What is it about the sound and sight of a train? It doesn’t matter what time of day or which season it is. If you are one of the thousands of railfanning enthusiasts around the world, you know the affect a moving train has on you. Sometimes it reminds you of old memories or maybe you are looking forward to creating new ones. Other times, just the anticipation is good enough.

Railfanning is a hobby that most people are not familiar with. However, there is an abundance of spectacular videos of trains rolling down the tracks in places all around the world. A video doesn’t take the place of actually being close to the tracks, but it could be the beginning of a new railfan. In fact, before making any assumptions about railfans, you need to hang out with one sometime. If you look, they’re not hard to find.

Around the globe people settle into their vehicle or favorite lawn chair and watch colorful engines and cars roll by and into the next chapter of history. Railfanning can take you to the south or plains of Nebraska and Wyoming, the Colorado Rockies or even speeding down a highway because you are chasing a steam train excursion across the American west.

The concept of railfanning is simple and requires very little or no equipment to get started. The basics usually include a digital camera, multi channel scanner with the railroad frequencies of the area inserted, and a good pair of binoculars. A favorite location is one that is secluded and away from any populated area. Some of the older fans who have been involved for many years still use film cameras such as a 35MM. A multi channel scanner quickly becomes a necessity for new railfans and many of these are now in the digital format. Some scanners have up to one thousand channels so the maximum effort can be received on the favorite frequency programmed. Finally, there are binoculars that are perfect for daylight, dusk or dawn. Night vision binoculars are available for the faithful watchers who wait in the dark for a train others don’t see, but only know it will eventually pass by.

It would be irresponsible to avoid mentioning safety. Always make sure you stay a safe distance away from the tracks. There is always the possibility something can go wrong due to weather changes, the tracks, brakes or human error. Initially, it is a good idea to go with an experienced railfan. What you learn could be invaluable and you will probably have a lot more fun.

In conclusion, railfanning requires only a few items and fits into any budget or schedule. However, the experiences and memories can be priceless. The devoted watchers are well prepared to spend a day or two out along the tracks and away from signals that indicate a train is approaching. Hopefully, the next time you don’t have anything planned, pack for a day and spend it along a ribbon of rails either close by or miles from home.