What type of vehicle do you use to go trackside? From a specific model to a general vehicle type, share your favorite.
Mine is my black TRANS-AM. It can take you to places your feet can't, but it sure does like gas! :P
Great idea for a topic!
When I drive, it's a 1989 Toyota Camry. I like the 40+ mpg that 16-valve, DOHC, four-cylinder gets on the highway with the manual transmission. It won't go where a 4x4 will go, but for most trips, it's sufficient. Some folks, who will remain unnamed :lol: refer to my car as a "possessed evil weed eater on crack". Last check of the odometer reads 312,703. The clutch was recently replaced, making it good for another 300K. New brake calipers and rotors were also installed (by myself) two weeks ago.
(http://www.cmherndon.com/photos/camry.jpg)
The Herndon said "Some folks, who will remain unnamed Laughing refer to my car as a "possessed evil weed eater on crack". ...
Well, you know..if the shoe fits..
1994 Chevy step side 4x4 here. The biggest engine GM offered means gallons per mile, not MPG, but as some unnamed person said "big motor, little truck gets you there fast" Fully loaded with radios and other needed items for those Southward deathmarches into the nether reigons of the CNO&TP. The best part...its not a Ford
(http://jreb.org/v-web/gallery/albums/album53/ns2714ns230cumfall070806.sized.jpg)
(http://www.cmherndon.com/lighterside/outtakes/photos/emmett24tunnel.jpg) :D
My chariot to the tracks...
2000 Dodge Ram, 2WD (gets you just about anywhere if you know how to drive in the conditions)
(http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/2088/ram29jan0657mt.jpg)
(http://img439.imageshack.us/img439/2156/ram29jan0619xi.jpg)
Oh yeah...and these shots were rejected for being cloudy day/common power. :lol:
It most certainly does not have a FAKE hemi. :roll: Its actually got the midrange V8 (318).
My favorite railfan vehicle is the only one I have! My '03 Mazderati Protege 5. It weighs in with a whopping 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. Actually, it has respectable peppiness because of it's small size. My only picture of it is below. (nope, not the dash 9) It normally has a roof bike rack on it which lately hasn't been getting used.
I wouldn't mind having an old truck for railfanning. Nothing big, and nothing real nice. Something I don't mind tracking dirt into, or getting dirty, scratched, or hit for that matter. I guess I'm kind of anal about the cleanliness and general repair of my regular car.
(http://64.246.11.82/images/n/ns8842.jpg.64982.jpg)
Nice picture Chuck! :D
I'm using a 2005 Chevy Colorado with 4WD. Has a sunroof, tube steps, and a crew cab.
I also modified it to fit my ATCS radio and an ICOM 208H dual-band radio, as well as an inverter to provide power to my laptop and GPS.
Railfan assault vehicle!! I'll see if I can upload some photos to the web somewhere later.
Sean
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Currently driving a '96 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 with an extended cab. Bought it from the original owner a year or so ago just barely broken in (143,000 miles).
Other than being a bit small with two people, it makes a great railfan vehicle.
My railfan ride is an 06 F-150 Super Crew with the 5.4 V8 that seats 4 and their camera gear comfortably. An annonimous person this weekend was even heard saying it was nice because he could sit comfortably in the back. There's enough room in the bed for a couple of tripods when a little bit of extra elevation is needed. I havn't turned it into a rolling radio shack yet, but some scanner modifications are coming soon. There's plenty of room in the bed for a cooler as well.
It's got lots of pep to get up and go when needed, and I've got my Sirius Satellite radio installed for "musical roulette" on super shuffle, or to catch that Buffett concert or football game you're missing on tv.
8) Here's a pic of my ride (the Toyota).
I'm seen from Nashville to Harriman Junction, enjoying the old TC, and/or the Norfolk Southern.
(http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/2/imag0003ls0.jpg)
(http://imageshack.us/img/iss4.png) (http://imageshack.us)
My railfan ride is a 2004 Ford F-150.
P.S EM.Bell I see that you have the proper flag on your truck :lol: :lol:
Update...
The aforementioned Toyota Camry I was driving bit the dust a few weeks ago after a connecting rod bearing failed. After 321,428 miles, though, I'm not complaining.
Here's my new railfan transportation: 1995 Dodge Dakota SLT. No, it does not have a hemi.
(http://www.cmherndon.com/photos/calebdakota.jpg)
My ride, 1994 Toyota Camry:
http://jreb.org/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=9184 (http://jreb.org/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=9184)
Favorite rides...? ;D
The ones that save my life.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v414/h18w777/accident.jpg)
The truck was mine. This was at Meansville, Georgia in 2000.
Idiot teenager that had her license for a WEEK, ran the stop sign in front of me. Happily my winch mount took care of business and I was unhurt. Did get a face full of airbag however. The teenager was unhurt as well.
Nikon F5's are tough. Mine came through this with no damage and I was able to shoot some photos.
Replaced with another Toyota, with an even heavier winch mount on the front! :P
2006 Ford F-350 4x4 6.8L v10...not very easy on gas but I do have a train horn on it. Caught 111 coming into Bristol on the way home tonight and drove beside it down the road about 4 miles or so and as the road was about to go away from the track, blew my train horn at them, he gave me 2 short bursts back so i blew at him one more time and he gave the tune like you knock on a door, blow blow blowblowblow blow blow so i gave it back to him... i dont know i thought it was pretty neat....
Dont know if this has been started yet, but seeing there is a thread to introduce yourself, I figured I would start a thread so people can see what you drive, aka your ride. Mine is a 2005 Chevrolet Impala named Silver Bullet. Post your ride pics here.
Mine is a 1985 Chevy pickup. Baby Blue, with extended wheel base. The motor needs a bit of work since it hasn't had a gasket changed since 85' ::) Overall, it's a great truck, AND it's a stick shift :P
For the last five years I have been cruising in a 1998 Honda Accord EX VTEC 5spd. Great car, won't die, 33mpg and it gets around. Here it is with 213 heading south at Hilltop on the Danville District. March 1, 2009.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12617727@N08/5149312291/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/12617727@N08/5149312291/)
After my son was born last September, I had to sell my truck. I acquired a 2005 Mazda Tribute 4WD, 3.0L DOHC V-6. I used to not be fond of Ford products, but after having this one for a year now, I'm very pleased. So far, it's been my favorite vehicle.
Here's a picture of it at Webb, WV inside of old Tunnel 7.
(http://www.cmherndon.com/gallery2/d/869-2/20100501tunnel7mazda.jpg)
Mine is a 2007 Ford Escape with so many antennas it makes the cops nervous ;Dand a sickle and saw inthe
back for brush work
My trusty Chevy 4x4 truck that had served me so well gave up the ghost this spring and blew its motor. I cant complain much, as it has over 300,000 miles on it. I do miss it, but we are now using Carmons car (2004 Toyota Matrix) as our railfanning transportation.
I have it fully radio equipped, and while there are a few places that it wont go, it serves the purpose well. It can get us there fast, rides better, has working AC and heat, and get around 36 MPG..
(http://jreb.org/v-web/gallery/albums/album49/carmcar.sized.jpg)
Quote from: JCagle on September 11, 2006, 12:34:42 AM
My railfan ride is an 06 F-150 Super Crew with the 5.4 V8 that seats 4 and their camera gear comfortably. An annonimous person this weekend was even heard saying it was nice because he could sit comfortably in the back. There's enough room in the bed for a couple of tripods when a little bit of extra elevation is needed. I havn't turned it into a rolling radio shack yet, but some scanner modifications are coming soon. There's plenty of room in the bed for a cooler as well.
It's got lots of pep to get up and go when needed, and I've got my Sirius Satellite radio installed for "musical roulette" on super shuffle, or to catch that Buffett concert or football game you're missing on tv.
The truck is still going strong. Over the years I have upgraded to an Mud/snow tire as well as installing a soft tonneau top to keep the cooler, 6 foot ladder, any anything else in the back dry. I've added a power inverter for running my laptop for atcs, and a Kenwood transceiver, magellan gps that shows the tracks in relation to the road, and seat covers to protect the seats from grime. Sirius has been removed, but I am not rolling with my mp3 collection.
I saw this a while back and immediately thought of EMB. He had more antennas at one point, but this is something I could see him sticking in a car. I think he'd go full size flatscreen though knowing him. http://www.alabamarailfan.com/carpc.php
My favorite chase vehicle was a 1992 Saturn SC-1 coupe. She was already old by the time I got her in 2006, but the old girl still had plenty of life left in her engine and transmission... which gave me plenty of acceleration for chases across the countryside in upstate NY and northern PA.
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/Amtrak_Matt/FallsRoadJuly7th2008/DSC07688.jpg)
Photo taken by me Monday 7/7/2008 in Fancher, NY, during a chase of the Falls Road.
Saturns are also quite good on gas mileage, too... which makes chases rather inexpensive. Sadly, Saturn #1 developed a major problem with her frame and I had to sell her. I miss days like this:
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/Amtrak_Matt/Tioga%20Central/075_75.jpg)
Photo taken by me Saturday 9/15/2007 while chasing the Tioga Central RR in Wellsboro, PA. I am now on Saturn #3, as Saturn #2 developed unexpected engine problems... and there is no SL2m program!
Here is my 263,000 mile, 4-wheel drive-less Voyager van that has been and out of places that Jeeps fear to tread.
Butch
Here is my 1997 Chevy S10 4x4
(http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/rr337/killerdragonoz/Truckandcamperpics004.jpg)
(http://www.jakemensel.com/exp2.jpg)
(http://www.jakemensel.com/exp1.jpg)
(http://www.jakemensel.com/exp3.jpg)
(http://www.jakemensel.com/exp4.jpg)
(http://www.jakemensel.com/exp5.jpg)
i'm starting to think that I might be one of the few railfans who doesn't own a truck...
Well..my trusty Chevy that has not run for a year now is officaly on the dead line, and Carmon's Matrix is fixing to have a much easier life on the weekends. We went and got a 2004 Ford Explorer 4 x 4 today. We found one with low miles, and in awesome shape. Best part, its solid Black, just like a good locomotive should be and Henry Ford intended :they can have any color they want, as long as it black"
Already planning out the radios and electronics that need to go in it, and I think it just might look pretty good with a white band and gold stripe around the bottom :)
(http://jreb.org/v-web/gallery/albums/album50/explorer_040211.sized.jpg)
Looks good there E.M. May have to shell out a few more dollars for gas though. ;D Atleast you will have more room for radios and equipment.
Now he's gonna have to put more radios in it than Jake has in his! I'm surprised nobody has added a built in computer yet!
A friend and JREB member sent me this, as a suggestion as to what he thinks I need to do with it...scary part is, he has the resources at his disposal TO do it..and knows where I live. I am gonna be rather nervous parking in the driveway overnight now :) I wouldn't put it past him..
TO much horse....
(http://jreb.org/v-web/gallery/albums/album50/BellExplorer.sized.jpg)
Believe it or not..I had the same image in mind, of a catfish explorer for EM's new vehicle!!! Now you just need a 9000 number on your doors lol!!
Quote from: billworsham on April 05, 2011, 07:57:55 PM
Believe it or not..I had the same image in mind, of a catfish explorer for EM's new vehicle!!! Now you just need a 9000 number on your doors lol!!
May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your pubic hair....Id rather drive a dodge :)
I was thinking more in line with a nice imitation aluminum strip with a gold band across the bottom myself :)
If Emmett was to put a 9000 # on the door, he would also have to burn all the paint off down the side, to give it that true GE toaster look! lol
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897
This past Sunday, Gordon and myself spent the afternoon installing a couple of radios in the Explorer. First up was Two holes in the roof for antennas, and then the radios went in. A Motorola M1225 for RR stuff (and it will do the new channels with no problem) and a Yaesu FT2900 for 2 meters (ham) and RR stuff as well.
I had wanted to mount the Motorola in the console to fill up a blank space, but once we got the dash apart, we quickly discovered that was not going to work. The AC/heat ducts for the rear seats where in the way, so Gordon modified a mounting bracket and it went where you see it. Everything is in easy reach, and works well. Both radios have awesome receivers in them, so we should be good to go....I am ready for a few road trips now!
(http://jreb.org/v-web/gallery/albums/album50/exradio_2.jpg)
This is my trusty chase vehicle- a 1999 Saturn SL2 with over 177,600 miles on the odometer. When I bought the old girl in October of 2010, she had a little over 150,000 miles. Care to guess how I rack up the miles? Hmmm...
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/Amtrak_Matt/June%202012/DSC07630.jpg)
Photo taken by me Monday 6/11/2012 in Himrod, NY... next to a non-flammable GE.
Since I live only a mile from Amtrak's Northeast Corridor and NS's Delmarva Secondary, and 3.1 miles from CSX's Philly sub... I use a bicycle! Good exercise, can travel faster down main street when it is clogged with traffic... and since I live in a college town... I can go real slow to check out the scenery! ;)
My current railfan vehicle is a 2003 Nissan Maxima. So far, the car has been bullet proof. It has 230K miles on it. Just had to replace the battery and alternator and put a new set of tires on it. Regular oil and filter changes and it's still kicking like a pissed off mule. With 265hp at the front wheels it can run down anything with steel wheels on steel rails. I'm putting about 3K miles a week on it right now commuting back and forth to the coast for work. It is finally starting to show some age though. A few electrical issues popping up here and there but still mechanically sound. Starting to save up to replace it.
The replacement will most likely be fueled by the same thing that is in the fuel tanks of the trains I chase. I just haven't decided which badge will be on the tail gate.
My wife just got a new railfan vehicle though. Or at least that's what I'm using it for. Brand new, 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. I can't permanently mount a radio in it or anything. But it holds all the camera equipment one could ever need in the back. Can't wait until we have an opportunity to take it up to the mountains and put the 4X4 to good use.
Quote from: NSMoWandS on June 21, 2012, 09:38:15 PM
Since I live only a mile from Amtrak's Northeast Corridor and NS's Delmarva Secondary, and 3.1 miles from CSX's Philly sub... I use a bicycle! Good exercise, can travel faster down main street when it is clogged with traffic... and since I live in a college town... I can go real slow to check out the scenery! ;)
OK, I'm jealous!