railfan

English

Etymology

From rail +‎ fan

Noun

railfan (plural railfans)

1. (US) A railway enthusiast.
   • 1961, Augustus Wolfman, Photo Methods for Industry:

     A previewing railfan pointed out a mistake in the animation showing articulation.

   • 1975, Paul B Cors, Railroads:

     From my own experience, I cannot say how one becomes a railfan […]

   • 1989, M Thomas Inge, Handbook of American Popular Culture:

     A number of US and Canadian book dealers regularly channel British titles to railfan collectors […]

Synonyms

• ferroequinologist, gunzel (Australia), railbuff, trainiac (informal), trainspotter

Derived terms

• railfanning