Judging by the reply from drivers, you do sound a bit of a miserable bunch, although I know you’re not and I imagine if I had to put up with what you have to I might sound the same. My experience however out trackside is quite different. I confess to never asking a driver to sound his horn but appreciate it if my grandson is with me. I do however give a small acknowledgement/wave if I have taken a photo or am directly looking at the driver as he passes, it only seems polite. I find the majority wave back, or sound the horn. That being said it tends to be the quieter line when this happens, I wouldnt do it on Thirsk or Northallerton station for instance when the train shoot past at great speed.
As has been mentioned it is magical for most children, and there is nothing nicer than being on a platform and seeing children getting all excited as a certain train approaches. Even larger children shouting “it’s a namer” or “it’s a large logo one” etc reminds me of the thrill at such things when I was young, and truth be told the thrill I get now when it is something unusual or unexpected.
As has been mentioned it is magical for most children, and there is nothing nicer than being on a platform and seeing children getting all excited as a certain train approaches. Even larger children shouting “it’s a namer” or “it’s a large logo one” etc reminds me of the thrill at such things when I was young, and truth be told the thrill I get now when it is something unusual or unexpected.