Rails versus railfans

Rails and railfans don't always get along well, although there are a lot of exceptions. I'm a wild eyed foamer, but I also spent 41 years working in the rail industry. So I have friends on both sides of the divide, as well as many who straddle the divide as I do But as Jeff points out the typical rail is not really interested in the things that interest many railfans. For them it is a job, the reward is a paycheck, and a loco is just a tool of the trade. While a lot of rails are also railfans, they tend to view the world differently. When I attend railfan gatherings like Winterail or the SPH&TS convention the rails gather in one corner and the fans in another. They have a lot of common interests but there is a different culture.

But I have to admit that after retiring I have been surprised at the number of rails i worked with who have come out of the closet. Rails are kind of reluctant to admit they are also fans, but once retired the momentos, pix, and stories come out of the closet, and they can foam with the best of 'em.

It is a fascinating industry.

JBWX