How RailSpotter Works
Track, log, and compete with railway enthusiasts worldwide
What is RailSpotter?
RailSpotter is a modern train spotting platform that combines AI technology with the classic hobby of locomotive spotting. Whether you're a seasoned railfan or just getting started, RailSpotter helps you document, verify, and share your locomotive sightings with a community of enthusiasts.
Our AI-powered verification system ensures accuracy while making it easy to log sightings. Earn points, climb leaderboards, and build your personal collection of locomotive encounters.
Getting Started
Spot a Locomotive
Take a photo of any train locomotive you encounter. Our AI will automatically extract details like the locomotive number, railroad company, and model.
Upload & Review
Upload your photo through the app. Review and confirm the AI-extracted information, add location details, and any additional notes.
AI Verification
Our AI system verifies your submission by cross-referencing the image with the data you provided. Accurate sightings are marked as verified.
Earn Points
Get points for verified sightings! Perfect matches earn 100 points, good matches 75 points, and partial matches 25 points.
Our AI verification system analyzes your photo against the submitted data to ensure accuracy and award appropriate points. Flagged submissions receive feedback to help improve future sightings.
Everything You Can Do
Leaderboards
Compete with spotters worldwide. Track rankings by total sightings, unique locomotives, and railroad companies.
Locomotive Database
Browse detailed information about locomotives, including sighting history, spotters, and technical specifications.
Community Sightings
View all sightings from the community, search by locomotive or company, and interact with fellow railfans.
User Profiles
Create your railfan profile with custom display name and picture. View other spotters' collections and stats.
Comments & Interaction
Comment on sightings, share insights, and connect with the railfan community on specific locomotive encounters.
Location Tracking
Log where you spotted each locomotive with GPS coordinates. View sighting locations on interactive maps.
Railroad History
Learn daily trivia and historical facts about American railroading. Browse archives by month and year.
Music Player
Enjoy railway-themed music while spotting. Create playlists, view lyrics, and use shuffle & repeat modes.
Premium Features
Upgrade to premium for unlimited sightings, full history access, and exclusive features. Free users get 100 sightings.
Free Account
- Up to 100 locomotive sightings
- AI verification & points
- View leaderboards
- Access locomotive database
- View community sightings
- Comment on sightings
- Railroad history daily facts
- Music player & playlists
Start Spotting Locomotives Today
Join thousands of railfans logging sightings, earning badges, and competing on leaderboards. Sign up free and upgrade whenever you're ready.