Train infatuation?

I've noticed that trains seem to be a very hot topic here. Is there any reason why there is a large appreciation for trains on this forum?

I don't know much about specifics of trains... so maybe knowing more would help me appreciate them more. Just wondering why there is such excitement about train shots here

time of year? easy to get shots?

Well I've noticed this trend since I started my account here a year ago...

Some people like cars (even the ugly little ones from Asia)...some like planes...some like boats...some like trains...all are forms of transport...and they all have fans.

I can understand that... it just seems to me that there is a large group of individuals on this particular forum that are into trains. I feel like there is a disproportionate bias towards trains, and am wondering why, that's all.

Actually, I'm wouldn't mind learning more about them, maybe I can further appreciate them and look forward to shooting some trains myself.

I diusagree witht the statement that train photography is not a hot topic. I am involved in many railroad photo forums and each day there are 100-300 new photos added some are much better than others. Here in Pennsylvania there are spots along the tracks with people taking photos each day. Trains are all different, colors, types, etc so each train is a different subject and photo challenge.

I suppose that each of us has a fascination with something, to the point that we study it, love it, photograph it, etc. My fascination with trains dates way back to the 30's, when we used to drive along old US30 going to Iowa from Colorado. US30 (to this day) runs right beside the Union Pacific RR through much of Nebraska. I loved to watch the steam engines and their trains. I remember one town where the remains of an engine sat on the tracks, having lost its boiler in an explosion. Yes, I have posted a few train images on this forum.

ArenGh wrote in post #2457918
I've noticed that trains seem to be a very hot topic here. Is there any reason why there is a large appreciation for trains on this forum?

I don't know much about specifics of trains... so maybe knowing more would help me appreciate them more. Just wondering why there is such excitement about train shots here

Hmmm...I have to strongly disagree. The train-related threads in this forum seem more like few and far between to me. And being a railfan who likes to photograph trains (not as often as I'd like, though), I'm often checking in here for anything train related (I spend most of my time in the landscape forum). MOST of the time I see aviation and auto threads, which I enjoy looking at as well.

Its just a hobby. There's no bias towards it. They make great subjects to shoot, just like cars, planes, boats, people, houses, city scenes.

Me personally, i love trains. The sheer size, horsepower, sound is just amazing. It brings out the kid in me and brings me back to when my father took me down to teh tracks to watch them.

Karl C wrote in post #2458796
Sometimes, I stop it down to f2.8 depending on the situation. I rarely go higher than f8. Other than that, experiment and practice.

Great websites. I bookmarked them and I find them interesting. Thank you.

It's natual to go from playing with toy trains to photographing the real thing, and maybe a little day dreaming along with it.

Question to you railheads:

I've been wanting to shoot some trains, but in the era of heightened security, are there any restrictions to shooting train? I've heard of some restrictions in the area of airports and such, but does that extend to the rail? Have you heard anything like that? I'd like to shoot rail, but I don't want to get busted either....

The best rule is to stay off of railroad property. If you shoot from public spots, then you should be ok.
Dont play on the tracks or get in the way of the train or climb on any equipment, etc. It makes crews very uneasy and more likely to call you in.
Give a friendly wave to the crews and dont look suspicious. It also helps to wear jeans and boots as well as higher visibility clothing. It shows that you act safely.
Be careful around sensitive areas such as some factories/power plants, bridges etc. Security guards love to give people problems around these areas, but dont let them bully you. As long as you're on public property, then you should be ok.

tellysurv wrote in post #2462708
The best rule is to stay off of railroad property. If you shoot from public spots, then you should be ok.
Dont play on the tracks or get in the way of the train or climb on any equipment, etc. It makes crews very uneasy and more likely to call you in.
Give a friendly wave to the crews and dont look suspicious. It also helps to wear jeans and boots as well as higher visibility clothing. It shows that you act safely.
Be careful around sensitive areas such as some factories/power plants, bridges etc. Security guards love to give people problems around these areas, but dont let them bully you. As long as you're on public property, then you should be ok.

Thanx. That's what I thought, but one never knows anymore....

tellysurv wrote in post #2462708
The best rule is to stay off of railroad property. If you shoot from public spots, then you should be ok.
Dont play on the tracks or get in the way of the train or climb on any equipment, etc. It makes crews very uneasy and more likely to call you in.
Give a friendly wave to the crews and dont look suspicious. It also helps to wear jeans and boots as well as higher visibility clothing. It shows that you act safely.
Be careful around sensitive areas such as some factories/power plants, bridges etc. Security guards love to give people problems around these areas, but dont let them bully you. As long as you're on public property, then you should be ok.

I agree, Plenty of people take shots of moving trains,If you are questioned,just be polite (even if they have an attitude) When I was 14 I was questioned by the local PD for taking shots of a passing GG-1, I was using a Kodak instamatic! and that was about 35 years ago. A very poor shot but the start of a great hobby. I still have the shot. It was a green GG-1 with a Penn Central paint job. Ah memories, If only Digital was around then. Heck if I only knew about SLRs back then, But it would not have made a difference, I was a teenager without money