As anyone noticed a huge decline in trainspotters since the end of the steam era?

Question

As anyone noticed a huge decline in trainspotters since the end of the steam era?

Answer 1

Muhahaha, I failed to spot that trend.

Answer 2

Makes sense - trains are just not so spectacular looking anymore.

Answer 3

Yes, I used to be forced to go trainspotting with my dad and grandad every waking minute of every day - regardless of educational needs.

It was such a shame when they both accidentally slipped from a bridge over the Settle to Carlisle line into the path of their favorite train "Mallard".

My, how I miss them both.

Answer 4

A train spotter was run over by a steam train in Plymouth last week. He was chuffed to Bits.

Answer 5

we still get them here (somerset Englang) i like the steam train

Answer 6

i have to admit i don,t know any train spotters

Answer 7

Great, seedy men hanging around platforms, wow what a hobbie.

Answer 8

Not especially but then again I don't make a habit of going out trainspotter spotting.

Answer 9

Now you have come to mention it yes i have

Answer 10

NO way...visit Cardifff or Newport stations..it is as popular with diesels as it was with steam

Answer 11

You should try collecting stamps instead, but with electronic mail taking over, you haven't much chance at that!!

Answer 12

In fact the reduction in the number of train spotters is not linked to the demise of steam, its linked to the closure of Yorkshires anorak industry.

Answer 13

I am not old enough to say, but I would imagine that to be the case not only are trains less interesting and more standardized now but we have much more to do with our time like surf the Internet

Answer 14

Yes, and that is down to trainspotters waiting hours on end for a delayed train which wont arrive at all cos it broke down. Cant blame them really.

Answer 15

yeah you still see a few spotters,but id rather still see the likes of the flying scotsman and mallard going passed instead of the express to london or wherever

Answer 16

I would guess there has been. There is nothing very romantic about diesel is there and no one leaning out of the cab for you to wave at if you are a kid.

Beside if the trains that roar past me at Newark station are anything to go by, they travel so fast how the heck can you record any details?

Still, being a little kid at heart whenever I am in Lincoln and the barrier comes down for a train to pass, I make whoever is with me stop while I watch. It really takes me back to my childhood and I get such a kick out of that memory of simple pleasures.

Mind you, I used to think my cousin who was an avid train spotter was cracked!

Answer 17

I'd have to agree, inasmuch as many have them have died off. LOL. I know plenty of them and they are just as dedicated now as ever. I am one myself. I admit, however, that the animation, and sights and sounds of steam are a far cry from watching a pair of high performance D-E s pulling 9000 tons of coal on a unit train thru the mountains. But now we are dedicated to the thrill of finding a freight drag, or special movement to entertain us.

Answer 18

not really. Its about the same as before.