I wouldn't consider myself a true rail fan, but trains do hold a fascination for me. It's probably for the same reason some people can look at construction sites for hours on end. Maybe it has something to do with fond memories of trains beneath the Christmas tree.
Steam engines are amazing pieces of equipment, but I like the diesels.
By the way, summer is now officially over. I was in WalMart yesterday morning, as workers were readying a display of back packs. Staples has a "back to school" circular in tomorrow's newspaper. It was fun while it lasted.