How It Works
Anyone can view recent train sightings. To add a report, create a reporter account and choose where the train was seen on the map. Reports may be corrected, hidden, or removed if they are wrong, unsafe, abusive, or against the site rules.
Active Map Reports
The map shows recent sightings from the time range you choose, from 2 to 24 hours. Older sightings can still remain in a train's history, but they are not shown as active map reports.
When several sightings appear to be the same train, RailMonNA keeps the map focused on the latest known position and keeps the earlier sightings in that train's history. If the train ID is unknown, the lead locomotive can help connect the sightings.
Map Marker Legend
Marker colors show the reported direction of travel. The arrow symbols below provide a second cue so direction is not communicated by color alone.
Marker Symbols
- Red dot: Special-interest equipment or movement.
- Yellow border: Passenger-train location from an outside source.
- Dashed marker: Passenger-train location may be old.
- Numbered marker: Several trains are close together. Select it to view them.
Submitting a Report
- If you are not sure of the train ID or lead locomotive, choose Unknown.
- Add other locomotives when you can identify them.
- Include the railroad, train ID, and origin day when you know them. That helps RailMonNA keep the right sightings together.
- Select Make a Report to place a pin on the map. Drag the pin or tap the map to set where you saw the train.
- Use map search to find train IDs, locomotive numbers, addresses, cities, and roads.
- Add helpful notes such as the subdivision, milepost, consist, detector, or anything unusual.
Why Photos Are Not Part of Reports
RailMonNA is built for quick train sightings, not photo hosting. Text reports load faster on weak cell service and keep the focus on where the train was seen.
Photos also raise privacy, copyright, storage, and safety questions that are outside the map's purpose. Photo communities are still the better place for images.
Report Quality and Review
Signed-in users can flag a report that looks wrong, unsafe, or abusive. RailMonNA may correct, hide, or remove reports when needed.