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Welcome
to my trains/railfan pages! Railfans have a wide
range of dedication to the
hobby. In addition to the educational, historical, and
geographical material here; my photo priority for this site is to give
you (1) a large number of
railroads, (2) a variety of locomotive models, and (3) spectacular
scenery. First, let me discuss the intricacies of being a rail fan:
Novice Railfan
profile
likes
the variety of locomotive colors
enjoys the often spectacular scenery
thinks all locomotives look alike
comment
There's nothing wrong about being in this
group; we all like the vivid colors and beautiful scenery! If you want
to advance your RR knowledge, try the flyovers (move your cursor to a
picture [Netscape 7.x and Firefox users
need to right-click on the photo, select "Properties", and read
the "Alternate text".] ). You'll most likely see GE (General Electric)
or EMD (pre-2005, General Motors Electro-Motive Division;
sold in 2005 to Greenbriar Equity Group and
Berkshire Partners and renamed Electro-Motive Diesel)
followed by a mumbo-jumbo of letters and
numbers. This is the manufacturer and locomotive model number. Note the
difference between GE and
EMD designs; particularly the radiators at the top rear of the long
hood. Although I try to show only one shot of each make and
model; you can easily note 4 or 6 axle trucks (wheels) and see subtle
differences between headlight location, paint striping, and number
locations, in addition to my favorite: grime and rust! Please
read on for more advanced topics...
Intermediate
Railfan
profile
has some
appreciation for locomotive variety
familiar with railroads at home locale
often stops along right-of-way to watch trains
comment
You're almost hooked! I try to provide you with educational
material including a RR's history and it's geographic locale. Perhaps I
can make a bit more sense of the model numbers; which
many RR's show either on the cab or below the front running boards.
Models are builder unique:
GE:
4-axle units usually start with a B, 6-axle are C
2 or 4 digit number is horsepower (x100 for 2 digit)
dash and a number is the electronics level, "-9" is newest
AC indicates AC traction motors (vs. DC)
W means wide cab
ES is Evolution Series - the newest most fuel efficient model
EMD:
SD, 6-axle road locomotive; GP, 4-axle; SW, switcher.
numbers have no real meaning; higher numbers are usually
newer for GP and SD models.
dash 2 indicates a later design of that model from EMD
dash 3 usually means an update by a rebuilder
AC is AC traction motors on SD 70, 80, or 90's; AC alternator
vs. DC generator on other models
M means either wide cab or modified by a rebuilder
(Note: the above lists are not complete) |
Veteran
Railfan
profile (not all items required!) subscribes to
TRAINS and/or RAILFAN
carries scanner* (or ham radio) and/or camera
knows location of all local defect detectors
understands track side signals
identifies most locomotive models without help
has a web site devoted to some RR theme
comment
These are the folks that provide me with
much of the RR history and locomotive roster data... Thank you!
* For scanner equipped railfans traveling in
Minnesota, be advised that MN Statute 299C.37 Police Communication
states: "...No person other than peace officers within the state, the
members of the state patrol, and persons who hold an amateur radio
license issued by the Federal Communications
Commission, shall equip any motor vehicle with any radio equipment or
combination of equipment, capable of receiving any radio signal,
message, or information from any police emergency frequency...".
For those
that choose to take up the railfan
hobby, remember it's Safety First and respect for railroad
property, e.g.
heed "No Trespassing" signs. Railroads vary widely in their tolerance
of railfans; even at different locations
on the same railroad. Asking permission to enter RR property
goes a
long way towards improving the railroad's image of railfans. And be a
gracious guest; thank your host when you leave their property!
Railroad
Signals:
If you
thought locomotive model numbers are confusing; signals are even
harder to understand. Please don't be dismayed; read on! I use
only the
simplest form of signaling to help you navigate the site: the single
searchlight automatic block signal.
Much like highway traffic lights, RR signals are used to prevent
collisions and other accidents. The red and green
aspects are just like highway signals, however the yellow aspect is
somewhat different with RR's. Here's how the RR's define them and
how I use them to help you navigate.
 Clear signal
- RR rule: The route is clear ahead, proceed at authorized
speed
[limit].
- Site use: This is a topic that has had no changes for at
least 3 months. If you are a regular site follower, there's nothing new
here.
 Stop signal
- RR rule: Stop and wait until the light changes or the
dispatcher tells you to proceed at restricted speed.
- Site use: This is an all new page or an intermediate page
containing
links to new pages.
 Approach signal
- RR rule: Proceed at restricted speed; a speed that you can
stop in half the distance you can see (and usually no faster than
15 mph).
- Site use: Something minor has changed on this page; perhaps
one photo was updated. Look for recent dates or signaling
on that page.
In your travels you will find RR's that don't use any signals, signal
masts with 2 and 3 searchlights, and signals that are off. The former
RR's control traffic with track warrants, multiple lights have more
complex meaning, and the later means no trains are in the area and this
RR turns off the light to save power and extend bulb life.
To minimize screen (and source code) clutter , I normally only use
clear signals on the home page. [IE 7.0, Netscape 7.x+ and Firefox users
will see a signal favicon on the tabs and address line]
I'm often asked
why I don't provide links to the RR's web sites.
First, maintaining links is a nightmare; I have enough trouble
keeping up with ever changing RR ownership's! Secondly, most
RR web sites are customer business oriented while the best "fan" sites
are owned by railfans and/or RR historical organizations. Use your
favorite search engine and type in the RR reporting mark and other
interest keyword, such as "locomotive roster", to do additional
research. Don't be surprised when you get thousands of hits, you are
not alone when you are a railfan!
Bob
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