In a land famed for it's conformity, it's amazing the many and varying types of trains one can see, especially belonging to the JR (Japan Rail) Group of Companies. Even though they do vary in size, shape , colour, and interior décor, for the most part they do conform for punctuality, cleanliness and high level of customer service. What also is very interesting is the whole subculture that has come about because of the beautiful and varied trains and that is "rail fanning". On any weekend and sometimes even early on weekday mornings (before work?) the "rail fans" come out to any vantage point along the tracks armed with everything from handy cams, point and shoots to multiple pro dSLRs and Super Telephoto Lenses.
On this particular day I decided to try out my D700 with the 70-300VR lens. While walking about with this set up, I came to a rail crossing and decided to take a few test train shots. However it wasn't long before a few "rail fans" rocked up armed with very expensive set ups. One guy in particular had two Canon 1D(s?) Mk? Plus a Nikon D700 and 3 massive lenses. Plus huge tripods and a ladder! I became more fascinated in photoing the “rail fans” and their gear than the trains, so I guess I was "rail fan fanning"!