Why do people think trainspotters(rail enthusiasts) are always english

Question

i have see black triainspotters polish ones(my best friend is a polish trainspotter) irish welsh scottish and even the odd asian

Answer 1

It is a very odd hobby, I must say...

Answer 2

Because the Scots have got more sense?

Or is it because the [English] Dr. Beeching did such a "good" job in closing most of the Scottish railways (after all, you could close any of the loss-making Southern Railway - that is in England)  

Answer 3

Well for one, "trainspotter" is a British term.  In North America they are referred to as enthusiasts, rail buffs, train nuts or foamers.  And yes, they cross all social and cultural divides.

The question I would ask is, why are these people constantly derided for their choice as a hobby?  For example, I can't get worked up over a postage stamp or a rare coin, but I wouldn't hold it against anyone who does, much less care about who does.

These people are usually quite knowledgeable with regard to railroad operations and in a post 9/11 world, or even when considering very long trains that the crew members cannot see in totality, free extra eyes on the lookout along the right of way sounds like a pretty good idea, to me.

I would argue the public at large should educate themselves further with regard to railroad operations, not only for the extra eyes, but at least for those issues regarding safety which most of us assume everyone knows.  They don't.  

Tell someone. It may save someones life...

Answer 4

They can be from any country but as the English invented railways the assumption gores with that.

Answer 5

because trainspotting was made in england and starred english people and thats how everyone has heard of it????

Answer 6

I live in a town where an average of 130 trains per day pass through.  Why anyone would want to sit and watch them is beyond me.  I get sick of waiting for them all the time.

Answer 7

It's the word. Trainspotter is an English word.  People outside the UK don't use it.  So, if England is the only place that has a  word for that hobby, it must be pretty big there.