Hoss and everyone else, I am not trying to embarrass anyone or say that it is wrong to use the reference "train buff" like we have the long accepted phrase of "fire buff." However I would like to point out that the more universally accepted term at least for the past 25 years or so is "railfan."
Rich Dean, Butler, New Jersey, USA
Member of Kinney Hose Co. 1, Butler Fire Dept. since 1973, Fire Police Officer since 2000
Dispatcher at Butler Police Communications from March 1975 to July 2009
Secretary of North Jersey Volunteer Firemen's Association since 1980
Member of Tri-Boro First Aid Squad (volunteer ems) since 2000 as a driver
Member of many Yahoogroups, owner of some such as:
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It is not a track maintenance vehicle. As it says on the side, its a catenary maintenance vehicle. Meaning its used to maintain the overhead electrical wires. There is a black platform on top that raises so maintenance personnel can work on the wires.
David in Az
[quote name='matchot' post='277919' date='Jan 30 2009, 21:22 ']Very interesting looking pics of rail equipment. Anybody know what it actually does when it's out working on the rails?[/quote]
I found these railcars sitting in Lakeville, NY back in 2004 when the WNY Volunteer FF's Convention was being held there. I'm not sure if they were there for the convention for the training seminars or not, or if it was just a coincidence, but anyways here they are. The first couple are very interesting as they are railcars but also pertain to Firefighting as well. BTW, Lakeville, NY is the one of the main depots for the Lakeville,Livoina,Avon RR, which is a shortline RR that runs from Rochester South through Lakeville, and covers a few other areas in Livingston, Wyoming and Monroe Counties.