Being a member of the Cincinnati Railroad Club for several years has truly enriched my life and passion for railroading. This experience has allowed me to meet a wonderful community of fellow railfans, all of whom share the same enthusiasm for trains and the culture surrounding them. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to deliver several presentations to our group, which has been both enjoyable and rewarding. One project that stands out is “The Carolinas Through A Railfan Lens,” which I presented this past summer. It took about a month to compile this project, a journey that involved sifting through thousands of photographs to select the best shots that captured the essence of railfanning in that region.
Before I moved to Cincinnati, I lived in the charming town of Landis, North Carolina. One of the standout features of Landis was its prime location along the Norfolk Southern Charlotte District, making it an ideal place for watching trains. The mainline was only a quick five-minute drive from my home, so I could easily grab my camera and head out whenever I wanted to catch some trains in action.
Looking back on my time in Landis, I embraced every chance I had to explore the NS Charlotte District. I ventured as far as Belmont and even up to Thomasville, immersing myself in the sights and sounds of the railway. A particularly memorable aspect of my railfanning experiences was my discovery of the Norfolk Southern S Line. Here, I spent countless hours photographing the numerous train depots that dotted the landscape, each with its own character and history.
A memorable part of my time in that area was my frequent trips to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer. Thanks to my membership, I could easily visit this gem, just a quick 25-minute drive from my house. Each visit allowed me to capture countless memories, as I snapped hundreds of photos, particularly during the various special events they hosted, where heritage units were proudly displayed for all to see.
My dad and I often went on adventures to watch trains together, enjoying the fresh air and staying alert for any passing trains. He always hoped to see something special, beyond the usual Piedmont regional trains that run between Charlotte and Raleigh. He liked to call these trains “North Carolina trains.” I find it truly special to capture these moments through photography, and I feel proud of the pictures I took during our outings.
In a recent video, I guide viewers through my favorite railfanning locations in and around Charlotte, North Carolina. For those who are interested in exploring more engaging content like this, I encourage you to check out the club’s YouTube Channel, where a variety of live presentations await. If you want to learn more about the Cincinnati Railroad Club and explore membership options that could enrich your own railfanning experience, I invite you to visit Cincinnatirrclub.org for additional details.
