute golf for trains. As you will find if you haven't already - many men love golf. Many women don't. But there are a few out there. I think a lot of women have taken up golf just to participate in something their spouse, friend, lover enjoyed and found that they liked it also.

Or let her look at the sunset while the trains go by. Something you can both enjoy! Sounds very romantic to me!

Mookie

golf? that game stinks! but having a picnic in the park is even better!
stay safe
joe
Joe - not if you take me with you - I play golf like I play pool - all by myself. I can make one shot on either and the everyone ducks, hides and leaves! I have absolutely no hand/eye coordination. But people who are really serious about either take me along, so they can have the place to themselves to practice! [8D]

Mook

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 9:12 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

Gentlemen - substitute golf for trains. As you will find if you haven't already - many men love golf. Many women don't. But there are a few out there. I think a lot of women have taken up golf just to participate in something their spouse, friend, lover enjoyed and found that they liked it also.

Or let her look at the sunset while the trains go by. Something you can both enjoy! Sounds very romantic to me!

Mookie

golf? that game stinks! but having a picnic in the park is even better!
stay safe
joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 9:12 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

Gentlemen - substitute golf for trains. As you will find if you haven't already - many men love golf. Many women don't. But there are a few out there. I think a lot of women have taken up golf just to participate in something their spouse, friend, lover enjoyed and found that they liked it also.

Or let her look at the sunset while the trains go by. Something you can both enjoy! Sounds very romantic to me!

Mookie

golf? that game stinks! but having a picnic in the park is even better!
stay safe
joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Aurora, IL
  • 4,515 posts
Posted by eolafan on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 6:55 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

Zardoz - we are just the opposite - HE shops, I train-watch!

Mookie


NOW THAT REALLY IS TRUE EQUALITY OF THE SEXES!
Eolafan (a.k.a. Jim)
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Aurora, IL
  • 4,515 posts
Posted by eolafan on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 6:55 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

Zardoz - we are just the opposite - HE shops, I train-watch!

Mookie


NOW THAT REALLY IS TRUE EQUALITY OF THE SEXES!
Eolafan (a.k.a. Jim)
  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 6:38 AM
Gentlemen - substitute golf for trains. As you will find if you haven't already - many men love golf. Many women don't. But there are a few out there. I think a lot of women have taken up golf just to participate in something their spouse, friend, lover enjoyed and found that they liked it also.

Or let her look at the sunset while the trains go by. Something you can both enjoy! Sounds very romantic to me!

Mookie

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 6:38 AM
Gentlemen - substitute golf for trains. As you will find if you haven't already - many men love golf. Many women don't. But there are a few out there. I think a lot of women have taken up golf just to participate in something their spouse, friend, lover enjoyed and found that they liked it also.

Or let her look at the sunset while the trains go by. Something you can both enjoy! Sounds very romantic to me!

Mookie

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 9, 2003 10:23 PM
Everything has its limits. My friends know i'm a railfan, but i don make them go sit by the rails with me for an hour. But family is bit different.(Talking bout that article) I think that girl and her dad should have found some sort of an agreement. You know that age, sometimes you think that your parents are the weirdest parents on the planet. Besides that article came from a teen girl magazine, which i consider silly and somewhat stupid. (Maybe because i'm not a teen girl?).
But respect everyone, people are different.

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy