Teenage Railfans

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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#8212;including myself#8212;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

I myself have yet to meet a girl my age who has even a passive interest in trains. I do agree that by gradually introducing your girlfriend to trains she could learn to like it. Speaking of such, here's a little story. A couple of years ago in school we were in groups doing some sort of a project that involved cutting pictures out of magazines. Someone in my group handed me one of those stupid teen girls' magazines because there was a picture of a train on one page. It turned out that there was a full-page article written by a teenage girl complaining about how she has to suffer because (get this) her father's a railfan! I very quickly skimmed the article. She mentioned that her father listens to albums like "Sounds of Steam" (what's wrong wit that?) and that whenever her family goes on a trip they plan out the route so that they drive by lots of railroads. Another thing mentioned was that they take Amtrak everywhere and that she's the only one in her class who has never been on a plane. To me that just says that her father has some class and knows how to travel in style. It's one thing to not have an interest in trains, but to rant and rave for a whole page about how there's something wrong with being a railfan? So what it he's a railfan? Is there something so bad about that? What if instead was a drunk, a drug addict, in prison or even dead? To me her father sounds like a great guy and not the geeky moron the article made him out to be. I feel sorry for the poor guy having to live with his daughter. As for the girl, well she definetly does not sound like anyone I would want to be my girlfriend.

[Anonymous]

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#8212;including myself#8212;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

I myself have yet to meet a girl my age who has even a passive interest in trains. I do agree that by gradually introducing your girlfriend to trains she could learn to like it. Speaking of such, here's a little story. A couple of years ago in school we were in groups doing some sort of a project that involved cutting pictures out of magazines. Someone in my group handed me one of those stupid teen girls' magazines because there was a picture of a train on one page. It turned out that there was a full-page article written by a teenage girl complaining about how she has to suffer because (get this) her father's a railfan! I very quickly skimmed the article. She mentioned that her father listens to albums like "Sounds of Steam" (what's wrong wit that?) and that whenever her family goes on a trip they plan out the route so that they drive by lots of railroads. Another thing mentioned was that they take Amtrak everywhere and that she's the only one in her class who has never been on a plane. To me that just says that her father has some class and knows how to travel in style. It's one thing to not have an interest in trains, but to rant and rave for a whole page about how there's something wrong with being a railfan? So what it he's a railfan? Is there something so bad about that? What if instead was a drunk, a drug addict, in prison or even dead? To me her father sounds like a great guy and not the geeky moron the article made him out to be. I feel sorry for the poor guy having to live with his daughter. As for the girl, well she definetly does not sound like anyone I would want to be my girlfriend.

[Kathi Kube]

QUOTE: Originally posted by edblysard

Kathi,
I have often wondered why there arent more women in T&E service.
Of course we have female clerks, crew callers, our HR person is a lady, but only one female in T&E here at the PTRA.
A great deal is made of the physical labor involved, but in reality, besides having to climb on and off the equipment, the hardest physical thing you do is line switches and tie handbrakes.
But I think because of the culture involved, most ladys dont even think about trying railroading.

And just to show you, the lady in T&E here is a engineer, which means she had to start as a switchman, and work her way up to the seatbox.

So that means she worked outside, in all the weather, at all hours, for at least 5 years before getting into engineers class.

Once the "guys" understood they couldnt run her off, and she wasnt going to quit, her sex became un important to us, she workd as hard as the next person, and sure did smell a lot better!

She has turned out to be one of the best engineers out here, running a motor is a matter of skill, not strength.
She makes it look easy!
One thing though,

Do all women drive a car or run a locomotive while doing their nails and makeup?
It just bugs the heck out of me to look up there and see her in the cab fussing with her nails.
She hasnt missed a hand signal in the 7 years I have worked here, but its still kinda un nerving to see a 254000lb locomotive moving around while the engineer is painting her nails!
Stay Frosty,
Ed.

I think you're right about it being a culture thing and having to convince people that you're not going to be run off the property. There's no doubt women can do it. It just has to mean enough to them to put up with the culture, conditions, etc. to reach the payoff and be accepted. Ya gotta love it.

As for painting her nails, that is too funny. I can see where it might be a wee bit disturbing. But better that than picking one's nose or scratching somewhere, right?[:p]

Kathi

[Kathi Kube]

QUOTE: Originally posted by edblysard

Kathi,
I have often wondered why there arent more women in T&E service.
Of course we have female clerks, crew callers, our HR person is a lady, but only one female in T&E here at the PTRA.
A great deal is made of the physical labor involved, but in reality, besides having to climb on and off the equipment, the hardest physical thing you do is line switches and tie handbrakes.
But I think because of the culture involved, most ladys dont even think about trying railroading.

And just to show you, the lady in T&E here is a engineer, which means she had to start as a switchman, and work her way up to the seatbox.

So that means she worked outside, in all the weather, at all hours, for at least 5 years before getting into engineers class.

Once the "guys" understood they couldnt run her off, and she wasnt going to quit, her sex became un important to us, she workd as hard as the next person, and sure did smell a lot better!

She has turned out to be one of the best engineers out here, running a motor is a matter of skill, not strength.
She makes it look easy!
One thing though,

Do all women drive a car or run a locomotive while doing their nails and makeup?
It just bugs the heck out of me to look up there and see her in the cab fussing with her nails.
She hasnt missed a hand signal in the 7 years I have worked here, but its still kinda un nerving to see a 254000lb locomotive moving around while the engineer is painting her nails!
Stay Frosty,
Ed.

I think you're right about it being a culture thing and having to convince people that you're not going to be run off the property. There's no doubt women can do it. It just has to mean enough to them to put up with the culture, conditions, etc. to reach the payoff and be accepted. Ya gotta love it.

As for painting her nails, that is too funny. I can see where it might be a wee bit disturbing. But better that than picking one's nose or scratching somewhere, right?[:p]

Kathi

[Kathi Kube]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

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

Mookie

[:D][:D]Ha, ha, ha! That's great!

Actually, I was just talking to a woman executive involved in railroading today and we both chuckled at how the "spouses' activities" at trade shows we attend almost always include shopping and luncheon for the "little ladies." And how people sometimes come up to us and ask if we're there with our husbands. (Um, no.) The best part, though, is knowing there's never a line for the restroom during a coffee break.[:D][:D]

Kathi

[Kathi Kube]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

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

Mookie

[:D][:D]Ha, ha, ha! That's great!

Actually, I was just talking to a woman executive involved in railroading today and we both chuckled at how the "spouses' activities" at trade shows we attend almost always include shopping and luncheon for the "little ladies." And how people sometimes come up to us and ask if we're there with our husbands. (Um, no.) The best part, though, is knowing there's never a line for the restroom during a coffee break.[:D][:D]

Kathi

[Kathi Kube]

QUOTE: Originally posted by zardoz1


My wife went with me once when I was going out for some sunset and/or train photos. The only train we saw was the hot-shot intermodal that usually goes through Somers about 8pm. It went by us at whatever the maximum speed was for the location (at LEAST 60 mph). Scared the hell out of her. Now she stays home.

But that is ok, though. We have concluded that one of our secrets to our happy marriage (18 years and counting) was to have much "quality time" with each other, and also to have 'personal time' by ourselves, doing what we want without having to consider the other's wishes during that time.

Oh, bummer it scared her so badly! But fair 'nuff on making the marriage work. It certainly does take a healthy mix of together and separate activities to keep yourself healthy and happy, as well as your marriage. Congrats on the 18 years!

Kathi

[Kathi Kube]

QUOTE: Originally posted by zardoz1


My wife went with me once when I was going out for some sunset and/or train photos. The only train we saw was the hot-shot intermodal that usually goes through Somers about 8pm. It went by us at whatever the maximum speed was for the location (at LEAST 60 mph). Scared the hell out of her. Now she stays home.

But that is ok, though. We have concluded that one of our secrets to our happy marriage (18 years and counting) was to have much "quality time" with each other, and also to have 'personal time' by ourselves, doing what we want without having to consider the other's wishes during that time.

Oh, bummer it scared her so badly! But fair 'nuff on making the marriage work. It certainly does take a healthy mix of together and separate activities to keep yourself healthy and happy, as well as your marriage. Congrats on the 18 years!

Kathi

[edblysard]

Kathi,
I have often wondered why there arent more women in T&E service.
Of course we have female clerks, crew callers, our HR person is a lady, but only one female in T&E here at the PTRA.
A great deal is made of the physical labor involved, but in reality, besides having to climb on and off the equipment, the hardest physical thing you do is line switches and tie handbrakes.
But I think because of the culture involved, most ladys dont even think about trying railroading.

And just to show you, the lady in T&E here is a engineer, which means she had to start as a switchman, and work her way up to the seatbox.

So that means she worked outside, in all the weather, at all hours, for at least 5 years before getting into engineers class.

Once the "guys" understood they couldnt run her off, and she wasnt going to quit, her sex became un important to us, she workd as hard as the next person, and sure did smell a lot better!

She has turned out to be one of the best engineers out here, running a motor is a matter of skill, not strength.
She makes it look easy!
One thing though,

Do all women drive a car or run a locomotive while doing their nails and makeup?
It just bugs the heck out of me to look up there and see her in the cab fussing with her nails.
She hasnt missed a hand signal in the 7 years I have worked here, but its still kinda un nerving to see a 254000lb locomotive moving around while the engineer is painting her nails!
Stay Frosty,
Ed.

[edblysard]

Kathi,
I have often wondered why there arent more women in T&E service.
Of course we have female clerks, crew callers, our HR person is a lady, but only one female in T&E here at the PTRA.
A great deal is made of the physical labor involved, but in reality, besides having to climb on and off the equipment, the hardest physical thing you do is line switches and tie handbrakes.
But I think because of the culture involved, most ladys dont even think about trying railroading.

And just to show you, the lady in T&E here is a engineer, which means she had to start as a switchman, and work her way up to the seatbox.

So that means she worked outside, in all the weather, at all hours, for at least 5 years before getting into engineers class.

Once the "guys" understood they couldnt run her off, and she wasnt going to quit, her sex became un important to us, she workd as hard as the next person, and sure did smell a lot better!

She has turned out to be one of the best engineers out here, running a motor is a matter of skill, not strength.
She makes it look easy!
One thing though,

Do all women drive a car or run a locomotive while doing their nails and makeup?
It just bugs the heck out of me to look up there and see her in the cab fussing with her nails.
She hasnt missed a hand signal in the 7 years I have worked here, but its still kinda un nerving to see a 254000lb locomotive moving around while the engineer is painting her nails!
Stay Frosty,
Ed.

[Mookie]

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

Mookie

[Mookie]

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

Mookie

[zardoz]

Kathi-
You asked if our wives/significant others shared our train interest.

My wife went with me once when I was going out for some sunset and/or train photos. The only train we saw was the hot-shot intermodal that usually goes through Somers about 8pm. It went by us at whatever the maximum speed was for the location (at LEAST 60 mph). Scared the hell out of her. Now she stays home.

But that is ok, though. We have concluded that one of our secrets to our happy marriage (18 years and counting) was to have much "quality time" with each other, and also to have 'personal time' by ourselves, doing what we want without having to consider the other's wishes during that time.

She still good-naturedly kids me about my interest in sitting by the tracks waiting for a train to come by, and I kid her about her wardrobe collection (2 closets and counting).

Frequently we go out together to locations that offer lots of shopping and lots of trains. I drop her off at the mall and head to the tracks. She does her thing, and I do mine.

[zardoz]

Kathi-
You asked if our wives/significant others shared our train interest.

My wife went with me once when I was going out for some sunset and/or train photos. The only train we saw was the hot-shot intermodal that usually goes through Somers about 8pm. It went by us at whatever the maximum speed was for the location (at LEAST 60 mph). Scared the hell out of her. Now she stays home.

But that is ok, though. We have concluded that one of our secrets to our happy marriage (18 years and counting) was to have much "quality time" with each other, and also to have 'personal time' by ourselves, doing what we want without having to consider the other's wishes during that time.

She still good-naturedly kids me about my interest in sitting by the tracks waiting for a train to come by, and I kid her about her wardrobe collection (2 closets and counting).

Frequently we go out together to locations that offer lots of shopping and lots of trains. I drop her off at the mall and head to the tracks. She does her thing, and I do mine.

[JoeKoh]

yes mamm it is !
stay safe
joe and matt

[JoeKoh]

yes mamm it is !
stay safe
joe and matt

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by UPRR-MDC
Nothing like sitting at the tracks for a few hours and getting to see a lot a trains.

[8D] It is a great life isn't it!

Mookie

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by UPRR-MDC
Nothing like sitting at the tracks for a few hours and getting to see a lot a trains.

[8D] It is a great life isn't it!

Mookie

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by UPRR-MDC

I'm fairly new to the site, but not around the tracks. I have always been interested in trains (18 plus years). Nothing like sitting at the tracks for a few hours and getting to see a lot a trains.

Matt, Hi [:)] Welcome aboard, make alot of post, make new friends, ask questions, and answer some. Now that you have made a post or two you are no longer "new" you are now part of the "family". We all look forward to your first star.
Sit back and post away.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by UPRR-MDC

I'm fairly new to the site, but not around the tracks. I have always been interested in trains (18 plus years). Nothing like sitting at the tracks for a few hours and getting to see a lot a trains.

Matt, Hi [:)] Welcome aboard, make alot of post, make new friends, ask questions, and answer some. Now that you have made a post or two you are no longer "new" you are now part of the "family". We all look forward to your first star.
Sit back and post away.

[Anonymous]

I'm fairly new to the site, but not around the tracks. I have always been interested in trains (18 plus years). Nothing like sitting at the tracks for a few hours and getting to see a lot a trains.

[Anonymous]

I'm fairly new to the site, but not around the tracks. I have always been interested in trains (18 plus years). Nothing like sitting at the tracks for a few hours and getting to see a lot a trains.

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ironken

Hey Mook, I'll swap ya. I'll clean house (and swill a few brews), and you can come ride the train for me. At least I won't have to take a breathalizer and whiz test housecleaning (got hit with one this week). Heck, I'll even bake a cake while I'm at it, chocolate even.
Ken

[:X] You're on! That is the best offer I have had all day - or all month for that matter! I can do the breathalyzer and being female, whiz every 1/2 hour! House is small, just don't vacuum up the cat and chocolate cake would be ever so nice!

Beer in fridge.

Thanx

Mookie

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ironken

Hey Mook, I'll swap ya. I'll clean house (and swill a few brews), and you can come ride the train for me. At least I won't have to take a breathalizer and whiz test housecleaning (got hit with one this week). Heck, I'll even bake a cake while I'm at it, chocolate even.
Ken

[:X] You're on! That is the best offer I have had all day - or all month for that matter! I can do the breathalyzer and being female, whiz every 1/2 hour! House is small, just don't vacuum up the cat and chocolate cake would be ever so nice!

Beer in fridge.

Thanx

Mookie

[Mookie]

Kathi - my point exactly - if she likes the guy, she will go. And who knows, she may find it even a little interesting.

Jen

[Mookie]

Kathi - my point exactly - if she likes the guy, she will go. And who knows, she may find it even a little interesting.

Jen

[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

[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

[Anonymous]

Hey Mook, I'll swap ya. I'll clean house (and swill a few brews), and you can come ride the train for me. At least I won't have to take a breathalizer and whiz test housecleaning (got hit with one this week). Heck, I'll even bake a cake while I'm at it, chocolate even.
Ken