I certainly enjoy railfanning. If anything, watching and photographing 1:1 action helps drive my 1:48 passion. Like some have said, it's the few idiots that don't respect the right-of-ways and trespass that cast a dim light on the rest of us. Actually, there's been lots of stories of railroad employees liking some of the railfans hanging around. It helps deter some of the vandalism to their property.
Joe K. - I still like watching fire trucks too!
Rob