Railfans Club Begins at Watauga High School

Ferroequinologists rejoice! A new club at Watauga has finally created a train focused environment for all rail enthusiasts. Railfans is where students can go every Thursday right after school to discuss anything and everything train related. Carter Nelson, a sophomore who runs the club, formed it to create an environment where everyone can come together and share their passion for trains.

“When I learned that a student could make their own club with a sponsor, I decided to jump right in and create the one and only Railfans club,” said Nelson.

The purpose of the club is to introduce an environment focused on what members want to learn.

“We meet up and choose a topic to learn using reliable articles I found," said Nelson. "We choose the topic at random by letting the new members write down what they would like to learn in the club."

Club activities include learning about local and international railroad history. Students watch videos, look at images of local rail lines, and have general discussions about trains in history and the modern day.

Though Railfans is just starting out, they have big plans for the future. Planned club activities will hopefully happen when club membership goes up.

“One of the things we’re hoping to do once we have more students is to take field trips to learn about the history of western North Carolina railroads,” said Mr. Jacob Wallace, the club sponsor.

And interested members still have plenty of time to join.

“We haven’t done much yet though, we’re just starting out,” Wallace added.

North Carolina’s history is ripe for a club that wants to learn more about trains. The western part of our state in particular is teeming with railroad history.

“I’d love to take them to Newland especially to see where the old station is,” Wallace said. "Part of what I have in mind is recruiting students to show their love for local history.”

And Mr. Wallace’s passion for the club is apparent. He is more than happy to share his knowledge of the area and where the trains ran throughout the county.

“I love to see students who have this passion for trains, even though it's not always seen as cool, and I love sharing this kind of thing because not a lot of history outside of Boone is saved.” said Wallace.

Railfans currently meets every Thursday right after school in room 3122.