ABC’s of Railfanning in FMD
Railfanning is an exciting hobby for enthusiasts who love trains, history, and the rhythm of the railways. In this guide, we explore the ABC's of Railfanning in FMD, a region that’s rich in train history, scenic views, and unique railroading opportunities. Whether you're new to railfanning or a seasoned pro, there's something here for everyone!
A – Amtrak Amtrak is a key player in the rail industry in many areas, offering passenger train service. In FMD, Amtrak routes offer opportunities to watch sleek trains on the move, making for a thrilling experience for railfans looking to spot and photograph these iconic trains. Better yet, ride the Southwest Chief between Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA with a stop in Fort Madison!
A – Amtrak
Amtrak is a key player in the rail industry in many areas, offering passenger train service. In FMD, Amtrak routes offer opportunities to watch sleek trains on the move, making for a thrilling experience for railfans looking to spot and photograph these iconic trains. Better yet, ride the Southwest Chief between Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA with a stop in Fort Madison!
B – BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) While not the most frequent in all areas, BNSF is one of North America's largest freight railroads. Their diverse trains can be a great catch for railfans, particularly those interested in freight operations.
C – Caboose The caboose was once a familiar sight on every freight train. Although now largely obsolete in modern operations, it still holds a nostalgic charm for railfans. Our preserved caboose can still be spotted in FMD, serving as a reminder of rail history.
D – Diesel Locomotives Diesel locomotives are the backbone of modern freight and passenger services. Railfans in FMD will enjoy spotting these powerful machines as they pull freight trains or Amtrak services along scenic routes.
E – Engineers Behind every train, there's an engineer making sure everything runs smoothly. Railfans can often spot engineers waving or interacting with signals, giving a personal touch to the railfanning experience.
F – Freight Trains The heart of railfanning often lies in spotting freight trains. FMD has plenty of industrial rail traffic, and watching a long freight train loaded with goods can be a satisfying experience.
G – Gauge The track gauge (distance between rails) is crucial to rail operations. In FMD, you’ll see standard gauge tracks used for most of the rail traffic, an interesting detail for fans of train engineering.
H – Highball “Highball” is a term for a signal indicating a train can proceed at speed. It’s one of the classic expressions railfans love to learn and spot when they’re watching trains go by!
I – Intermodal Intermodal trains carry containers that can be transferred between trucks, trains, and ships. These trains are a common sight in many regions, including FMD, and are an important aspect of freight transportation.
J – Junctions Railroad junctions are spots where multiple tracks meet, often creating a flurry of activity. These are great locations for railfans to watch as trains change routes, wait for clearance, or switch directions.
K – Kicking Cars “Kicking” refers to a technique where freight cars are pushed onto different tracks by a locomotive. It’s a fascinating aspect of rail operations and a great event to catch when you're at a rail yard.
L – Locomotives
Spotting different types of locomotives, whether they are freight or passenger, is one of the main joys of railfanning. In FMD, you may find some unique or older models still in use!
M – Maintenance of Way The work that goes into maintaining tracks is vital for safe and efficient train travel. Railfans often enjoy observing the specialized equipment used for track repairs and the workers who keep the railroads running smoothly.
N – Night Railfanning While daytime railfanning is more common, there’s something magical about spotting trains at night. The glow of the headlights and the sound of a train rolling through the dark make for a special experience.
O – Observation Platforms Some rail stations or scenic spots offer observation platforms specifically designed for railfans to enjoy the best views of passing trains. Check out our Amtrak Platform or better yet, climb the steps to the sky walk and watch the passing trains from above!
P – Photography Capturing the perfect shot is a key part of railfanning. Whether it’s a wide-angle shot of a train rolling through a countryside vista or a close-up of a vintage locomotive, photography is a beloved part of the hobby. *Have fun, but stay off of the tracks!
Q – CB&Q Depot The CB&Q (Chicago, Burlington & Quincy) Depot is a historic train station that holds a special place for railfans. This beautifully preserved building, once a bustling hub for travelers and freight, offers a unique glimpse into the golden age of rail travel. The station's architectural charm, complete with its vintage signage and classic design, makes it a favorite spot for photographers and history buffs alike. Whether you’re capturing the old-world charm or learning about the station's role in the region’s rail history, the 1898 CB&Q Depot is a must-see for any railfan visiting FMD.
R – Rail Yards Rail yards are often buzzing with activity, where trains are assembled, cars are sorted, and locomotives are maintained. These areas provide railfans with a unique glimpse into the inner workings of the railway world.
S – Santa Fe Depot Complex
The Santa Fe Depot Complex is a historic landmark in FMD, offering a deep dive into the rich railway history of the region. Once a key stop on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway, this depot has been beautifully restored, and now serves as both a museum and a popular spot for railfans. The complex includes the 1910 Santa Fe Depot building itself, along with surrounding structures that highlight the golden age of train travel. Whether you’re admiring the architecture or exploring the exhibits, the Santa Fe Depot Complex provides an immersive experience for anyone passionate about the history of railroads.
T – Trackside There’s nothing like standing trackside, watching the trains roar by. Safety is a must, but this is one of the most thrilling spots for railfans to get close to the action.
U – Unique Train Cars From old boxcars to modern tankers, train cars come in all shapes and sizes. FMD offers railfans a variety of interesting and unique rail cars to spot and photograph.
V – Virtual Railfan
Virtual Railfan has become a favorite for railfans around the world, offering live-streamed train cams that allow enthusiasts to watch trains in real-time, no matter where they are. The FMD area is proud to have its very own Virtual Railfan cam, which has been running for over 4.5 years and has garnered over 45 million views! Whether you’re watching from home or on the go, this cam lets you experience the excitement of trains rolling through FMD’s scenic locations, complete with real-time action, sounds, and views. It’s a must for anyone who loves trains but can’t always be trackside.
W – Whistles A train’s whistle is an iconic sound that every railfan loves to hear. Whether it's a brief two-tone warning or a long, mournful blow, these whistles add to the atmosphere of railfanning.
X – X-Rays (Safety Inspections) While it might not be the most exciting to spot, X-ray technology used for safety inspections on rail cars is a crucial part of ensuring trains run smoothly. Many railfans are also interested in the behind-the-scenes technology that powers the industry.
Y – Yard Switchers These small locomotives are used to switch cars around within rail yards. Watching a yard switcher work can be a fascinating glimpse into the complexity of train operations.
Z – Zooming Trains Sometimes, the best railfanning moments come from watching trains zoom by at high speeds. Whether it’s a freight train or a passenger train, the sight of a fast-moving train never fails to impress.
Railfanning in FMD is full of rich experiences for every enthusiast. From iconic trains to rare sights and thrilling moments, the ABCs of railfanning offer a guide to the varied and exciting world of trains. Get out there and start your adventure—there’s always a new spot to discover and a new train to watch!
