What is a gricer.

Sligo Quay

Just learned something new today, I got chatting to a train spotter at Connolly today with a camera waiting on something to happen, he wasn't giving much away but got very offended when I asked him how long he was a trainspotter, definitely not a trainspotter I was tolded, trainspotters are associated with anoraks, no this enthusiast was a gricer, for the love of God, what it a GRICER

corktina

a Gricer is a .....you guessed it trainspotter, also known as an Anorak.

dowlingm

Sligo Quay wrote: »

definitely not a trainspotter I was tolded, trainspotters are associated with anoraks, no this enthusiast was a gricer

Might not be associated with anoraks but certainly with a common social graces deficiency. Didn't have the secret handshake I'm afraid. In the internet era they are handy though so the rest of us can keep track of what shenanigans IE are up to (stock being left to rust, ghost services which could be run in service and the like)

steamengine

dowlingm wrote: »

Might not be associated with anoraks but certainly with a common social graces deficiency. Didn't have the secret handshake I'm afraid. In the internet era they are handy though so the rest of us can keep track of what shenanigans IE are up to (stock being left to rust, ghost services which could be run in service and the like)

Forget about the coat - A high powered motor bike is what you need now, leave it on HEP !!! :D

Sligo Quay

corktina wrote: »

a Gricer is a .....you guessed it trainspotter, also known as an Anorak.

Thanks never heard of the word before, is it imported, maybe not native, whats with the secret handshake, you learn something new everyday, a gricer, what next, are they confinded to any particular group, sorry for all the stupid questions, rpsi the irrs itg are they gricers, gets more complicated this trainspotting malarky. On and off boards, does get weirder, maybe Im just niave

Judgement Day

To me a gricer is the type of 'enthusiast' who rarely if ever actually uses the train but likes to drive the length and breadth of the country to photograph them. There's a fair number on here.

Iolaire

Gricer is actually quite an old term for a rail enthusiast. Certainly not to be confused with Basher, lest you infuriate same.

If anyone (who doesn't already know) is interested in a further insight into basher speak, this link is informative http://ukrailwayfaq.wikispaces.com/Basher+Speak

I found the definition of 'Men Who Know' most amusing if perhaps not strictly true.

Eiretrains

Judgement Day wrote: »

To me a gricer is the type of 'enthusiast' who rarely if ever actually uses the train but likes to drive the length and breadth of the country to photograph them. There's a fair number on here.

This is exactly what is it, thanks JD.

Yes when thinking about, gricers tend not to be the trainspotters or anoraks who are might be happy to hang around in unforgivable weather for the sake of a couple numbers. Gricers instead are always largely in pursuit of achieving the perfect and sometimes unusual railway photo at whatever cost.;)

Sligo Quay

Iolaire wrote: »

Gricer is actually quite an old term for a rail enthusiast. Certainly not to be confused with Basher, lest you infuriate same.

If anyone (who doesn't already know) is interested in a further insight into basher speak, this link is informative http://ukrailwayfaq.wikispaces.com/Basher+Speak

I found the definition of 'Men Who Know' most amusing if perhaps not strictly true.

It gets better, basher, do these terms originate in the UK, when I was growing up it was trainspotter, in later years it was enthusiast, but I never heard of gricer or basher, so reading here, I better be careful, Eiretrains is a gricer, hmmmmm Corktina & dowlingn are bashers, but Judgement Day is an old fashion enthusiast collector, Im probably just an ''enthusiast'' with a small e, a light interest in the economics

Eiretrains

I think basher originated in the UK, but I don't the that terminology never caught on over here unless I'm mistaken. Bashers I think are those whom are generally seen hanging out of carriages (not literally) or located right behind locos on railtours?

corktina

i'm not a basher, nor do I tot up my Haulage statistics. All these names are an attempt to get away from the fact that some sad people are what the public call trainspotters.

I've never denied being a sad person, and I like trains. Being a "Trainiac" is no worse (to me) than unfit people fanatically following a football team instead of playing. I Can understand people taking part in sport, I can't understand people watching it, any more than most level ordinary sane people can understand me liking trains. In fact I like pretty much anything on wheels, as you could guess from my name.

Sligo Quay

corktina wrote: »

i'm not a basher, nor do I tot up my Haulage statistics. All these names are an attempt to get away from the fact that some sad people are what the public call trainspotters.

I've never denied being a sad person,

Corktina, I apologize, I thought I was paying you a complement, yep I am niave:o

corktina

you've no need to apologise, a Rose by any other name etc.

I don't spot trains (any more) but trainspotter is what my kids call me, it'll do.

Wote

So what is a bus enthusiast called then? I worked with a bloke who used to call them BBWs -on which I had to ask what that stood for in the context of buses - his answer?

"Bloody Bus ****"

So BBW it is then

The Idyll Race

I'm a tweedy and cordy amateur rail historian I'll have you know, but I have been known on very special occasions to "bash" And it wasn't ginger beer we were drinking either :).

My favourite one isn't on the list - apparently the fans of a particular BR diesel shunter call it a Gronk, so therefore bashing behind a Gronk is the appropriately named "Gronking"

Cookie_Monster

Judgement Day wrote: »

To me a gricer is the type of 'enthusiast' who rarely if ever actually uses the train but likes to drive the length and breadth of the country to photograph them. There's a fair number on here.

Ah, I see, and there's me thinking for some reason it was a term particular to riding railcars

So the basic difference is

gricer = photography
trainspotter = recording numbers, routes, locos etc

dowlingm

railfan is the normal appellation in North America I believe

Iolaire

Another mildly amusing one is a Festoon. Apparently this is what younger UK spotters/gricers/whatever called an older spotter/gricer/whatever who had multiple cameras and a tape recorder hanging from their neck.

If that is a true description, the last Festoon I saw would have been around 1990 at York station.

All the main disciplines are mentioned on this thread now, with the exception of the more general rail enthusiast (not sure if there's a specific name) who wouldn't necessarily indulge in public displays of rail love but whom, nevertheless, has a great passion for railways. I think I may well fall under that category, having been a closet fan for most of my life. I had to reveal my secret recently though, but I would still consider myself a casual enthusiast. Haha.

Trainspotter - numerologist
Gricer - photographic artist
Basher - joy rider

There are a few who combine one, two, or all three disciplines and although it is still possible to see the normal's stereotypical 'trainspotter', this is becoming a rarer sight as enthusiasts of all ilks have learned the skill of looking like normals if not perhaps, standing on the usual place at a station.

corktina

yeah iwas stood with two or three festoons the other day watching "Clan Line" at Reading Station. I guess i looked pretty normal for once, taking pics with my mobile....

Losty Dublin

What's the phrase for eejits like me who are active in preservation circles and actually do work and ****?

Boulevardier

A New Zealand grocer?

Judgement Day

Losty Dublin wrote: »

What's the phrase for eejits like me who are active in preservation circles and actually do work and ****?

This is a family discussion forum or I'd tell you.

Losty Dublin

Judgement Day wrote: »

This is a family discussion forum or I'd tell you.

I've no family and I'm not sensitive so tell away

Sligo Quay

corktina wrote: »

taking pics with my mobile....

Eh Corktina, think that makes you a gricer, dare I say it

Sligo Quay

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

Ah, I see, and there's me thinking for some reason it was a term particular to riding railcars

Partly right, just be lurking IRN and there is a group calling themselves ''railcar gricers'' Iv given up trying to join IRN, seems to be a very closed board.

The Idyll Race

Sligo Quay wrote: »

Partly right, just be lurking IRN and there is a group calling themselves ''railcar gricers'' Iv given up trying to join IRN, seems to be a very closed board.

Used to post on IRN many moons ago, not the most lively of boards I thought. Train and Rail Systems is a bit motive-power heavy at the moment for my liking but there may be opportunities for the occasional history thread..

The Idyll Race

The Idyll Race wrote: »

Used to post on IRN many moons ago, not the most lively of boards I thought. Train and Rail Systems is a bit motive-power heavy at the moment for my liking but there may be opportunities for the occasional history thread..

Nothing to stop you starting your own thread. And I mean that with the greatest of respect.

CIE

dowlingm wrote: »

Railfan is the normal appellation in North America I believe

There is also "railbuff" and the derogatory "foamer". Beyond that, there are accusations of suffering from Asperger's syndrome... :rolleyes:

Manic Moran

dowlingm wrote: »

railfan is the normal appellation in North America I believe

Ferroequinologist is the other one.

NTM

steamengine

dowlingm wrote: »

railfan is the normal appellation in North America I believe

As Gaeilge / Google - lucht leanúna na iarnród !!!

The Idyll Race

Karsini wrote: »

Nothing to stop you starting your own thread. And I mean that with the greatest of respect.

This is true..and that's what I meant. Feel a nice Great Northern Railway one coming on..:)

steamengine

Losty Dublin wrote: »

What's the phrase for eejits like me who are active in preservation circles and actually do work and ****?

I suggest 'Boxcar Losty' !!!

steamengine

Judgement Day wrote: »

To me a gricer is the type of 'enthusiast' who rarely if ever actually uses the train but likes to drive the length and breadth of the country to photograph them. There's a fair number on here.

One is reminded of the words of the famous poet Milton, which have a resonance in the railway world as part of the world in general.

'They also serve who only stand and wait'

popebenny16

im a passenger, simple as that.

dermo88

Originally Posted by Sligo Quay

Partly right, just be lurking IRN and there is a group calling themselves ''railcar gricers'' Iv given up trying to join IRN, seems to be a very closed board.

Oh good......thats always one to get the shoulder chips working with me.

Its coming up to my third anniversary since they kicked me out. I recall the last e-mail stating:

"We hope to thrive going forward" (Nauseating effing phrase, the kind which makes one wish a good dose of a man whose name sounds like Britvic upon them).

They did'nt thrive, and this board is thriving. Thats a tribute to the many ex members, moderators, and posters here today, not Irishrailwaynews.

Which really should be renamed Norailwaynews.

One thing for certain, I'll never turn down a chance to stick a knife in them for banning me. Just for spite, just for fun. I'd be happy to go back though if they let me. But its their loss. Why should anyone degrade themselves to register with them? They are scared of their own shadows. Its a shame really for a site that had a lot of potential. They almost had it all. Oh well.

corktina

no point in going back Demo. After a lot of trouble and subtefuge, I got on there again (after mysteriously ceasing to be a member about the same time as you). It wasn't worth the efort, its more or less dead.

Iolaire

Not sure if it's possible to register with IRN at all now. I tried for 6 months without any joy. The postings seem to have slowed to a dribble anyway.

The Idyll Race

dermo88 wrote: »

Originally Posted by Sligo Quay

Partly right, just be lurking IRN and there is a group calling themselves ''railcar gricers'' Iv given up trying to join IRN, seems to be a very closed board.

Oh good......thats always one to get the shoulder chips working with me.

Its coming up to my third anniversary since they kicked me out. I recall the last e-mail stating:

"We hope to thrive going forward" (Nauseating effing phrase, the kind which makes one wish a good dose of a man whose name sounds like Britvic upon them).

They did'nt thrive, and this board is thriving. Thats a tribute to the many ex members, moderators, and posters here today, not Irishrailwaynews.

Which really should be renamed Norailwaynews.

One thing for certain, I'll never turn down a chance to stick a knife in them for banning me. Just for spite, just for fun. I'd be happy to go back though if they let me. But its their loss. Why should anyone degrade themselves to register with them? They are scared of their own shadows. Its a shame really for a site that had a lot of potential. They almost had it all. Oh well.

Yes indeed this board is thriving in the same way that the Battle of the Somme was a bit of a larky day out.

It is a pain in the arse when I post anything contra on the main board to the hive mind view that railways other than Dublin - Cork - Belfast and the suburbans should succumb to bus competition, and never, under any circumstances should there be ever any expansion of the network.

A lively thread was killed stone dead by the mods because two regulars didn't like what was being said. Another regular hates trains so much that he leaps onto any thread suggesting train use anywhere pestering the other users to use the bus instead.

On this board motive power dominates. I really don't give a crap about seeing 071 pulling anything. I suppose if the network was reduced to a plinth somewhere where 071 revved up twice weekly the C&T regulars would be delighted with themselves.

dermo88

The Idyll Race

Yes indeed this board is thriving in the same way that the Battle of the Somme was a bit of a larky day out.

It is a pain in the arse when I post anything contra on the main board to the hive mind view that railways other than Dublin - Cork - Belfast and the suburbans should succumb to bus competition, and never, under any circumstances should there be ever any expansion of the network.

A lively thread was killed stone dead by the mods because two regulars didn't like what was being said. Another regular hates trains so much that he leaps onto any thread suggesting train use anywhere pestering the other users to use the bus instead.

On this board motive power dominates. I really don't give a crap about seeing 071 pulling anything. I suppose if the network was reduced to a plinth somewhere where 071 revved up twice weekly the C&T regulars would be delighted with themselves.

1. Ok......lets see. How do I respond to this without swearing or getting banned, because it is a gross exageration of the highest order, and I've 7 years of posts to prove that. So do Corktina, DWCommuter (he was regular once), popebenny, Karsini, and many others.

2. Theres a bunch of people who want to close....blah blah.

That is so sweeping, that is utter hyperbole, I have no polite response to this irrational and emotive statement beyond stunned silence.

3. A lively thread was killed stone dead by the mods because two regulars didn't like what was being said.

You mean the one about Western Railway Corridor?

4. Be more specific about the posters please, give evidence. Something beyond emotive rhetoric and hyperbole.

Thanks.

The Idyll Race

dermo88 wrote: »

That is so sweeping, that is utter hyperbole, I have no polite response to this irrational and emotive statement beyond stunned silence.

Sometimes you say it best when you say nothing at all.

This is the internet. Search my posts as The Idyll Race if you really want to, the facility is there.

dermo88

Ok: Here goes:

I quote from 06.09.2012 at 16.07. The post as follows:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=80656329

In the impossible event that anyone ever decided to build a railway through Quigley's Point to Derry I would be delighted, and use it. Can't ever see a situation where I would say "no don't want your naughty infrastructure, please make it impossible to use". Maybe it's just me.

Thats the kind of rural fail-rail type system that won't work. Ennis to Athenry has proven that. Then when that is pointed out, the message is'nt liked, and the messenger gets shot. Sorry, thats reality. I've argued with the extreme rail enthusiasts for over 10 years now on that issue, and counted beans. I've agreed with them on reopening Dublin-Navan (for example), and been flamed for being Pro-pale-rail (example, DART Underground/Interconnector). Well sorry, its about population densities and volumes, and if people don't realise that beyond emotive false arguments, then I have no time for them. Ignorance can be solved, but stupidity is another matter entirely.

And sadly, some of them have appointed themselves as moderators to shoot down the voices of reason. Some of them are here, not that I mind, they are entitled to a voice. Just to give the rest of us in the real world something to laugh at now and again. The craziest of them all was an 'Independent Transport Consultant'. Nice chap by all accounts, but my oh my, when it came to rail transportation he had serious rectal cranial inversion syndrome.

corktina

I have on occasion been accused of being anti-rail. Well, lets put it on record again...I am pro-rail, BUT in a sensible form that makes sense socially and economically. Building (rebuilding/ keeping open) rural lines just "because they are there" makes no sense at all when that same investment is badly needed on the lines that DO have a chance of survival. If the new Motorway network (which is largely built and involves little ongoing cash going to Farmers) can do the job better and cheaper and without subsidy, then leave it do it.

Rail scores by fast longer distance journeys and with local high-density commuting. Lets put our efforts and investment into that. Lets electrify and extend Dublins Commuter network (which will benefit the whole Country ) and uprate the main lines to higher speeds (particularly Dublin to Cork, where 125 mph running is essential))

The Idyll Race

dermo88 wrote: »

Ok: Here goes:

I quote from 06.09.2012 at 16.07. The post as follows:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=80656329

In the impossible event that anyone ever decided to build a railway through Quigley's Point to Derry I would be delighted, and use it. Can't ever see a situation where I would say "no don't want your naughty infrastructure, please make it impossible to use". Maybe it's just me.

Thats the kind of rural fail-rail type system that won't work. Ennis to Athenry has proven that. Then when that is pointed out, the message is'nt liked, and the messenger gets shot. Sorry, thats reality. I've argued with the extreme rail enthusiasts for over 10 years now on that issue, and counted beans. I've agreed with them on reopening Dublin-Navan (for example), and been flamed for being Pro-pale-rail (example, DART Underground/Interconnector). Well sorry, its about population densities and volumes, and if people don't realise that beyond emotive false arguments, then I have no time for them. Ignorance can be solved, but stupidity is another matter entirely.

And sadly, some of them have appointed themselves as moderators to shoot down the voices of reason. Some of them are here, not that I mind, they are entitled to a voice. Just to give the rest of us in the real world something to laugh at now and again. The craziest of them all was an 'Independent Transport Consultant'. Nice chap by all accounts, but my oh my, when it came to rail transportation he had serious rectal cranial inversion syndrome.

Yes, that post of mine was an utter disgrace, wasn't it? You may have missed the use of the word Impossible in it though when you speed read it. I don't think that a railway from Greencastle to Derry promoted by the existing Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway Company is ever going to happen, though I suppose now that I have even remotely suggested this that a team of supporters will now coalesce around this issue. The Buncrana - Derry line needs to be rebuilt first

Before you explode, I am being sarcastic here.

I love the phrase "your mileage may vary". It's a much nicer way of saying, "opinions are like rectums, everyone has one". Do ponder that and have a nice day

Sligo Quay

steamengine wrote: »

'They also serve who only stand and wait'

I think that quote applys to gricers as well, I spotted that gricer in Connolly again today, I just wouldnd have the patience, don't have that endurance.
Every thread Iv got involved in since I joined boards.ie has ended in warfare, I don't understand the politics behind all the infighting, maybe Im a late arrival, away at sea too much, I seem to have missed all the action.

dermo88

The Idyll Race

I love the phrase "your mileage may vary". It's a much nicer way of saying, "opinions are like rectums, everyone has one". Do ponder that and have a nice day

My response, my dear fellow is.....when I defecate, I douche. What do you do sir?

But back on topic after that minor exhibition of bitchiness (sorry, I could'nt resist falling into one of my old habits for a moment) is that rail enthusiasts tend to be a mix of all three in some way, shape or form. Personally I like to go bashing given a chance, and because of an odd kind of memory for numbers, even though they are not written down have a memory of events when they are associated with a rite of passage, such as the first lads holiday away, and being able to afford with my own earned money a run from Waterford to Dublin (074 on the evening Waterford to Dublin in August 1994), 133 and 134 being on the Ammonia at Rathdrum on the day I finished my Leaving Cert Spanish exam (1994), 213 hauling a rake of 13 Mk2d's with 'sticky brakes' on the Monday of the 1995 August Bank Holiday, or even overseas, I'll remember details of engines that sounded impressive. I would'nt be obsessive about it, its just part of the travel experience and a motto, if you like.....getting there is half the fun.

Corktina

I have on occasion been accused of being anti-rail. Well, lets put it on record again...I am pro-rail, BUT in a sensible form that makes sense socially and economically. Building (rebuilding/ keeping open) rural lines just "because they are there" makes no sense at all when that same investment is badly needed on the lines that DO have a chance of survival. If the new Motorway network (which is largely built and involves little ongoing cash going to Farmers) can do the job better and cheaper and without subsidy, then leave it do it.

Rail scores by fast longer distance journeys and with local high-density commuting. Lets put our efforts and investment into that. Lets electrify and extend Dublins Commuter network (which will benefit the whole Country ) and uprate the main lines to higher speeds (particularly Dublin to Cork, where 125 mph running is essential))

Double tracking, electrification, and increasing capacity on core Intercity corridors is one. Using assets such as the Lavistown curve to bypass Kilkenny and have a 'split' at Bagenalstown (One portion of a 22K going to Kilkenny, stopping at Thomastown to Waterford, the second running non stop to Waterford from Bagenalstown is one example of thinking outside the box)

Waterford to Rosslare could not be saved.
Waterford to Limerick Junction has a chance if track and services are integrated better.
Limerick-Nenagh-Ballybrophy needs to be retained as a diversionary.
Galway needs Double track reinstated, as does the Sligo line to Mullingar.

steamengine

Sligo Quay wrote: »

I think that quote applys to gricers as well, I spotted that gricer in Connolly again today, I just wouldnd have the patience, don't have that endurance.
Every thread Iv got involved in since I joined boards.ie has ended in warfare, I don't understand the politics behind all the infighting, maybe Im a late arrival, away at sea too much, I seem to have missed all the action.

Each to his, or her, own as they say - it seems that 'gricers' do come in for a bit of stick from their fellow rail enthusiasts (hence that quote), some of whom consider themselves to be further up the ferro-equinological food chain and good luck to them. It's all a hobby at the end of the day AFAIAC, whether it be gricing, preservation, railway history, debating/discussing same on boards, or whatever. The threads you refer to, one of which springs readily to mind, are the exception rather than the rule, T&RS is fairly tranquil most of the time (touch wood).

I think the elephant in the room is always going to be the future of Irish railway system / Irish Rail, to my mind the most important preservation issue of them all !!!