Why do they call railfans foamers?
Why do they call railfans foamers? “Foamers” is how railroad employees refer to railfans because 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.
What is a thumper train?
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.
What is a train depot called?
Definitions of train depot. terminal where trains load or unload passengers or goods. synonyms: railroad station, railroad terminal, railway station, train station. types: flag stop, way station, whistle stop. a small railway station between the principal stations or a station where the train stops only on a signal.
What is the slang for train riders?
The term hobo is a loose one used to define everything from happy-go-lucky train hoppers to large homeless communities (and sometimes derogatorily so). But in its most popular definition, itinerant workers traveling the country by train use the word to describe themselves and their unique and intentional lifestyle.
Why is foamer offensive to railfans?
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.
How do railfans know when a train is coming?
Railfans get used to the usual patterns of trains in their area, and use scanners to listen in on railroad dispatch frequencies. But it takes knowledge and practice to decipher what you hear on the scanner.
Do railroaders like railfans?
Railroaders see railfan's as a nuisance only when they get in the way and/or endanger themselves or others. They may not understand what you see in it, especially if they don't like the job.
Why do trains jerk?
And each coach has a large static inertia. Because of this combination, the coaches far away from the engine get a pull much after the engine has overcome its static inertia and attained a non-trivial momentum. Also, given the coupling slack, the pull is sudden. This causes the jerk.
What is a flirt train?
Stadler FLIRT is an electric multiple unit (EMU) manufactured by Stadler Rail, a Switzerland-based rail manufacturer. FLIRT stands for Fast Light Innovative Regional Train. These trains are manufactured for operations on suburban and regional railway lines.
What is sneaking on a train called?
Freighthopping or trainhopping is the act of surreptitiously boarding and riding a freightcar, which is usually illegal.
Do train workers sleep on train?
Does the Railroad Crew Sleep on the Train? People who work on a passenger train including the porters and other staff may have to stay onboard the train for up to 48 hours at a time. In these situations, the onboard crew will often sleep in a dormitory car on the train.
Why is a Trainspotter called a gricer?
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.
Are railfans foamers?
The term foamer started out as a derogatory term used by railroaders to describe a railfan. But, in the past few years within the industry, at least here where I work, it's not always used in the negative context.
What is a railroad boss called?
Conductor. In charge of train in its entirety, and of the train crew at large.
What are railfans called?
A railfan, rail buff or train buff (American English), railway enthusiast, railway buff or trainspotter (Australian/British English), or ferroequinologist is a person who is recreationally interested in trains and rail transport systems.