Actually, I've heard Amtrak has spawned a new (originally derogatory) term for railfans and trainspotters : Foamers.  This was due to their near rabid tracking and interest in Amtrak equipment.  And the name has taken off through many railroad employees, and like "Yankee", many railfans in the US have taken up that term with a bit of pride. 

I knew it was catching on when I saw a news story about the BNSF has enlisted the help of "Foamers" to help monitor their tracks of suspicious activities.  IIRC, they're giving away free trips on freight trains for individual foamers to help out with monitoring their system.  Pretty cool if you ask me.  So finally a good side effect from increased awareness by Homeland Security instead of picking on Foamers, they're helping em out.

Actually before I forget, there's a very good mystery written by the same name too that deals with trainwrecks.  Written by Jon Berson.  Would make a good movie IMHO.

mdb