New England Railfans

Hi! I am a Development Producer for National Geographic Television. My boys love trains and their enthusiasim got me thinking about railfanning as the theme around which to create a reality television series.

Have any of you ever given any thought to this possibility, that wow! THIS would be great TV?

I'd need BIG personalities set in a unique and interesting world. If there's a little danger involved even better!

Would love to hear from anyone who wants to explore this possibility.

Thanks so much!

Lisa

Welcome Aboard. I'm honestly not sure how or where to begin with an answer to your question, but I feel the RR's may not enjoy that type of exposure. It seems like they want nothing to do with railfans until something happens to their RR, but that is just my honest opinion. I've never really had any kind of idea like this before. It could make good TV ratings. I'm also not sure I'd want someone following me with a camera and knowing where my secret places are to shoot.  I do wish you luck though in making this happen and I'm sure there are many folks here willing to share their thoughts.

Lisa, Just perusing through the older threads, and had a few questions on this.

You mean as in "Extreme Trains" style, or? There are tons of railroad mishaps, & close calls on youtube already...

How about rather than railfanning the series be based on restoration? Locomotives, rolling stock etc.? It would be rather neat to illustrate the work and drama it takes to bring a rusted hulk back to a fully operational steam locomotive or vintage diesel unit not to mention the opertunity to highlight and discuss old technology, craftsmanship and methods. Added bonus would be perhaps some funding to help with the work.

Didn't one of the networks like A&E or Discovery Channel have a series about the day to day operations of the railroads? Interestingly, the host was an engineer here in Maine. I barely watch TV so I only caught a couple of shows. I don't think it lasted very long.

I'm with Scruffy. Pick any of the railroad museums that operate working antique steam and desiel engines and you have a good human interest story right there, considering the fanaticism (ahem) dedication that the volunteers put into keeping something like that going. It wouldn't hurt to give some of them some exposure also.