Greetings. I am a magazine writer in Philadelphia -- I've written
for the New York Times Magazine, Chicago Reader, Philadelphia Inquirer
Magazine -- who just happened to grow up with a rail-fan father. When I was
a kid, no family outing went without a stop at a rail yard, and our Sundays
were spent watching train slide shows. You are probably familiar with this
scenario. I would like to capture this scenario in a magazine feature.

I am planning to write a feature about rail-fans. I would like to, in a
nutshell, tag along with the most hardcore trainspotters, and tell their
story. I am looking for rail-fans (especially in Pennsylvania, but also
New Jersey, or New York) who have great stories, who have spent enough time
on the tracks to have had strange and powerful encounters, who can discuss
the lore of the secret spot, the rail camps, the peril of the hunt, and the meaning behind it all.
I would especially like to talk to rail-fans who have had experiences that
have, for better or worse, changed their lives.

If you know how I might go about meeting some people who might fit this
description, including yourself, I would love to hear back from you.
Perhaps you might also suggest a listserv where I could also post this
invitation?

Yours Truly,
Jay Kirk