Peoples attitudes?

[Johnnie2Sheds]

I gave up worrying about what others thought about me approximately aged fifteen.
I've loved all railways all my life.
Worked for them most of my working career.
As a teenager volunteered for my local preserved line.
Had Model railways inside and out.
I think im the only person in the country who likes Class 70s (but I put vaseline on my glasses)

"Dont like me? Foxtrot Oscar. Problem solved."

 

[Domeyhead]

I was an avid trainspotter when I was a kid but today I look at guys stood on the end of platforms at places like Clapham Junction and wonder what the attraction is. I am old enough to remember steam but what we liked was the loco-hauled variety and unpredictability, and the freight and light engine workings that just don't occur today. I may be wrong but if you can look at the timetable and know in advance you are going to see a procession of EMUs, and that you will see exactly "x" 444s and "y" 450s and "z" 458s and not much else is it as much fun?
Not being critical, just curious.

 

[Striker]

I gave up worrying about what others thought about me approximately aged fifteen.

That's interesting. That's about the time I grew out of trainspotting and realised that conformity is more important than doing what I pleased. Those that can't see this probably don't care as the fruits of conforming are of no interest to them. As I was going to university a few years later, I realised that if I continued with my train obssession then I would probably struggle to get a girlfriend, have to explain to people about my weird hobby, and face life as an outcast. There are some strange people who are trainspotters (and normal people too), and I didn't want to be associated with them. It's fine when you're a child but becoming an adult is difficult enough without having the burden of being a trainspotter around your neck. It was the best decision I ever took.

Nowadays I'm a secret train fan. I just like being on them, watching them etc. I don't take pics of them and I don't jot numbers down. I've realised that as with most things in life, it's not what you do but the moderation in which you do it. Being obssessed with anything is taking it too far and usually impacts your life in some way. Hence my moderate interest in railways without going to the extent of sitting on Crewe station in the freezing cold.

 

[Johnnie2Sheds]

That's interesting.

I've never taken a train number in my life except for haulage purposes. Also, if one is after shallow conformist women I guess its best to look the part. How is the brown living room carpet?

 

[Hydro]

Just get a job on the railways. Then you can indulge all you want without having to be tarred with the anorak brush if you don't want to be. Then you get desensitised to it, and together we can ease you back into normal society

 

[Greenback]

Striker, what are the fruits of conformity?!

I have made no secret of my interest in the operation of railways, although I have little interest in the units or locos, and have never noted down any numbers. I never found that I received any more hostility than I have for my other interests, which include acting, darts, rugby, science fiction, jazz, country music and photography. In fact, many of my friends and acquaintances like to seek my assistance in planning journeys on the railway! I also went to University, and I had quite a few girlfriends before I got married.

I really don't understand how words like obsession, weird and outcast help to view an interest in trains as anything but abnormal. It is simply a hobby, like any other and of course, if it becomes an obsession that can be unhealthy. I think you need to take a look at your views on this, and ask yourself whether you are falling into the trap of stereotyping people? It also seems you are confusing being a trainspotter with being a rail enthusiast. Not all enthusiasts go to freezing railway stations to watch the trains!

 

[Striker]

Striker, what are the fruits of conformity?!

Being accepted as a normal member of society. Sex with girls.

It also seems you are confusing being a trainspotter with being a rail enthusiast. Not all enthusiasts go to freezing railway stations to watch the trains!

That describes how I view myself to be honest.

Like all stereotypes, nobody seriously thinks that EVERYONE who likes trains are odd, but there's certainly a large proportion. You see them. No social skills. Bad appearence. No dress sense. No interest in what they look like whatsoever actually. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, but there are enough people like that to create the sterotype. There is a reason why trainspotters aren't protrayed as smooth, James Bond type characters.

 

[Greenback]

I could describe most of the darts players in my league as having no dress sense and bad a appearance. Whether they have any social skills depends on how you would define social skills.

I tis a stereotype that trainspotters are all spotty youths with bad breath, wearing an old parka jacket with NHS glasses. But when I pass through Newport and see groups of men at the end of the platform with cameras there are rarely any of these types at all! I most often middle aged gentlemen dressed in their usual day to day clothes. There ar e, occasionally, young people to be seen, but they are as likely to be wearing a baseball cap or a hoodie.

I wonder whether you are simply subscribing to the populist view Striker? The stereotype was created by journalists and comedians, and has little basis in reality. Maybe we should say that, although not all darts players are fat, tattooed alcoholic working class chavs, varely able to string a coherent sentence together, there are enough players like that to justify the stereotype?

 

[Striker]

Maybe we should say that, although not all darts players are fat, tattooed alcoholic working class chavs, varely able to string a coherent sentence together, there are enough players like that to justify the stereotype?

This is another stereotype which is pretty much true. Why do stereotypes become stereotypes? Because there's a large degree of truth in them, just like in most stereotypes. It's politically correct to say "not all stereotypes are true" but from my observations they are very much true.

 

[Johnnie2Sheds]

Clearly your preoccupation with sex means youre not getting any. Hard luck old chap.

 

[Striker]

Clearly your preoccupation with sex means youre not getting any. Hard luck old chap.

well, I haven't had any since November if I remember correctly.

 

[Bittern]

~SNIP~

See, judging from your posts, what I'm getting is that you adapt yourself to suit others and go by what they perceive as "normal" instead of being who you really are. You said yourself that you're a "secret" train fan, which leads me to believe you worry about that people would think of you if they discovered you were a rail enthusiast, making me think that you might be as self conscious as a 12 year old.

so what you've basically just told us is that you live completely for other people, wether you're consciously aware of this or not.

 

[Striker]

You said yourself that you're a "secret" train fan, which leads me to believe you worry about that people would think of you if they discovered you were a rail enthusiast, making me think that you might be as self conscious as a 12 year old.

so what you've basically just told us is that you live completely for other people, wether you're consciously aware of this or not.

Yes I do worry what other people think of me. I don't want people thinking of me as weird. I made a choice. Continue trainspotting and be thought of as odd, or kiss it goodbye and lead a normal life. I chose the latter.

Why that means I live COMPLETELY for other people, I don't know. It was just one aspect of my life.

 

[Bittern]

Doesn't that become an issue though? Do what most people do and stop worrying about that other people think. If they really put you down for this harmless hobby then they aren't worth bothering about.

It's called life; try living it sometime.

 

[Striker]

Doesn't that become an issue though? Do what most people do and stop worrying about that other people think. If they really put you down for this harmless hobby then they aren't worth bothering about.

It's called life; try living it sometime.

I do live a good life thank you. One that wouldn't be necessarily enhanced by trainspotting.

I have been with many women who, although not uttering the exact words, made it quite clear that had I been a trainspotter they would not be in the position they were in.

 

[sprinterguy]

I can’t understand why anyone would want to conform to the popular interests prevalent at the time and not be whoever they want to be, just to be liked. I earn much more respect from my friends and colleagues by standing by my individual traits and just getting on with “being me”. I have an interest in railways, all my long term friends and of course my missus have become aware of this over time even though you’d never guess from how I look and my general conversation, because it’s part of who I am and it’s up to other people to decide whether they have a problem with that or not. If they do, they probably aren’t the sort of people I want to be associated with anyway. We pride ourselves on individuality in my social circles.


I aim to enjoy life and keep myself happy, and it just so happens that through enjoying my life I add to the fun that other people are having and it’s a virtuous circle!

Wear your heart on your sleeve and fly the colours from the mast! I’ve got myself quite impassioned now…

 

[DarloRich]

Why is it that whenever people are justifying their hobby they have to bring football up? Simple fact is. Trainspotters are deemed odd. Football fans aren't.

There are many football fans who are very odd! I dont know if it is just becuase i support one of the smaller clubs and not a Premiersh*t company that i have come into connact with such people. Perhaps all teams have the same level of strange types and they just appear more with the smaller teams.

Supporting the team i do is seen as strange BECAUSE it is not a Premiersh*t team. Football before or outside the PL doesnt exist or is simply sh*t.

What is wrong with having an intrest? live and let live i say. I have been intrested in football, trains, women and beer for a long time. I have never hidden any of my intrests & i wouldnt say that any intrest has had an adverse effect on another intrest! (I find beer helps make the others better! )

 

[Striker]

i wouldnt say that any intrest has had an adverse effect on another intrest! (I find beer helps make the others better! )

You mean it makes a Class 70 look attractive?

 

[DarloRich]

You mean it makes a Class 70 look attractive?

Yes - Yes it does!

 

[Bittern]

I do live a good life thank you. One that wouldn't be necessarily enhanced by trainspotting.

I have been with many women who, although not uttering the exact words, made it quite clear that had I been a trainspotter they would not be in the position they were in.

That's stilL you living to the expectations of others and to an extent, a lie. That's horrible way to "live".

 

[chuckles1066]

Why is it that whenever people are justifying their hobby they have to bring football up? Simple fact is. Trainspotters are deemed odd. Football fans aren't.

I think you're wrong.

Football fans are most definitely oddballs........Bristol Rovers, the local outfit (struggling to avoid relegation), entertained Hartlepool on Tuesday just gone.

Even in sub-zero temperatures, 5,285 hardy souls pitched up to watch an anaemic 0-0 draw.

That's 5,285 people paying probably £20 a ticket for 90 minutes "entertainment". I mean, Bristol Rovers v Hartlepool? Hardly Man U v Real Madrid, is it?

At least trainspotting's free.......well, in my day it cost you 1p for a platform ticket.

 

[At_traction]

I think you're wrong.

Football fans are most definitely oddballs........Bristol Rovers, the local outfit (struggling to avoid relegation), entertained Hartlepool on Tuesday just gone.

Even in sub-zero temperatures, 5,285 hardy souls pitched up to watch an anaemic 0-0 draw.

That's 5,285 people paying probably £20 a ticket for 90 minutes "entertainment". I mean, Bristol Rovers v Hartlepool? Hardly Man U v Real Madrid, is it?

At least trainspotting's free.......well, in my day it cost you 1p for a platform ticket.

Even though your reply must have been written as an exaggerated jest (dear God I can only hope), I'm afraid you've just made Striker's point about putting down others' "strange" interests crystal clear...

But indeed, football is not about sanity or logical pondering (at least between the whistles) rather than feeling and being behind your club. And slagging them off if needed...


Aaaarsenaaaal, Aaaarsenaaaal FC!

 

[ukrob]

I feel for people who feel as though they have to hide their hobbies in order to 'fit in', let alone so that they feel more attractive to the opposite sex.

 

[Greenback]

This is another stereotype which is pretty much true. Why do stereotypes become stereotypes? Because there's a large degree of truth in them, just like in most stereotypes. It's politically correct to say "not all stereotypes are true" but from my observations they are very much true.

But it's not pretty much true. It may appear that way from televised tournaments, but if you go and see darts matches at county, city or even local league level, you will find avery wide range of people of all ages and genders taking part.

Yes I do worry what other people think of me. I don't want people thinking of me as weird. I made a choice. Continue trainspotting and be thought of as odd, or kiss it goodbye and lead a normal life. I chose the latter.

Why that means I live COMPLETELY for other people, I don't know. It was just one aspect of my life.

Who you are and staying true to who you are is far more important as far as I am concerned. Of course, if someone is not sure of who they are then that's fine, but I see no point in choosing to hide ones interests or pursue them in secret. It just seems pointles to have an interst then!

Once again though you use the words weird, odd and normal. Clearly you remain of the opinion that an interest in raiwlays must be odd, weiord and abnormal. Maybe this is the crux of the problem, because, to me at least, it's only an interest in soemthing like practicing cannibalism that I would class in those terms!

I feel for people who feel as though they have to hide their hobbies in order to 'fit in', let alone so that they feel more attractive to the opposite sex.

Indeed. As my wife said when we met, my honesty was my most attractive feature! And she prefers me to go off for a day bashing to be skulking around bars chatting up other women!

 

[Butts]

Im a rail enthusiast and a keen fisherman. I usually try to pick fishing places in view of a railway to combine the hobbies. I admitted to liking trains at work the other day, and one of my collegues spent the rest of the day impersonating flying scotsman. It's water off a ducks back to me, so what if i like trains there are plenty of other odd hobbies out there, Bondage for instence.

Do you use a train to get you to and from your fishing venues - and if so do you examine your rod on the train to check it's ready for use.

 

[Striker]

But indeed, football is not about sanity or logical pondering (at least between the whistles) rather than feeling and being behind your club. And slagging them off if needed...

To take it a step further, it's about feeling part of a community and the sense of "belonging" it gives you, which is a basic human need.

But it's not pretty much true. It may appear that way from televised tournaments, but if you go and see darts matches at county, city or even local league level, you will find avery wide range of people of all ages and genders taking part.

So, based on what you've said, can I conclude that the most successful darts players are fat, beer drinking males, as they're the ones who are on TV?

and if so do you examine your rod on the train to check it's ready for use.

I know what you're up to, and I have to say that this kind of smutty innuendo is not acceptable.

 

[Greenback]

So, based on what you've said, can I conclude that the most successful darts players are fat, beer drinking males, as they're the ones who are on TV?

I think it''s the fact that to reach that standard requires total dedication to the game, and as such would involve little time for exercise! It's also a life that sees its participants spend a lot of time on the circuit, basically living on the road in hotels, doing exhibitions where hospitality is laid on (usually in the form of chips and alcohol!) which leads to a pretty unhelathy lifestyle. There are, though, quite a few top players who aren't sporting beer bellies, like Simon Whitlock and Co Stompe. Strangely, a lot of them seem to hail from countries othe rthan the UK!

It's also rare for women to enter the biggest tournaments as they have their own. As they can't earn as much money as the men, they tend not to be full time and do not have the same level of exposure on TV.

Looking at my own interests, it's a wonder that I have any friends at all. And it's amazing that any women even spoke to me! According to stereotypes I am a fat, beer swilling, tattooed, mincing, spectacle wearing nerd who recites Shakespeare and calls everyone darling.

 

[Domeyhead]

That's interesting. That's about the time I grew out of trainspotting and realised that conformity is more important than doing what I pleased. Those that can't see this probably don't care as the fruits of conforming are of no interest to them. As I was going to university a few years later, I realised that if I continued with my train obssession then I would probably struggle to get a girlfriend, have to explain to people about my weird hobby, and face life as an outcast. There are some strange people who are trainspotters (and normal people too), and I didn't want to be associated with them. It's fine when you're a child but becoming an adult is difficult enough without having the burden of being a trainspotter around your neck. It was the best decision I ever took.

Nowadays I'm a secret train fan. I just like being on them, watching them etc. I don't take pics of them and I don't jot numbers down. I've realised that as with most things in life, it's not what you do but the moderation in which you do it. Being obssessed with anything is taking it too far and usually impacts your life in some way. Hence my moderate interest in railways without going to the extent of sitting on Crewe station in the freezing cold.

FOr me Striker has described it perfectly, and I'm surprised he has atttracted any opprobium. When I was a young trainspotter it felt as if the railway was being operated for my interest and amusement - Locomotives and crews delivered varying performance on a wider variety of duties and that performance was more a matter of individual mechanical and engineering skill. Now I'm a boring adult I can use the internet to tell me exactly what I could expect to see at any point on te railway, and what the weather will be, and performance differences are between fleets rather than individual trains. There's no mystique any more, which is what surprises me about people who retain the hobby into adulthood. I'd still be interested to hear from anyone who gets as much enjoyment from the hobby today as they did (say) 10 years ago or longer.

 

[Greenback]

It must be different being a trainspotter rather than just having a general interest in railways. Arw you embarrassed to tell people you are interested in railways?

 

[Striker]

It must be different being a trainspotter rather than just having a general interest in railways. Arw you embarrassed to tell people you are interested in railways?

The closest I would get to that would be to say I "enjoy travelling by train as it avoids the stress of driving and it's nice to sit by the window and look at the scenery."