What is the derogatory term for train enthusiasts?
In the United States, they can be referred to pejoratively as foamers. There is a dispute over the origin of this term.
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The Federal statute which provides that all train and engineer crews must be relieved of duty after 12 hours of continuous service. Hogger (Slang) Locomotive engineer. Hoghead (Slang) Locomotive engineer.
It is a term often used as a derogatory way to describe railfans by people who actually work on the railroad. It is derived from the idea that railfans foam at the mouth at the sight of a train.
Because trains are fascinating. The power and feel of the train speaks to some people. After all they are big machines with a lot of power. There are a lot of people who do go out of their way to cross trains off their list, but most just enjoy the view.
Etymology. From grice, supposed plural of grouse (on analogy to mouse/mice), likening a person who identifies railway locomotives to a sportsman who bags grouse.
deadhead. Slang A person who attends a performance, sports event, etc., or travels on a train, airplane, etc., without having paid for a ticket, especially a person using a complimentary ticket or free pass.
“Foamers” is how railroad employees refer to railfansbecause they think we “foam” at the mouth anytime we see a train. To them, railroading is just a job. To us, it's a passion.
The hobby extends to all aspects of rail transport systems. Railfans may have one or more particular concentrations of interest, such as: Railway locomotives and rolling stock. Still-used or disused railroad lines, bridges, tunnels, stations, signal boxes and other infrastructure.
Freighthopping or trainhopping is the act of surreptitiously boarding and riding a freightcar, which is usually illegal. Freight-hopping youth near Bakersfield, California (National Youth Administration, 1940)
Description. This class of unit was built in four different batches for use on different lines. The Southern Region class 201 to 207 DEMUs are nicknamed 'Thumpers' owing to the noise they made while in motion.