Recording sightings

[d9003meld]

I started this thread a while ago;

http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=120294

Since then I have been recording my sightings with the following level of detail;

Date, Time, Location, Loco/Unit Number.

I have been told by an enthusiast I encountered that I should really be recording more detail such as the Headcode, Origin, Destination, Operator and Livery of each working.

I am aware that I could get most of this information from Realtime Trains and my NREA book.

However for a good day of sightings this would take quite some time. Also I often travel by train recording what I see. In my current format it is easy whereas recording the suggested detail would be hard to do, for example if I spotted something between stations it could be difficult to work out the exact working I had seen, especially when far from home.

I would truly appreciate some further insight into your methods for recording sightings. I am aware that there is a level of individuality in this, however my confidence has taken a bit of a blow.

I apologise if this has been covered previously on the forum.

Kind regards

 

[DarloRich]

If you want to write down train numbers do what works for you and sod anyone else! I cant see the point of writing down all that extra guff anyway. What is the point?

 

[AJM580]

I would record whatever detail you want to preserve for the future. Personally I record the number, name allocation and what the loco/unit was doing, as I like to see what each loco/unit was up to. But there are no hard and fast rules on this so it is entirely up to you.

 

[fowler9]

I started this thread a while ago;

http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=120294

Since then I have been recording my sightings with the following level of detail;

Date, Time, Location, Loco/Unit Number.

I have been told by an enthusiast I encountered that I should really be recording more detail such as the Headcode, Origin, Destination, Operator and Livery of each working.

I am aware that I could get most of this information from Realtime Trains and my NREA book.

However for a good day of sightings this would take quite some time. Also I often travel by train recording what I see. In my current format it is easy whereas recording the suggested detail would be hard to do, for example if I spotted something between stations it could be difficult to work out the exact working I had seen, especially when far from home.

I would truly appreciate some further insight into your methods for recording sightings. I am aware that there is a level of individuality in this, however my confidence has taken a bit of a blow.

I apologise if this has been covered previously on the forum.

Kind regards

Just ignore them. Do whatever you want mate, as long as you enjoy it and it doesn't hurt anyone. Don't let the person you encountered knock your confidence, it is your hobby not theirs, if they want to know the name of the driver and what they had for lunch leave them to it. They just sound like a blustering bully trying to put someone else down to cover up their own deficiencies.

 

[Drogba11CFC]

I use an app on my smartphone.

 

[d9003meld]

Thanks all,

I discarded all of my previous sightings in the (misguided) belief I was getting it 'wrong' and have come close to not bothering again.

Due to personal circumstances I will not be able to go out until Tuesday of next week. I have started this thread to try and get a clear idea of the best way to record sightings as I don't want to make the same mistake(s) again. This will give me time to formulate something from your valued input.

Does anyone else just record the date, time, location and unit\loco number as I did originally?

Once again all guidance will be gratefully received. Thank you.

Kind regards

 

[FQ]

I just record the loco/unit number for spotting but when travelling on a train, I record the train headcode and time too.

 

[Kristofferson]

I just take the unit/loco number and sometimes the time/date. Don't really care what it's working as long as it fills my Trainlogger gaps!

Edit: but yeah, do whatever the heck you want. It's your hobby and only yourself to please.

 

[BlythPower]

Does anyone else just record the date, time, location and unit\loco number as I did originally?

For locos, I record date, number, location, type of service (P/F), direction (N/S/E/W or Up/Down line) and time. Units just get listed with a line across the page at the change of the month and coaching stock is just is one big list. As others have said, it's really a matter of personal choice. Just do what's going to be of most use to you when you look back through your records.

 

[djpontrack]

I only write down a loco/unit/carriage number if it's from a class/type that I've not cleared. When I'm travelling I make a note of the number, the departure location and time, and the arrival location and time as I input in Railmiles when I get home. As others have said, it's your hobby so do what suits you.

 

[55013]

Do what you want!
There are no rules.
Personally I write the number and location if it's a winner, otherwise I don't bother at all.
As for haulages, I record the number (obviously!), the date, where I got on and where I got off.
That's it.
People that try and tell you how it should be done are just massaging their own egos and trying to give themselves an importance above their real standing - ie just a sad trainspotter like the rest of us

 

[AJM580]

Record whatever detail you feel is necessary for your enjoyment. Start with loco number and location as a minimum, then add whatever detail you want.