A sample excerpt from
The Basic Railfan BookAn introduction to railroading and essential
reference for railroad enthusiastsBy Ernest H. Robl
© Ernest H. Robl 2001; all rights reserved
Why this book
Almost any subject can be enjoyed more with a foundation of basic knowledge. If you happen to like railroads, it helps to understand how railroads and their equipment work.
As someone who has covered transportation related stories and photographed transportation subjects for many years, I've always been happy to share information about railroads—in print, through correspondence (including Internet newsgroups and mailing lists), or in person.
After having worked on commercially published books (and contributed to many more of these through licensing photos from my stock photography file), I learned a few things about the book publishing industry. One of those things was how frustratingly slow the commercial publishing process can be—if the book is not about some current crisis or scandal, which can be exploited with a quickly published book. I also learned how dauntingly difficult it can be to try to convince a publishing house of the potential value of a book—if it's not like any of the other books that the publisher has produced before.
Having also worked on technical manuals for a computer-based transportation and logistics management system, I also knew that that there were alternatives to the processes used by most large commercial publishers.
Even as the last pieces of a particular software release were being developed and tested, the technical writing staff worked frantically to document those features, knowing that the manuals had to be completed by the time the software was released. And, typically we had the completed manuals (in a format not unlike that of this book) ready to ship within a week after completing last part of the manuscript.
The secret, of course, was to supply the printer computer files which already included all formatting and typography. At the same time, using so-called "demand printing" technology (see the next main section on "Versions and format") we were able to print economically in small quantities and only re-order when additional copies were needed.
So, when I produced my first self-published reference book, whose contents I wanted to be as up to date as possible, I applied what I had learned about demand publishing technology. (In fact, the contents of that book—and this book—were printed by a company that specializes in printing technical documentation, mostly computer manuals.)
My earlier book, America's Classic Railroad Places: A Geographical Dictionary of North American Railroad Locations, was well received by reviewers and readers and is was undergoing (in mid 2001) updating and expansion for a new edition, in part simultaneously with the book you are currently reading.
If you are not already familiar with America's Classic Railroad Places , you may find it a worthwhile companion book to the current work, as ACRRP provides you information on several hundred sites and routes where you see railroads in action, as well as a number of railroad-related historic sites where trains no longer visit. (A brief description is provided at the end of this book; even more information is available at my Web site, http://www.robl.w1.com.)
In fact, ACRRP helped to sow the seeds for this book. As I was describing railroad operations an other attributes of various sites and routes for that book, I knew that I may be using some terminology that may be new to some readers. Yet, a concise directory of railroad locations was hardly the place to explain basics of railroad operations or railroad terminology.
At the same time, based on questions I had seen railfans ask on Internet mailing lists and elsewhere, I had long been thinking about the need for a "textbook" for Railfanning 101, the survey course I would teach if someone would hire me to expound on that subject.
I am well aware of various editions of John Armstrong's fine book, The Railroad: What it is; What it does, used by major North American railroads as a textbook for newly hired management trainees. But, though I have recommended it to many others, it provides a very business-focused content, emphasizing mechanical and economic issues.
Armstrong's book tells you the basics of how signals work, but not much in the way of what signals will tell you if you are lineside and hoping to see a train. Neither does it tell you anything about railroad travel options or photography of railroads, both subjects of interest to railfans.
So, I began drafting an outline for a survey book aimed strictly at railfans and others with a general interest in railroads—but not necessarily wanting to work for a railroad.
(If you want additional technical information on any of the subjects covered in The Basic Railfan Book, you can always go on to the latest edition of Armstrong's book or an of the other sources included in the "Resources" chapter.)
You are now holding the results of my efforts. For now, keep in mind that this is a survey book covering a lot of ground in a relatively small number of pages. Just as a college survey course in history may cover the entire history of the world in a few dozen hours, the content of this book is very selective, leaving out far more than it includes.
In a college survey course and its textbooks, you will find mention of important figures and events, but few details related to them. That comes later—either through additional courses or individual research.
Acknowledgements and disclaimers
Many people—too many to name individually—offered valuable suggestions and comments for this work, some after reviewing early drafts. I gratefully acknowledge all assistance. The final responsibility for the content is, however, mine.
The information provided is, to the best of my knowledge, correct as of mid 2001. However, all of the information provided here as well as the information in the reference sources cited is subject to change. Therefore, none of the information can be guaranteed.
This book, of necessity, includes simplifications and generalizations. Keep in mind that for virtually every general rule, there is usually an exception.
Should you find information that you believe to be wrong or explained incorrectly, please contact me in writing. Suggestions for additions (or corrections) to be incorporated into possible future editions are welcome. Write by mail to
Ernest H. Robl
P.O. Box 3270
Durham, NC
USA 27715-3270or, via electronic mail to
Please note that I may not be able to individually acknowledge all correspondence and that implementation of some suggestions may not be feasible for a variety of reasons. However, all suggestions will be reviewed.
None of the information provided in this work should be considered to be an inducement to trespass onto railroad property or to participate in any other types of hazardous activity.
Please pay careful attention to all warnings about safety precautions, both for travel to remote areas and around railroad locations in general.
[Rev. 2001/07/06]
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