Peoples attitudes?

[Greenback]

I've got no need to tell people I'm a trainspotter because I'm not. But I tell them I enjoy travelling by train, I read railway magazines in public and anyone coming to my house iwll be in no doubt of my interest due to the old timetables and railway books in the bookcase. I've had more jokes about being a member of CAMRA than I ever had about liking railways!

Maybe if I did hang around on platforms with a notebook I'd be a bit embarrassed and more reluctant to admit to it!

 

[Flamingo]

I've had more jokes about being a member of CAMRA than I ever had about liking railways!

Maybe if I did hang around on platforms with a notebook I'd be a bit embarrassed and more reluctant to admit to it!

As opposed to hanging around in pubs with a notebook? (beard and wool sweater optional!)

 

[Greenback]

Yeah, another stereotype (you forgot the corduroy trousers I think?!!!)

 

[Flamingo]

Yeah, another stereotype (you forgot the corduroy trousers I think?!!!)

Sorry! I'll remember them next time

 

[sprinterguy]

I've got no need to tell people I'm a trainspotter because I'm not. But I tell them I enjoy travelling by train, I read railway magazines in public and anyone coming to my house iwll be in no doubt of my interest due to the old timetables and railway books in the bookcase. I've had more jokes about being a member of CAMRA than I ever had about liking railways!

Maybe if I did hang around on platforms with a notebook I'd be a bit embarrassed and more reluctant to admit to it!

Hooray for CAMRA! Bearded I may be, but I’m certainly lacking the beer gut and corduroys! There’s a great little real ale pub in Leicester called “The Ale Wagon”, always has at least five or six different ales on rotated at intervals, and they keep a stack of older railway magazines for customers’ perusal. It’s a great place to while away an afternoon.

The Wellington in Birmingham is a real ale pub that does bear witness to a great many stereotypical CAMRA members; nowt wrong with that.

 

[Greenback]

I know quite a few people who cobine trains with real ale, going out bashing to visit a few pubs, and there seems to be quite a few on here too, judging by some threads! Long may it continue!

(The crossover between darts and acting is not so obvious, in my experience though!)

 

[Flamingo]

Don't get me wrong, I like real ale myself, and have been known to sing a song with one finger stuck in my ear as well!

 

[Mysterium]

I don't want people thinking of me as weird - STRIKER

Pedantic - yes
Provocative - yes
Argumentative - yes
Peculiar - definitely
Weird - no

 

[RichW1]

I couldn't believe the poster Kernowfem I think it was; never seen a female train enthusiast before!!! I've most of the time been in the social 'popular' scene or crowds if that makes sense in my free time (and I don't get much) I'm into all things informational and also trains. I used to be into them as a kid but in my teen years forced myself to get rid of all my train stuff (hidden in the attic) because I felt embarressed. I could never admit to anyone that I like trains in a hobby sense. I try and intertwine the fact that I like them with built environment and planning so I don't feel bad. I've never been comfortable with liking all things trains because of some reasons people have stated. Also, I'm not sure some people would see me in the same way again; yes it's superficial and all the rest of it but I've always had a complex. On the web is the only time I look for what's happening and news etc.

I feel with high speed rail, my interest in trains might become a little more acceptable as the industry gets a bit of a 'wow' factor!

 

[sprinterguy]

Don't get me wrong, I like real ale myself, and have been known to sing a song with one finger stuck in my ear as well!

Indeed. These few posts go to show that attempting to apply a stereotype to everyone who has a certain set of interests is impossible, as there is just too much variety in peoples’ individual tastes. Stereotypes taken light-heartedly are amusing, when people apply them to others in a derogatory sense then it just shows a lack of understanding of human individuality. Live and let live I say, if someone enjoys their interests, whatever they are, then fair play to them.

 

[Butts]

I thought "Tosh Lines" had a sense of humour

 

[Mysterium]

On a serious note though and replying to the original post, there's definitely a negative attitude towards 'trainspotters' and it's not something that I advertise to anyone other than family. Also if anyone asked I would declare myself a rail enthusiast rather than a spotter, even though I do spot.

I originally started off spotting in the 1980's and used a West Yorkshire dayrover to ride the trans-Pennines up and down all day from Huddersfield to Leeds and back, and the S&C trains upto Keighley. Also over to Knottingley to do the shed, and back past Holbeck shed.
Then regular life took over my carefree existence and I had nothing to do with railways (other than a very casual interest) until about five years ago when I started work on the railways. This reignited my interest and I started spotting again and now get out and about as often as my rest days and wife will allow...

One of my regular locations is the North end of Doncaster station and most times I go there is a young bloke who is the walking stereotype of a spotter - he looks like one and acts like one, even recording the EC HST engine noise on his phone. But I guess I looked and acted like that once so I try not to be too harsh and always have a polite word if he comes over, but I personally like to be a solitary platform-ender.

The reality is though (as another poster has stated), working on the railways as traincrew, you do get quite a blase feel for the whole scene in your particular area and it takes a trip out of region or to a heritage line to get me enthused again.
Spotting isn't the same as it used to be, but what is? I still underline my numbers in red pen, be they Pendos and 155's instead of peaks and 56's, I still get excited when I cop a new unit that I've not seen before and I still get that buzz about going somewhere and not knowing what you might see.

 

[Striker]

I thought "Tosh Lines" had a sense of humour

It was faux anger. Just a different response than typing, "oo er!" or, "thank God the vicar didn't see it", or even, "you are naughty!". I like to keep my comedy fresh and people on their toes (nod to David Brent there).

 

[90019]

Weird - no

Pfft, where's the fun in that?

 

[Oswyntail]

.....
Spotting isn't the same as it used to be, but what is? I still underline my numbers in red pen, be they Pendos and 155's instead of peaks and 56's, I still get excited when I cop a new unit that I've not seen before and I still get that buzz about going somewhere and not knowing what you might see.

Hoorah, a kindred spirit! And there are more of us than you might think. Go to the end of the platform at London Bridge in the rush hour. Right at the end are the enthusiasts who have "come out". A few yards back there are usually a cluster of "city gent" types, pretending to do the crossword while waiting for a train, but actually writing down numbers.

 

[Crossover]

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.

On the contary again, it was when I came to uni that I became interested in railways, as I used them for travelling to and from home. Possibly moreso because I met other people (and amazingly have continued to do so over my time at uni) who have similar interests.

I like to think of myself as more of an enthusiast and am just interested in how things work, and always have been (I used to look out for buses a lot as I used them daily for 7 years to get to and from school).

I'd like to think I don't fit the stereotypes that are listed elsewhere on the thread, i.e. I think I have some fashion sense, can hold a reasonable conversation about many things and I certainly don't sit for hours on Crewe station noting numbers. I have occasionally stood at the end of the likes of Piccadilly station overlooking the entry roads, mainly when bored waiting for my connection (which can be ~30 mins) and have sometimes made a note of a train I have travelled on, but ultimately, travelling on every unit of a class doesn't bother me.

As has been said before, and will no doubt be said again, it all comes down to personal preference and if we were all the same, life would be very boring. There are many things I have no interest in, and others that I do, and that is pretty much the same for us all, and long may it continue

 

[Striker]

On the contary again, it was when I came to uni that I became interested in railways, as I used them for travelling to and from home. Possibly moreso because I met other people (and amazingly have continued to do so over my time at uni) who have similar interests.

I like to think of myself as more of an enthusiast and am just interested in how things work, and always have been (I used to look out for buses a lot as I used them daily for 7 years to get to and from school).

I'd like to think I don't fit the stereotypes that are listed elsewhere on the thread, i.e. I think I have some fashion sense, can hold a reasonable conversation about many things and I certainly don't sit for hours on Crewe station noting numbers. I have occasionally stood at the end of the likes of Piccadilly station overlooking the entry roads, mainly when bored waiting for my connection (which can be ~30 mins) and have sometimes made a note of a train I have travelled on, but ultimately, travelling on every unit of a class doesn't bother me.

As has been said before, and will no doubt be said again, it all comes down to personal preference and if we were all the same, life would be very boring. There are many things I have no interest in, and others that I do, and that is pretty much the same for us all, and long may it continue

From what you say you don't qualify as a trainspotter, in which case my point still stands.

 

[Greenback]

Indeed. These few posts go to show that attempting to apply a stereotype to everyone who has a certain set of interests is impossible, as there is just too much variety in peoples’ individual tastes. Stereotypes taken light-heartedly are amusing, when people apply them to others in a derogatory sense then it just shows a lack of understanding of human individuality. Live and let live I say, if someone enjoys their interests, whatever they are, then fair play to them.

I couldn't agree more, you are spot on!

Hoorah, a kindred spirit! And there are more of us than you might think. Go to the end of the platform at London Bridge in the rush hour. Right at the end are the enthusiasts who have "come out". A few yards back there are usually a cluster of "city gent" types, pretending to do the crossword while waiting for a train, but actually writing down numbers.

I must visit London Bridge next time I am in London and witness this strange phenomenon for myself!

 

[Shrub Hill]

my missus gets a lift to work everyday with 2 of her collegues, she won't tell them that i like my railways for fear of said snide remarks, the irony is the husband of the woman that drives is also a keen enthusiast and the new partner of the 3rd women has a passing interest in railways as well, i have bumped into two other collegues of hers down the great central with their partners and they are just the ones i know about
i am a self employed gas engineer which means i spend all day in peoples houses, you would not believe the amount you go in with rail related stuff inside. its more popular than people realise the problem is because very few admit to it no one knows!

for fairness i also watch football, play golf and go fishing as and when i get the time

 

[Striker]

So why are people embarrassed to admit they like trains, yet people would quite openly say they're a football fan?

Some would argue that it's because of the stereotype of a trainspotter, but where do stereotypes come from? There's a large degree of truth in them! That's how they become stereotypes!

 

[90019]

Some would argue that it's because of the stereotype of a trainspotter, but where do stereotypes come from? There's a large degree of truth in them! That's how they become stereotypes!

Stereotypes arise from what's visible, not necessarily what the truth is.

 

[Lawman]

o the typical trainspotter......no pals,big round glasses,British Home Stores jumper,and an awaful pair of cord trousers with a blue parka jacket, next to him his little packed lunch,that his mum has packed,taking down train numbers........so what?

what harm is he doing? Zilch

There is certainly no shame in this hobby,however when people ie friends,work dudes ask about it is harder to explain to them your interest cos they just don't get it.......which is fair enough however l realy can't be bothered when the small talk conversation begins
"oh l like trains too"
"a get a train to work"
you know they are trying to be nice to you but they ain't got a clue!:roll:

 

[chuckles1066]

So why are people embarrassed to admit they like trains, yet people would quite openly say they're a football fan?

Beats me.

I wonder how these football fans view their activities? They wear a shirt with a bloke's name on the back and pay shedloads to watch 22 "men" running around in shorts (with black woolly gloves on if it's less than 10 degrees Celcius).......these "men" hug and kiss each other and, if you're lucky (a la Gazza) you'll get to see them blub uncontrollably.......and yet these fans cheer their every move, they chant.....?

To me it's an introverted gay thing......I mean, why would you wear a shirt with another bloke's name on the back?

 

[At_traction]

Beats me.

I wonder how these football fans view their activities? They wear a shirt with a bloke's name on the back and pay shedloads to watch 22 "men" running around in shorts (with black woolly gloves on if it's less than 10 degrees Celcius).......these "men" hug and kiss each other and, if you're lucky (a la Gazza) you'll get to see them blub uncontrollably.......and yet these fans cheer their every move, they chant.....?

To me it's an introverted gay thing......I mean, why would you wear a shirt with another bloke's name on the back?

This must have been the stupidest message encountered here so far.
A shame, a relatively thoughtful and unbigoted site otherwise. Bound to happen, I guess. :roll:
*Off soap box*

 

[ukrob]

So why are people embarrassed to admit they like trains, yet people would quite openly say they're a football fan?

You tell us - it is you that has said you are in the closet and wouldn't tell anyone in fear of not being able to have sex with a girl.

 

[NXEA!]

I can understand it when people say they feel or felt embarrassed about being a spotter or enthusiast. I'm exactly the same, people ridicule you for it and so I prefer to not tell anyone about my hobby. The only people that know are a few of my friends and my family, and they never slate me for it, but if I were to tell a few other people I talk to, I would get slated for it. I don't think they'd guess that I am, as I'm into Football, girls, and yes, I greatly enjoy clothes shopping which are all the things that a normal boy is supposed to enjoy. They perceive me to be (forgive me for using this term, and I'm not implying anyone on here isn't) 'normal', and so I don't get any stick for my appearance or how I act. You may say that I'm not being myself or something along those lines, but I'm 15, and the teenage years are a fragile time, and impressions on your peers are important to you when your a teenager. I'm sure when I become an adult, that I won't have any reservations about telling people about my hobby, and not care about what people think, but right now I do. But well done to all the people that never cared what people thought, to be honest I wish I had the cahones to be like that, and long live the hobby!

 

[Striker]

I can understand it when people say they feel or felt embarrassed about being a spotter or enthusiast. I'm exactly the same, people ridicule you for it and so I prefer to not tell anyone about my hobby. The only people that know are a few of my friends and my family, and they never slate me for it, but if I were to tell a few other people I talk to, I would get slated for it. I don't think they'd guess that I am, as I'm into Football, girls, and yes, I greatly enjoy clothes shopping which are all the things that a normal boy is supposed to enjoy. They perceive me to be (forgive me for using this term, and I'm not implying anyone on here isn't) 'normal', and so I don't get any stick for my appearance or how I act. You may say that I'm not being myself or something along those lines, but I'm 15, and the teenage years are a fragile time, and impressions on your peers are important to you when your a teenager. I'm sure when I become an adult, that I won't have any reservations about telling people about my hobby, and not care about what people think, but right now I do. But well done to all the people that never cared what people thought, to be honest I wish I had the cahones to be like that, and long live the hobby!

Good on you! It's almost as if you are victimised for wanting to hide your hobby as you are not being true to yourself. But as you say, there are enough issues when you're a teenager and "fitting in" is a lot more important now to you than it will be in 15 years. By keeping your interest hidden you are almost certainly guaranteeing yourself lots of rumpy pumpy in years to come.

 

[NXEA!]

Good on you! It's almost as if you are victimised for wanting to hide your hobby as you are not being true to yourself. But as you say, there are enough issues when you're a teenager and "fitting in" is a lot more important now to you than it will be in 15 years. By keeping your interest hidden you are almost certainly guaranteeing yourself lots of rumpy pumpy in years to come.

Being a teenager is difficult enough I think, and so I'd rather not have the hassle. I don't plan to give up being a spotter or enthusiast, I enjoy it too much, but I'd prefer keeping it quiet, simply because of how people perceive the hobby.

Oh and by the way in reference to my previous post, I do genuinely enjoy Football, girls and some shopping, I'm not putting on a fake personality.

 

[Dennis]

By keeping your interest hidden you are almost certainly guaranteeing yourself lots of rumpy pumpy in years to come.

So that's where I've gone wrong

 

[asylumxl]

Conformity is boring. Teenage life is boring. Why the **** would you want to fit in?

Getting laid does not depend on your hobbies or how well you fit in. If you're a ****, people (inc. girls) will think you're a **** anyway.

If the girl's a **** too, then you'll have no issues and then your acquaintances will think you're both ****-ish. And if your acquaintances are ****-ish aswell, then you're all set in your little kingdom of ****-ishness.