Railfan
A railfan is an enthusiast or hobbyist of railroad trains, of both the historic and modern varieties. Railfans commonly collect or build model trains on tracks or more elaborate city and landscape dioramas. They may also participate in clubs. Railroad photography is also a common hobby of railfans. Other hobbies may include visiting railroad museums, listening to railroad radio communications, taking frequent trips on passenger and tourist railroads, and watching trains in action. Art, music, books, and movies about railroading are popular among railfans. Several magazines cater to railroad hobbyists.
In the United States, railfans are sometimes known as "foamers". This comes from slang used by railroad workers, who have noted that some people start "foaming" with excitement whenever they see a train. It is a slightly derogatory term but railfans have adopted it with pride. In Europe and especially the United Kingdom, the term "trainspotter" is sometimes used, although this refers to the specific activity of watching trains and is not quite synonymous with railfan.
Railfans may have different interests pertaining to railroads. Some railfans are mainly interested in the steam railroad era, while others may be be mainly interested in modern diesel railroads, and many are interested in both. Some railfans specialize their interest in one or more specific railroad companies, either currently existing ones, or those which no longer exist. Railroads which are no longer in business are commonly known as fallen flags.
Sometimes, the appeal of trains is nostalgic, recalling an earlier era when the railroads played a central role in commerce and transportation, and the train depot was the center of every town. Sometimes, the appeal can come from a fondness for the power of large machinery. Sometimes, there is an appeal of the scenery of the railroad running through incredible terrain, or the gritty ambience of the urban train yard. Sometimes, the appeal cannot be explained. Many people, who would not otherwise think of themselves as railfans, like trains. Most cannot explain why. Songs and stories have glorified railroading ever since the invention of the locomotive, especially in the United States, while children's toys and books about trains continue to be popular. The Railroad Tycoon series of computer games is another example of railroads' enduring popularity.
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