Why are trainspotters so unfriendly ?

[SodTheDrummer]

I think is is unwise to conflate the words enthusiast and spotter.

I am enthusiastic about railways but I am not a spotter. The number on a loco or wagon is of no interest to me, other than perhaps identifying a subset with different characteristics which may be of interest.

Conversely, I have known spotters who have no interest in the railways as a whole, to the extent of vandalising locos in a siding to ensure a preferred loco appeared on a given service.

Agree. I would count myself as an enthusiast not a spotter - I'm much more fascinated with infrastructure/stations and engineering/technical details (OLE, signalling etc) - no interest in writing down numbers, although I wouldn't mind seeing 60103...

 

[Bromley boy]

I would have probably obliged unless he was rude

Can't we all just get along? Kum ba ya et cetera

Yep I'm a pretty amiable sort of person and would happily move if asked to do so. However I couldn't hear what he was saying and his expression was far from friendly.

A lot of spotters/enthusiasts seem to sweat blood running up and down, straining get that perfect photo and don't look as though they are enjoying their hobby one bit! Each to their own.

 

[trash80]

A lot of spotters/enthusiasts seem to sweat blood running up and down, straining get that perfect photo and don't look as though they are enjoying their hobby one bit! Each to their own.

Well its a serious business, all that extra effort pays itself off in extra Flickr faves! Er, i'm told..

 

[theageofthetra]

As someone who travels following multiple sports around the country and abroad I can say that some of the 'characters' to be found at non-league football grounds, County Cricket on a Tuesday afternoon , part of the Barmy Army or Rugby ground hoppers would rival any oddball with personal hygiene issues to be found loitering at the end of a platform! It takes all sorts etc...

As long as they don't trespass or interrupt the safe operation of the railway I don't know why they get such a hard time. I would have thought that any extra ears and eyes keeping a lookout must be helpful- I was told unofficially on a recent holiday abroad that some of the 'spotters/enthusiasts' there were employed as a kind of mystery shoppers to keep an eye on staff fraud & misconduct and possible terrorism.

 

[HMS Ark Royal]

As someone who travels following multiple sports around the country and abroad I can say that some of the 'characters' to be found at non-league football grounds, County Cricket on a Tuesday afternoon , part of the Barmy Army or Rugby ground hoppers would rival any oddball with personal hygiene issues to be found loitering at the end of a platform! It takes all sorts etc...

As long as they don't trespass or interrupt the safe operation of the railway I don't know why they get such a hard time. I would have thought that any extra ears and eyes keeping a lookout must be helpful- I was told unofficially on a recent holiday abroad that some of the 'spotters/enthusiasts' there were employed as a kind of mystery shoppers to keep an eye on staff fraud & misconduct and possible terrorism.

That last bit is certainly true

 

[Scott M]

I think it is a bit of a vicious cycle, in that transpotters have this stigma attached to them, which puts off 'normal' people from doing it, and therefore you only get 'these types' doing it, thus continuing the cycle....

 

[DarloRich]

That's not to say I won't be friendly or enjoy a conversation about a topic I find interesting, but if someone comes up to me and just wants small-talk then forget it.

So if a person tried to start a conversation with you on the bus you would close it down - that is sad. I like my own space but I also like talking to people.

 

[Spamcan81]

Whilst there have been some insightful posts in this thread, there's an awful lot of pots calling the kettle black in here.

 

[bramling]

So if a person tried to start a conversation with you on the bus you would close it down - that is sad. I like my own space but I also like talking to people.

Sad *in your opinion*. I think you need to realise that not everyone is the same as you and different people quite legitimately have different preferences.

Yes I would (albeit politely) shut the conversation down if I'm doing something else or if the conversation was of no interest to me (eg "isn't the weather awful today"). Going out and about would be very tedious if everyone started pointless conversation with everyone they come across.

Likewise, some people need to realise that not everyone wants to converse readily for a variety of reasons - and such people need to learn the social signals so they don't attempt to force a continued conversation with such a person. I recently witnessed a very long and tedious "conversation" between two people about visiting "parliamentary" stations. The second person was so clearly (clearly evident to me as a witness) not interested, but out of politeness kept the conversation going with bare-minimum input. When the instigator finally went away he muttered "thank goodness for that I was starting to lose the will to live".

 

[DarloRich]

Sad *in your opinion*. I think you need to realise that not everyone is the same as you and different people quite legitimately have different preferences.

of course in my opinion as it is your opinion that you are expressing. That said I am well aware that not everyone is the same! (thankfully!)

Yes I would (albeit politely) shut the conversation down if I'm doing something else or if the conversation was of no interest to me (eg "isn't the weather awful today"). Going out and about would be very tedious if everyone started pointless conversation with everyone they come across.

Do you not see how that might be perceived as rude, miserbale or ignorant? Not everyone is the same as you as you point out. The ability to hold a conversation on topics "not of interest" is an important point of socialising and as a species we are a social animal. I would be a little peeved to be basically told to sod off while trying to pass the time having a conversation about the weather! How do you manage the old dears who always want a chat on the bus?

Likewise, some people need to realise that not everyone wants to converse readily for a variety of reasons - and such people need to learn the social signals so they don't attempt to force a continued conversation with such a person. I recently witnessed a very long and tedious "conversation" between two people about visiting "parliamentary" stations. The second person was so clearly (clearly evident to me as a witness) not interested, but out of politeness kept the conversation going with bare-minimum input. When the instigator finally went away he muttered "thank goodness for that I was starting to lose the will to live".

of course no one wants to converse with a droning Kevin who can only talk about some vastly obscure point of technical sillyness ( perhaps an area of interest to him) but having a conversation with someone on the bus about everyday nothingness is not the same and, to my mind, closing that out leads to a very insular and lonely life where the only people you are equipped to talk to are those with a similar area of interest as you.

 

[amateur]

So if a person tried to start a conversation with you on the bus you would close it down - that is sad. I like my own space but I also like talking to people.

You do not speak to strangers (or people you know) on public transport. That's a no no!

 

[Drogba11CFC]

In days of yore, when on many station there would be long waits between (steam-hauled) trains it was just normal for groups of spotters to chat away. If you turned up on a platform and someone else was there, that's what you did. Swapping notes on what had been seen - and always getting suspicious of anyone who claimed just too many rare 'cops'.

Of course, there were no i-pads, texting phones and such stuff - heck, most ordinary families did not have landlines. I think my parents only got a landline around 1972, and they lived in the country. Only posh folks had phones in the 60s.

As for cameras, same thing for most of us. Nobody had a half-decent camera under who was aged under 16 in the early 60s that i remember. Even if you had a camera (of sorts) film and prints were an expense that ate into ticket money. It was a finely balanced set of needs in those days.

It was also normal to try to cab locomotives at the more important stations, where locos typically took water, so were stood for 4 mins or so. The drivers typically liked to see the young lads take an interest.

I can't remember drivers waving to us when on expresses - they were probably too busy concentrating on signals and just making sure there was steam and enough water in the boiler.

When I went up to Scotland in 2014, there was a 90 in the platform at Euston with a cab door open, having brought in the stock for the highland sleeper. I'm rather regretting not asking the driver if I could have a quick look around, considering I "boxed" Severn Bridge last year.

 

[bramling]

of course in my opinion as it is your opinion that you are expressing. That said I am well aware that not everyone is the same! (thankfully!)



Do you not see how that might be perceived as rude, miserbale or ignorant? Not everyone is the same as you as you point out. The ability to hold a conversation on topics "not of interest" is an important point of socialising and as a species we are a social animal. I would be a little peeved to be basically told to sod off while trying to pass the time having a conversation about the weather! How do you manage the old dears who always want a chat on the bus?



of course no one wants to converse with a droning Kevin who can only talk about some vastly obscure point of technical sillyness ( perhaps an area of interest to him) but having a conversation with someone on the bus about everyday nothingness is not the same and, to my mind, closing that out leads to a very insular and lonely life where the only people you are equipped to talk to are those with a similar area of interest as you.

You really do seem to find it hard to accept that not everyone wants to behave in the same way as yourself.

If *you* choose to disturb someone and start a conversation about "nothingness" (as you say), I don't think you have any right to be "peeved" if your chosen subject isn't interested. I certainly don't think it's rude, miserable or ignorant that the person might not want to partake, for any number of reasons. By all means start a conversation if you wish, but read the signals that the other person gives off and don't forcibly pursue it if the signals are that the other person doesn't buy in. Your pleasant interesting conversation about nothingness is someone else's potential "droning Kevin" - especially if they've got other things to do at the time.

I don't see how it follows that not always wanting to partake in a conversation about nothingness on a bus or at the end of a station platform automatically implies a socially awkward person who is lonely and insular. That's a massive assumption which seems to be based on a prejudice and dislike of people who simply don't behave exactly the same as you.

As for old dears on the bus, I haven't been on a bus since 1996, so not really an issue.

I would also add that a strained dynamic caused by a talkative person failing to read social signals can also prove dangerous in certain applications. For example, there are situations where people can legitimately ride in cabs with a train driver, indeed part of my job involves same. Where I am there is no rule that silence must be maintained in a cab, however there are provisions on distraction. The second person needs to be able to judge when conversation is appropriate (which can vary depending on whether the driver is used to company, or even how experienced the driver is), and likewise the driver may need to be assertive in stopping conversation at times when they need to concentrate. Some uninitiated people may consider the latter rude or ignorant. Reality is I have had to write more than a handful of action plans for incidents where something has gone wrong (eg SPAD or wrong side door release) and distraction has been cited as a cause, when the driver has been asked why they didn't stop the distraction they said they felt it was too rude to do so. Having the ability to judge when someone doesn't want to, or can't, converse with you is a very important social ability to have. It would apply when you're passenger in a car, as well as many other applications in life. I think you're utterly wrong to *assume* people are rude, ignorant or socially awkward just because they may not want to talk to you at that particular time. There are plenty of reasonable reasons for it, and I don't see why you should place someone in a situation where they feel they have to justify their actions to you.

If you don't like it - fine. Just move on, and realise that they are *different* to you. Not inferior, rude, ignorant, socially defective, sad, lonely or whatever other label you wish to apply relative to yourself - just *different* to you, and there may be very good reasons which you've failed to notice.

 

[trash80]

To be honest if i'm sat on a platform and someone starts a conversation with me i'm generally not that interested unless they are asking me a question i can answer quickly. Anti-social? Maybe but i work in an open plan office all week full of noise and interruption and when i'm on a platform i'm "de-toxing" all the week's noise and all i want to hear is diesel thrash and the wind.

 

[JohnB57]

It wouldn't do for us all to be alike, would it?

Anyone interested in understanding how people tick should have a look at this or other similar websites. These are based on the Myers Briggs Foundation personality groups, which are almost unbelievably revealing about your own and others' personalities. It makes it clear that just because somebody isn't quite like you, it doesn't make them abnormal. The official version is used extensively in parallel with job interviews.

I was fortunate enough to undertake the official version in a company training session quite recently and the description of my (rare) personality group was a revelation - an incredible insight.

There is never any excuse for people who break rules or laws or put others in danger. But those who undertake harmless activities in a considerate fashion are almost invariably as normal, if not as common, as everyone else.

 

[DarloRich]

You really do seem to find it hard to accept that not everyone wants to behave in the same way as yourself.

Likewise!

If *you* choose to disturb someone and start a conversation about "nothingness" (as you say), I don't think you have any right to be "peeved" if your chosen subject isn't interested. I certainly don't think it's rude, miserable or ignorant that the person might not want to partake, for any number of reasons. By all means start a conversation if you wish, but read the signals that the other person gives off and don't forcibly pursue it if the signals are that the other person doesn't buy in. Your pleasant interesting conversation about nothingness is someone else's potential "droning Kevin" - especially if they've got other things to do at the time.

You seem unable to see the other viewpoint yet want everyone to consider your position. Are you able to understand why your approach to people may be seen by some as lonely, insular etc?

I appreciate your viewpoint as god knows people can be boring but i must have a different view on life than you do. I don't want to exist in my own personal bubble all of the time. I want to meet people and interact with them. That doesn't mean forcing myself on people but it also doesn't mean rudely shunning anyone trying to converse with me.

How would we ever make friends or find partners if we all shut ourselves away?

I don't see how it follows that not always wanting to partake in a conversation about nothingness on a bus or at the end of a station platform automatically implies a socially awkward person who is lonely and insular. That's a massive assumption which seems to be based on a prejudice and dislike of people who simply don't behave exactly the same as you.

I will point out that you seem to want people to accept difference while at the same time rejecting those with a different view!

I would also add that a strained dynamic caused by a talkative person failing to read social signals can also prove dangerous in certain applications. For example, there are situations where people can legitimately ride in cabs with a train driver, indeed part of my job involves same. Where I am there is no rule that silence must be maintained in a cab, however there are provisions on distraction. The second person needs to be able to judge when conversation is appropriate (which can vary depending on whether the driver is used to company, or even how experienced the driver is), and likewise the driver may need to be assertive in stopping conversation at times when they need to concentrate. Some uninitiated people may consider the latter rude or ignorant. Meanwhile I have writted more than a handful of action plans for incidents where something has gone wrong and distraction has been cited as a cause, when the driver has been asked why they didn't stop the distraction they said they felt it was too rude to do so. Having the ability to judge when someone doesn't want to, or can't, converse with you is a very important social ability to have. It would apply when you're passenger in a car, as well as many other applications in life. I think you're utterly wrong to *assume* people are rude, ignorant or socially awkward just because they may not want to talk to you at that particular time. There are plenty of reasonable reasons for it, and I don't see why you should place someone in a situation where they feel they have to justify their actions to you.

that is a an entirely different environment and not a comparison with the discussion!

If you don't like it - fine. Just move on, and realise that they are *different* to you. Not inferior, rude, ignorant, socially defective, sad, lonely or whatever other label you wish to apply relative to yourself - just *different*.

I don't like or dislike it. I have a different opinion and am trying to explore that difference and try to understand your position. While i might be more direct than other posters I am happy to embrace difference. We would be bored if we were all the same!

EDIT: I am not trying to be antagonistic just to try to understand a view that is different to mine.

 

[HMS Ark Royal]

There is never any excuse for people who break rules

I disagree... There are certain situations that rule breaking needs to happen

 

[Antman]

I wonder when these tired old stereotypes about train spotters will finally die, obviously not 2016.

Stereotyping on here? Surely not? You want to see what they say about twitter users
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

As someone who travels following multiple sports around the country and abroad I can say that some of the 'characters' to be found at non-league football grounds, County Cricket on a Tuesday afternoon , part of the Barmy Army or Rugby ground hoppers would rival any oddball with personal hygiene issues to be found loitering at the end of a platform! It takes all sorts etc...

As long as they don't trespass or interrupt the safe operation of the railway I don't know why they get such a hard time. I would have thought that any extra ears and eyes keeping a lookout must be helpful- I was told unofficially on a recent holiday abroad that some of the 'spotters/enthusiasts' there were employed as a kind of mystery shoppers to keep an eye on staff fraud & misconduct and possible terrorism.

Well exactly, I had a chat with a friendly police officer at Heathrow recently and he said they regard plane spotters as an extra pair of eyes and ears who are far more likely to notice anything unusual than the average air traveler.

 

[bramling]

Likewise!



You seem unable to see the other viewpoint yet want everyone to consider your position. Are you able to understand why your approach to people may be seen by some as lonely, insular etc?

I appreciate your viewpoint as god knows people can be boring but i must have a different view on life than you do. I don't want to exist in my own personal bubble all of the time. I want to meet people and interact with them. That doesn't mean forcing myself on people but it also doesn't mean rudely shunning anyone trying to converse with me.

How would we ever make friends or find partners if we all shut ourselves away?



I will point out that you seem to want people to accept difference while at the same time rejecting those with a different view!



that is a an entirely different environment and not a comparison with the discussion!



I don't like or dislike it. I have a different opinion and am trying to explore that difference and try to understand your position. While i might be more direct than other posters I am happy to embrace difference. We would be bored if we were all the same!

EDIT: I am not trying to be antagonistic just to try to understand a view that is different to mine.

First of all, I don't really care whether you may find a characteristic, in your opinion, lonely, insular, or whatever. To be honest it's not really any of your business, and you could perhaps better fulfil your mind with more productive topics than attaching labels to other people because they don't act in the same way as you at a particular moment in time.

Secondly, perhaps we have a different view on what is "rude". I quite agree that if you attempt to start a conversation and get told to F Off then you're quite reasonable in concluding that the other person is an ass. However if the person politely says they're too busy to talk, don't want to talk, are doing something else, or would even just appreciate some peace and quiet then I think you should leave it at that without inferring too much into the situation. Likewise if they are obviously not buying into the conversation, or are quite obviously trying to do something else (yes, maybe trying to take a photo of something). *You* are the one who wants to interact, so you have to accept it may be welcome or, quite reasonable, it may not - for any number of reasons. Seems to me your definition of someone being rude is if you don't get your own way.

If I turn up at a car park and someone offers to wash my car, and I politely say "no thanks" that should be that. They've no cause to think something wrong with me because I didn't want it done, and the person making the offer shouldn't start getting aggressive or pushy, nor take it personally, just accept it and move on.

As for the train cab example, yes my view is it is relevant because safety-related incidents have happened because someone has failed to notice or appreciate that someone shouldn't be being distracted at a particular time, and an awkward situation has developed. If you can't (or won't) judge that a conversation in the street may not always be appropriate, perhaps you don't have the social skills to able to restrain yourself in a safety-critical environment. Put it this way, from what I've read of yours so far I'd hesistate before issuing you with a cab permit!

Take it a stage further, excitable new member of railway staff wih no business being in a cab asks a driver if he can come for a ride. Driver is a friendly person but also one who follows the rules and understands the risks associated with same, and says "I'd love to but I'm afraid it's against the rules and is a safety risk so I'm sorry I can't say yes". To me that's perfectly reasonable and polite. It seems however you would walk away disgruntled and think the driver is a miserable whatever.

 

[Master29]

There are lots of variables at work on this particular thread. I myself was diagnosed with higher functioning autism in 1999 at the age of 36. I like travelling by train around the country and will quite often travel just for the sake of it. To me there is no other way to travel. Do I fit into this stereotype bracket. Perhaps. I don`t take numbers around stations but I do like to spend time on my own around trains as my wife and kids are not interested. Their lives of course and we all respect each other.

Do I walk up to speak to people I don`t know. Never, if I can help it. I try and avoid contact unless I need to. I meet people who may be autistic like myself or possibly not but they may still start a conversation somewhat inappropriately or just not talk at all. Autism is a very wide spectrum after all.

I do resent a little the stereotype argument even though as in my case there is a degree of truth in it. I tend to find on the platform the types of people who won`t want to speak to you will be very different in the comfortable surroundings of being on the train itself. That to me is the very time I usually may not want to speak but there is no given rule. Sometimes a conversation between people whilst travelling is very relaxing for all the parties involved and is a great way to pass the time, but otherwise it just may not seem appropriate. It`s just the way the dynamics of the people on the carriage around you at that time.

I did not like the earlier comment about train spotters being socially awkward people as it was put in such general terms as to include anyone with learning difficulties even though as I said earlier it does have a degree of truth to it. Someone also pointed out that the barmy army who follow the England cricket team have far more people in this bracket than train spotters.

Most staff are very good and indeed I know a few of them but I always respect the fact they have a job to do. To be honest they probably get more problems from so called socially streetwise people than awkward types I bet. And yes, I do wash regularly about every 6 months or so

 

[DarloRich]

First of all, I don't really care whether you may find a characteristic, in your opinion, lonely, insular, or whatever. To be honest it's not really any of your business, and you could perhaps better fulfil your mind with more productive topics than attaching labels to other people because they don't act in the same way as you at a particular moment in time.

I notice you didn't answer the question about other peoples views. You critisice others for questioning your view but you cant acknowledge how people might find your position to be insular.

Secondly, perhaps we have a different view on what is "rude". I quite agree that if you attempt to start a conversation and get told to F Off then you're quite reasonable in concluding that the other person is an ass.

Agreed!

However if the person politely says they're too busy to talk, don't want to talk, are doing something else, or would even just appreciate some peace and quiet then I think you should leave it at that without inferring too much into the situation.

Agreed again - as long as you express that view politely. Although whilst respecting their wishes if they were sitting on a bus I would doubt they had anything more important to do and were just being anti social and miserable!

Likewise if they are obviously not buying into the conversation, or are quite obviously trying to do something else (yes, maybe trying to take a photo of something). *You* are the one who wants to interact, so you have to accept it may be welcome or, quite reasonable, it may not - for any number of reasons. Seems to me your definition of someone being rude is if you don't get your own way.

You have changed your tune now! I also not you are reverting to your prejudices - something you crticise others for!

If I turn up at a car park and someone offers to wash my car, and I politely say "no thanks" that should be that. They've no cause to think something wrong with me because I didn't want it done, and the person making the offer shouldn't start getting aggressive or pushy, nor take it personally, just accept it and move on.

No idea what you are on about here, or how this links with what has been discussed. In this example the person offering you a windscreen wash is offering you a service ( a commercial transaction) for which he will expect reward. That is in no way the same to having a chat on the bus!

As for the train cab example, yes my view is it is relevant because safety-related incidents have happened because someone has failed to notice or appreciate that someone shouldn't be being distracted at a particular time, and an awkward situation has developed. If you can't (or won't) judge that a conversation in the street may not always be appropriate, perhaps you don't have the social skills to able to restrain yourself in a safety-critical environment. Put it this way, from what I've read of yours so far I'd hesistate before issuing you with a cab permit!

that is in no way the same as having a chat on the bus! you must be able to see the comparison is a false one.

Take it a stage further, excitable new member of railway staff wih no business being in a cab asks a driver if he can come for a ride. Driver is a friendly person but also one who follows the rules and understands the risks associated with same, and says "I'd love to but I'm afraid it's against the rules and is a safety risk so I'm sorry I can't say yes". To me that's perfectly reasonable and polite. It seems however you would walk away disgruntled and think the driver is a miserable whatever.

What on earth are you on about? that has nothing to do with what we are discussing. You example is of a highly structured professional environment with clearly defined rules, responsibilities and accountabilites. It is in no way comparable. I am talking about having a chat with a "free" person on the bus. :roll:

Shall we agree to disagree and move on?

 

[Frontera2]

I've waved at a few on the end of platforms as the are taking their photographs. I've even opened up the cab window to try and chat to a few if they are adjacent to me. But whilst they seem happy to talk amongst themselves they seem to look down their nose at train staff. What is their problem ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I suspect a not insignificant number have aspergers or other similar mental health conditions which makes social interaction difficult.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

I suspect a not insignificant number have aspergers or other similar mental health conditions which makes social interaction difficult.

There are "normal" people who may not wish to speak to strangers for one reason or another just as there are autistic people who either find social interaction awkward or don't wish to speak to strangers either.

Using myself as an example, I will usually talk to anybody if they talk to me first but it will depend on my mood/state of mind at that point in time. I also won't usually walk up to a stranger and initiate conversation because I am sensitive in what that person might think/do/say.

I work in a high pressure environment where talking to people is my job and after 12 hours each day, sometimes I just want "downtime" and not wish to speak to anyone. Does this make me autistic or just unsociable?

However, back on topic, if I was poised to take a picture of a train coming round a corner and a stranger just came up and spoke to me out of the blue, I may come across as being rude as I am concentrating on the approaching train and might miss the shot I've been waiting for. The train of interest may be a newly painted one, a loco etc; the light might be just right for the shot and I may never get the same opportunity again.

But as I mentioned before, some spotters can be a hindrance and get in the way (just like anyone) but I know some can be aimiable and be sensitive to one another's needs and move out of the way when the time comes. Perhaps not so on the big stations such as Clapham Junction for example which I have come to avoid.

Life these days seems to be more high-powered and stressful with many people feeling more self conscious about themselves and desire time alone to either do nothing or to pursue their chosen interests without distraction.

But these are just my own thoughts and each to their own so to speak

 

[The Ham]

Difference in expectations?

A bit like (generalisation) when northerners arrive in the London area and start trying to chat to strangers. It's not that people are being rude by ignoring them, just it's not the done thing and many southerners find it slightly abnormal.

Could this be why there are comments along the lines of "You shouldn't expect to hear foreigners on the tube." ?

(although of course it is more likely that they are being racist)
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I disagree... There are certain situations that rule breaking needs to happen

I agree with you, however generally you need to be able to justify why it is better to do so and for a very high percentage of cases there will be no reason.

In the case of getting a better view/photo and putting yourself where you shouldn't be and could put yourself in harms way (or at the very least may encourage others to put themselves in harms way), then no never. However, in the case of protecting someone from harm then possibly but it would depend; but is likely to be easier to defend.

 

[misterredmist]

may be as they are derided as bigger geeks than plane spotters, though not as big a geek as bus spotters ? I dare say they may have come in for some extra attention after 7/7 ?

having been a plane spotter until I was 18, and traveled widely, you come to expect that it was either sh*t or champagne as to what sort of reception you received at any particular airfield. But may be, trainspotters feel that everybody takes the mickey out of them ? hence their attitude. To finish, I have no axe to grind with them, I hope they enjoy their chosen hobby and I'd leave them to it......

 

[Class 466]

Time for a short story...

In May 2015 myself, and a close friend of mine (who happens to be visually impaired) attended the Diesel Gala at Swanage. We had payed to travel on the route all day, but fancied a break from it and went to a nearby field to watch the trains pass by. Upon arrival (I believe it was near Norden), I didn't particularly pay attention to the bank of spotters stood at the top of the bank, as I was busy helping my friend across the uneven surface.

Not long after we had sat down we were approached by one of these 'spotters' (who must've been in his 40s) who told us to move because "We were here first and you're ruining our shots". My Friend then explained his visual impairment and how he needed to sit closer to the lineside. The Spotter's response was that he could stay there, but i should move. So naturally, I refused.

Another spotter then came over, took a photo of us and said "I'm putting you in Wessex Rail Gen" - Like that's meant to get me quivering in my boots

The first spotter then came right up close to myself and my friend and stated he was going to stay stood in front of us so that our view was obscured too. Immature?

He then ran to get his tripod, plonked it in front of us, continued to antagonise myself (It's as if he wanted me to damage his property - which I would never do, no matter how childish he was.)

We left not long afterwards after having a flurry of abuse and photographs taken and from that point onwards I tend to distance myself from that side of the community. I was absolutely disgusted by the behaviour of a group of people (some years older than myself) that clearly had no understanding of what is socially acceptable.

If one of them had come over and kindly asked us if we could move - Maybe this would've gone differently.

 

[adc82140]

This what it boils down to- each hobby, whether it be rail enthusiasm, bus enthusiasm, football, music festivals, car rallys, jigsaw puzzle conventions or Kombucha brewing (google it ) etc will have its fair share of plonkers, just as the general population has its fair share of them. It's just that they tend to be a vocal minority and as such are noticable when the followers of a particular hobby are present en masse. Whether the person concerned has aspergers/autism or not doesn't really come in to it.

 

[physics34]

i was into trainspotting when i was 14ish but i gave it up basically cos of all the "weirdos" in their 4-s upwards that were also trainspotting.

 

[Harbon 1]

I do a lot of photographing and have met many sociable people along the way at bridges and crossings, and had a lot of good conversations with them. I don't really have a group of friends I 'hang around' with because I like it to be my own thing, a bit of stress relief and time on my own stood waiting for something on a nice evening.

I've waved to drivers who've waved to me and spoke to the few that I had met (met one on a bus once), but I tend to stay either on the trains or away from the stations because I did all that and got bored of spotting because I wanted to take pictures, and like to move around rather than stay in one spot, and I always try my best to stay out of the way of others photographing, as I know what its like!

I've got a blinder of a picture, of a driver of a HST picking his nose!

I've noticed spotters and photographers can be a little strange but it's all part and parcel of who we are, plus it would be boring otherwise! And as for being a pain, I've personally noticed steam photographers can be a pain IMO (but by no means all of them, obviously).

 

[RichmondCommu]

I think the OP is spot on with this. Last September my family and I attended the LMS Steam Gala event at Barrow Hill as a belated birthday treat for my father and I. It was a brilliant day out and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Having watched 43106 run past a little too closely my youngest son and I had a our faces covered in soot / smut. Not to worry though as my wife (once a mum, always a mum etc) produced a near endless supply of wet wipes from her bag to clean our happy faces. Having noticed that two other enthusiasts had also received a liberal coating of soot they too were given wet wipes along with a friendly smile. In return she received scowls of contempt before they marched off. Now if they wanted to look like they'd just spent a shift down a coal mine that was up to them but surely there was no need to be so rude!

Once we were back in the car, my youngest daughter (aged 20) remarked that the enthusiasts her age looked like and behaved like a bunch of freaks. Sporting badly fitting jeans and wearing t-shirts with oh so not funny slogan's I'm afraid I had to agree with her. Not to mention behaving like they'd been let out of the asylum for the day.

However, what really shocked me was watching two teenage lads turning on their parent / guardian because they were going to miss the Duchess moving around the shed yard. By all accounts he'd booked (and no doubt paid for) the train tickets without having any way of finding out when certain loco's were moving. Those two lads needed a strong word or two but he was seemingly not prepared to do so and of course it was none of my business.

I've often thought about attended a Diesel Gala but none of my family / friends would want to go and on the basis of the Barrow Hill gala I'm worried that I'd be surrounded by the same freaks that my daughter described.