Foamers?

[jacon12]

I must have been asleep when this one came about, but what does the word foamer mean as it relates to trains and how did it originate?
Jarrell

 

[Lady_Railfan]

Here are a couple of definitions from our very own Glossary. (See link at the top of the page.)

Foamer: Railfan that behaves unsafely on or near RoW. Probably also a FOMOR.

FOMOR: Foreign Object Meandering On Right-of-way, such as a cow, trespasser, foamer railfan, etc.

Another definition I like is from Henry Kisor's 1994 book, Zephyr: "...a species you'll find everywhere flanged wheel encounters steel rail. A foamer "bubbles at the lips when discussing his favorite subject --- trains."

You won't find any of those around here, of course.

 

[NWR #200]

Another definition I like is from Henry Kisor's 1994 book, Zephyr: "...a species you'll find everywhere flanged wheel encounters steel rail. A foamer "bubbles at the lips when discussing his favorite subject --- trains."

I loved that book. Read it in college. Liked the way he goes behind the scenes. Makes you appreciate the onboard staff even more.

 

[modelbob]

The definition I've always heard is that they "foam at the mouth" like a rabid dog.

 

[jacon12]

And now I know. Claudia, thanks for the tip on the book..
http://www.taoyue.com/books/amtrak-1zephyr.html
I just ordered it from Amazon.com for 87 cents (like new!) plus shipping.
Thanks for the help everybody.
Jarrell

 

[RCH]

Foaming Over At the Mouth Excited Railfan is the definition I've read.

 

[jacon12]

Foaming Over At the Mouth Excited Railfan is the definition I've read.

Yes, I've seen the condition once or twice!
Jarrell

 

[jbaakko]

Are you sure is wasn't "I've replicated that condition once or twice"?

 

[HaggisKennedy]

I've also seen Friends Of All Major Railroads.

Kennedy