Keep the story behind every sighting
A photograph captures the moment. A sighting log helps you remember which train it was, where you saw it and what made it worth recording. RailFolio brings your photographs and those details together, with community sightings to explore when you are planning your next day out.
What makes a useful sighting?
Start with your own photograph and the details you can confidently identify. Record the train class and number if you know them, then add the date, time and a few notes. Steam classes can include letters, such as A1 or A4. If a detail is uncertain, say so in your notes rather than presenting a guess as fact.
For example, a useful note might explain which platform you were on, the direction the train was travelling, or an unusual livery. These details give other enthusiasts context when they look back at a sighting.
Choose a location with care
The map helps members explore sightings by place. Check the pin before you share it: a photo uploaded from home may have been taken somewhere else, and an exact pin can reveal a private address. Choose the place where the train was seen, or leave the sighting unmapped if you do not want to share a precise location.
A community view, not a live timetable
Other members’ photographs can show what has recently been spotted around the network. Check the sighting date and time, because a newly uploaded photograph may describe an older journey. Community reports are not verified train-running information; use official railway information for travel decisions.
Enjoy spotting safely
Stay in publicly accessible areas, keep clear of platform edges and follow signs and staff instructions. Never enter railway property or cross a boundary for a photograph. Be considerate when photographing near passengers and staff, and share only pictures you own or have permission to use.
Follow RailFolio’s progress
RailFolio is in early testing. Read the latest updates, explore the app’s features, or send a question or suggestion. Feedback from railway enthusiasts helps shape the next release.