Trainspotters. What, and why?

This is a question which has baffled me for a few years.

My local train station appears to be popular amongst men who stand around with cameras, camcorders, and usually waterproof clothing. They often smell bad.

What are they doing??

Seriously, I'd like to know. Is there an aim to whatever it is? And what, in their brains, compels them do it? I've never dared ask, and as pointed out earlier, it's not pleasant being close enough to talk to them anyway.

All suggestions gratefully received, but informed and serious ones even more so

Freya.

Uh, they're the crew for the next hot & exciting DVD title, Train Riders Gone Wild?

Monty Python discussed this, but they called it "Camel Spotting" for some reason.

Basically trainspotters are nuts about certain forms of statistics, and get their kicks writing down the numbers on the side of train cars so they can make a list. Comparing said list, they can then tell if they've seen the same cars go through there before.

It's not much different than number factorization into primes-- both are hobbies and completely pointless.

(Nice Uffington Horse forum av, btw-- you like XTC by any chance?)

The usage of the term carried over to techno/electronic/dance music, where some people at a rave would not "rave" (as in the verb), but stand by the DJ booth and stroke their chins, sometimes carrying notepads (or later, digital equivalent like a PDA) to mark when a certain track had been "caned" (masterfully played out on the dancefloor). Bonus points for extrarare remixes doing the rounds and other eclecticness.

Sometimes it is an intense hobby which relates to Asperger's Syndrome. Not unlike how some are fervent about watching football games and collecting statistics about those. I am not a trainspotter but in SL, I do watch things go by and make lists, I get certain urges to explore groupings of places and keep track. Now, if we had more trains in SL, I may be spotting those.

It sounds like neither the trainspotters nor the chinstrokers are doing enough/the right drugs.

I can understand the music thing - music is an art form and therefore something which equally invites enjoyment, scrutiny and criticism.

But..... trains? Could they not just get a timetable and avoid the standing around in the rain?

Anyway, the Uffington thing is just 'cos I live very close by. I often wander up there or along the Ridgeway. Not so much at the moment though. It's cold ears weather

Maybe trains passing by is kinda like music? Chug-a-chug-a-lug. Hehe. I do wonder about the raincoats too, one must be a fervent enthusiast to brave the environment.

I too, which trainspotters have ever been on the inside of a train.