Trainspotting has been around for many years. It is beginning to become more popular.
1 Learn about trains and railroads. You might find that you like a particular railroad over another because of its history, paint scheme, type of trains, frequency of trains, and so on. Go to a local library, museum or interpretive center to aid in your research. Many times this might lead to being able to actually meet a former railroad employee, which could in turn lead to a valuable friendship. Often local hobby shops in the area are the best places for finding "old heads", along with railroad magazines and books for further information.
2 Buy a scanner radio. Railroad frequencies can be selected for listening, allowing a railfan to hear the train-master, locomotive engineer, tower operator, and other railroad personnel converse back and forth. This often results in hearing information which tells you where and when the trains are running. Search for individual railroad frequencies in your area on the Internet.
3 Find a safe area near railroad tracks where you can observe trains. Usually if there are telephone poles running along the tracks, go no further than those. Railroads do not look kindly on railfans who hurt themselves by being stupid, and often the railroad will then make it harder for other railfans to enjoy their hobby. It is best to observe trains from public property, as anywhere else is trespassing.
4 Watch the trains pass by. There is a certain magic about watching and listening to a passing train. Some people even develop a respect for the sheer power and beauty of a speeding freight train. Go on a rail tour, as this will boost your understanding of trains, and you may even make friends with fellow enthusiasts found on such trips.