Trains.com

Foamer ?

5867 views
40 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: West end of Chicago's Famous Racetrack
  • 2,239 posts
Posted by Poppa_Zit on Monday, November 6, 2006 5:20 PM

 DGAS wrote:
Foamers are easily spotted.  Symptoms are foaming at the mouth when a train is spotted, social ineptness or awkwardness that's noticed by others from great distances, incessant talk about trains and nothing more, hours spent trackside waiting to watch yet another train with the same style power and consist, and taking pictures of said trains from the same locations repeatedly.

I used to work with someone that exhibited these symptoms.  All he could talk about was trains - nothing more.  To boot, he was in his mid-40's and still lived at home with mommy and daddy.  He never had been on a date with a woman in his life.  Pretty sad.

It's no wonder some railfans get tagged as "FRN's" by professional railroaders.

I have heard foamers say they consider themselves part of a fraternity....

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. They are not entitled, however, to their own facts." No we can't. Charter Member J-CASS (Jaded Cynical Ascerbic Sarcastic Skeptics) Notary Sojac & Retired Foo Fighter "Where there's foo, there's fire."
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 6, 2006 4:56 PM
Foamers are easily spotted.  Symptoms are foaming at the mouth when a train is spotted, social ineptness or awkwardness that's noticed by others from great distances, incessant talk about trains and nothing more, hours spent trackside waiting to watch yet another train with the same style power and consist, and taking pictures of said trains from the same locations repeatedly.

I used to work with someone that exhibited these symptoms.  All he could talk about was trains - nothing more.  To boot, he was in his mid-40's and still lived at home with mommy and daddy.  He never had been on a date with a woman in his life.  Pretty sad.

It's no wonder some railfans get tagged as "FRN's" by professional railroaders.
  • Member since
    February 2006
  • 19 posts
Posted by American Morse on Sunday, November 5, 2006 4:31 PM
You no longer have to suffer from the embarassment of being a foamer, thanks to this amazing new pharmaceutical breakthrough.Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]
FOAMINEX
  • Member since
    July 2014
  • 92 posts
Posted by MLG4812 on Monday, October 2, 2006 6:19 PM

 fuzzybroken wrote:
On a related note, see page two of this article for info on us "cheeseheads"... Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/30/us/30cheese.html?_r=2&th&emc=th&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

 

That cheese looks pretty tasty Fuzzy. Pass the Ritz! I wonder if she's a Packers fan?

 

 

  • Member since
    October 2002
  • From: Milwaukee, WI, US
  • 1,384 posts
Posted by fuzzybroken on Sunday, October 1, 2006 1:15 PM
On a related note, see page two of this article for info on us "cheeseheads"... Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/30/us/30cheese.html?_r=2&th&emc=th&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

-Fuzzy Fuzzy World 3
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: near Chicago
  • 937 posts
Posted by Chris30 on Saturday, September 30, 2006 11:36 PM

Fan

Of

All

Mighty

Entertaining

Railroads

Geez, I'm such a dork for figuring that one out! If anybody wants to call me a name and it makes you feel better, than go for it! And more power to you. As long as I'm enjoying what I'm doing (or working) I don't care what you call me.

CC

  • Member since
    October 2002
  • From: Milwaukee, WI, US
  • 1,384 posts
Posted by fuzzybroken on Saturday, September 30, 2006 10:32 PM
 wjstix wrote:
I heard that it had something to do with "foamite" which is apparently some sort of fire extinguishing foam or something?? That always seems a little farfetched, the "foaming at the mouth" idea sounds more plausible.


Far
Out
Advanced
Mentally
Incompetent
Train
Enthusiast
Disapprove [V] ... is what I heard "foamite" was...

-Fuzzy Fuzzy World 3
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: New Brighton, Minnesota
  • 1,493 posts
Posted by wctransfer on Saturday, September 30, 2006 2:53 PM
To me, i dont really care what you call me. I call myself a railfan and a foamer. Its not a big deal to me, and for those of you that get all pissed, (taking this from the post above) step back a bit. It shouldnt bother you, and I certainly dont care what im called.

Alec
Check out my pics! [url="http://wctransfer.rrpicturearchives.net/"] http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?userid=8714
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 50 posts
Posted by 1702 on Saturday, September 30, 2006 1:41 PM
Here's a very interesting article on wikipedia with the good, the bad, and the ugly, more or less worldwide
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railfan
  • Member since
    August 2002
  • From: Along the BNSF "East End"... :-)
  • 915 posts
Posted by TimChgo9 on Saturday, September 30, 2006 12:57 PM

 In the fire service, we call over-active fire buffs  "yahoos"  (They are my absolute pet peeve, okay, one a few)

I have played "Squad Leader" and "Advanced Squad Leader" since I was in high school, and extreme fans of the game were called "grognards"

I guess if you have a hobby, and it consumes your entire life... be it trains, games, mountain climbing, what have you, it might be time to step back a bit.

"Chairman of the Awkward Squad" "We live in an amazing, amazing world that is just wasted on the biggest generation of spoiled idiots." Flashing red lights are a warning.....heed it. " I don't give a hoot about what people have to say, I'm laughing as I'm analyzed" What if the "hokey pokey" is what it's all about?? View photos at: http://www.eyefetch.com/profile.aspx?user=timChgo9
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, September 30, 2006 7:02 AM

Well, I don't know about 'you people' but I'm fixin' to gunzel around my fridge fer a cold one. And that's not Yiddish fer fish or a reckless want of expired cheese-- I'm just thirsty and just possibly overly enthusiastic about it!

I always thought-    and pull-eeze take any and all of my thoughts with some sort of prescribed medication or at least a note from your mum, or a Doctor--- that the term 'Foamer' was mostly a derogatory term bestowed on railfans by railroaders. Mostly because they hate us. And we get in their way. And we annoy them. Or maybe they think we are the Man-in-the-weeds?

Off to gunzel...

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Brisbane Australia
  • 1,721 posts
Posted by james saunders on Thursday, September 28, 2006 10:49 PM
I always thought it was because you'd be "foaming" at the mouth..



In Australia we are called Gunzels, It started out as a derogratory term but over the years it has developed into a name accepted by Rail enthusiasts, even something that people parade around using the title.

I found this description of a Gunzel for your understanding...



(1) n. Railway enthusiast. Originally derogatory, refering to overly enthusiastic or foolish railfans (c.f. US "foamer"). Now refers to railfans in general, and the term is often used with pride. Believed to be a derivation of the American slang "gunsel", meaning a gangster or hoodlum who uses a gun, popularised in books such as The Maltese Falcon. In these books the implication was that a gunsel was somewhat foolish and reckless. The term gunzel originated from the Sydney Tramway Museum in the 1960s as a term for foolish or reckless railfans who shot at things with cameras. Usage was originally confined to south eastern states, it has since spread to the whole of Australia and parts of New Zealand. See for example www.gunzel.net. May be used to refer to a specific interest, e.g. "freight gunzel", "tram gunzel". (Note: there is an alternative meaning of the American slang gunsel, believed to be derived from the Yiddish 'ganzel', but this is not the meaning imported as gunzel.)

(2) v. Engage in railway enthusiast activities, e.g. "to gunzel around".

James.

James, Brisbane Australia

Modelling AT&SF in the 90s

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • 92 posts
Posted by MLG4812 on Thursday, September 28, 2006 8:08 PM
 BigJim wrote:

The reason I asked this question in the first place is because of this;

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/913074/ShowPost.aspx

That's not friendly. It's antagonistic.

If you knew how to comprehend a question you would find that I wasn't being antagonistic at all. If you want to start a fight, go back and look in the mirror and pop-a-zit.Wink [;)]

Here we have your own brethren calling out to "all Foamers" and all that I was asking was, isn't there another name you can come up with?

 

Man...I didn't know I would create such a stink with that post. I would never purposely antagonize my fellow railroad brethren. I felt it to be a compliment illustrating the intense ferver for a hobby that we all love. I suppose it all depends upon the recipient really. For example, two people could find themselves being called a "cheese-head." One person could take it as being recognized for being a hard-core Packer's fan. The other could take it as an insult, feeling that they were being labled as having a moldy dairy product on their cranium. So here is my disclaimer..."Calling all foamers, refering to rabidly- insane railroad fanatics!"Cool [8D]

 

 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, September 28, 2006 5:14 PM

 PBenham wrote:
Well, I've been called Censored [censored],Censored [censored],Censored [censored],Censored [censored]and oh, yes Censored [censored]Censored [censored]Censored [censored]. Laugh [(-D]

You probably forgot Censored [censored], too.  I know I've been called that!

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...

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, September 28, 2006 5:12 PM
 PBenham wrote:
Well, I've been called Censored [censored],Censored [censored],Censored [censored],Censored [censored]and oh, yes Censored [censored]Censored [censored]Censored [censored]. Laugh [(-D]
Ouch.
  • Member since
    April 2001
  • From: Roanoke, VA
  • 2,019 posts
Posted by BigJim on Thursday, September 28, 2006 4:55 PM

Is it the same as calling someone interested in restoring autos a "gearhead"?

Now that's the line of thinking that I'm looking for. Even though foaming can be traced back to the steam days, foamer just doesn't relate to railroading as gearhead relates to autos. See what I mean?

.

  • Member since
    July 2005
  • From: In the New York Soviet Socialist Republic!
  • 1,391 posts
Posted by PBenham on Thursday, September 28, 2006 4:49 PM
Well, I've been called Censored [censored],Censored [censored],Censored [censored],Censored [censored]and oh, yes Censored [censored]Censored [censored]Censored [censored]. Laugh [(-D]
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Thursday, September 28, 2006 4:39 PM
I heard that it had something to do with "foamite" which is apparently some sort of fire extinguishing foam or something?? That always seems a little farfetched, the "foaming at the mouth" idea sounds more plausible.

BTW the British equivalent is "Anoraks" which comes from a type of raincoat that UK Railfans (oops !! I meant "Railway Enthusiasts") supposedly wear while trainspotting (recording the name or number of a locomotive you have seen in a record book or notebook) .Laugh [(-D]

Stix
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, September 28, 2006 2:55 PM
What does the Union Pacific call us?
  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Ely, Nv.
  • 6,312 posts
Posted by chad thomas on Thursday, September 28, 2006 1:46 PM

Roger that Mookie.Wink [;)]

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Thursday, September 28, 2006 1:03 PM

Chad - get the popcorn going.  I am putting on my helmet!

Moo

 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Aurora, IL
  • 4,515 posts
Posted by eolafan on Thursday, September 28, 2006 1:03 PM
You can call me anything you want, just don't forget to call me for dinner! Tongue [:P]
Eolafan (a.k.a. Jim)
  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: S.E. South Dakota
  • 13,569 posts
Posted by Murphy Siding on Thursday, September 28, 2006 12:58 PM
    Maybe this is just a regional thing, but where I live, but "you guys" isn't considered *bad*.  Think of it as sort of the plains version of ya'll.  Now, if you said "you people", then you're waiving a red flag in front of a bull.Tongue [:P]

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: appelton wisconsin
  • 104 posts
Posted by Jjohnieray on Thursday, September 28, 2006 12:55 PM
Having read all fourteen of these post.One Queston,What is a foamer ? Do i want to be one,or should i be one.What i really want to know is,Where does the cars on a steam powered unit[ Passenger cars] get there electric from.Thank you .Big Smile [:D]
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, September 28, 2006 12:52 PM

 csmith9474 wrote:
Is it the same as calling someone interested in restoring autos a "gearhead"? Is that derogatory?? I would assume there are nicknames for folks that engage in any hobby.

And some of them are/were derogatory.... 

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...

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • 3,590 posts
Posted by csmith9474 on Thursday, September 28, 2006 12:50 PM
Is it the same as calling someone interested in restoring autos a "gearhead"? Is that derogatory?? I would assume there are nicknames for folks that engage in any hobby.
Smitty
  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: West end of Chicago's Famous Racetrack
  • 2,239 posts
Posted by Poppa_Zit on Thursday, September 28, 2006 12:33 PM
 BigJim wrote:

That's not friendly. It's antagonistic.

If you knew how to comprehend a question you would find that I wasn't being antagonistic at all. If you want to start a fight, go back and look in the mirror and pop-a-zit.Wink [;)]

Here we have your own brethren calling out to "all Foamers" and all that I was asking was, isn't there another name you can come up with?

The last thing I need from anyone is a lesson in reading comprehension, thank you.

Regarding the other thread, anyone calling out to "all foamers" certainly isn't talking to me. And you did it again when you said "here we have your brethren." They are not my "brethren." And in what group are you including yourself when you say "we?"  

I also don't answer to "calling all nebbishes" or "calling all nerds."Big Smile [:D]

Sorry, but when you used the term "you guys" it can only be interpreted one way -- that you are not one of "us" and in this case, it is very condescending. If you feel that's not true, assist my comprehension by explaining what else could "you guys" mean?

And I've never had to start a fight. But I've finished a few.Laugh [(-D]

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. They are not entitled, however, to their own facts." No we can't. Charter Member J-CASS (Jaded Cynical Ascerbic Sarcastic Skeptics) Notary Sojac & Retired Foo Fighter "Where there's foo, there's fire."
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, September 28, 2006 12:20 PM

I thought I posted this, but apparently not.

On occasion, an intended insult is turned by the insultee into an accepted term.  That's how I got the nickname Tree - it was intended as a bit of an insult (I am tall), but I liked it and have used it ever since.

Like a lot of terms, foamer has degrees and varying definitions.  So you may call me a foamer and intend it as about as nasty an insult as you can conjure up, I may hear that and see it as recognition by you that I have an avid interest in trains.  Same word, two very different connotations. 

Rail Fan and Rail Buff have been doing yeoman duty to describe our kind.  They are fairly neutral...

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...

  • Member since
    April 2001
  • From: Roanoke, VA
  • 2,019 posts
Posted by BigJim on Thursday, September 28, 2006 11:29 AM

The reason I asked this question in the first place is because of this;

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/913074/ShowPost.aspx

That's not friendly. It's antagonistic.

If you knew how to comprehend a question you would find that I wasn't being antagonistic at all. If you want to start a fight, go back and look in the mirror and pop-a-zit.Wink [;)]

Here we have your own brethren calling out to "all Foamers" and all that I was asking was, isn't there another name you can come up with?

.

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