TikTokFrancis. Bourgeois is a self-professed train enthusiast and he seriously knows his train facts. From a small shunter to a locomotive, there's no train Francis can't name!
Francis shares his love of trains on TikTok, taking his 220,000 followers on his train spotting adventures across the UK.
Not only does he share his love of life on the railways, but he uses his platform to teach TikTokers interesting train facts, spanning all the different types of trains as well as the hundreds of train track routes across the UK. Whether it's spotting a super rare test train or getting to speak to the train driver, his excitement is infectious and you're sure to learn something new following Francis.
You know he's legit, he even has modelled has his very own British Rail uniform to prove it.
He's also a huge advocate for pursuing your passions unapologetically. In the past, Francis used to hide his love of trains for fear of being judged, and did his best to blend in with other teenagers.
Now he has built a huge following of people who love sharing in his excitement for trains - especially when train drivers honk their horns in greeting! By openly sharing his passions he hopes to encourage others to do the same.
In our latest TikTok Creator Spotlight, we sat down with Francis to learn more about his love for trains and see how we can be as confident in our hobbies as he is...
What do you love most about TikTok?
I love that I am able to make someone on the other side of the planet smile and that I can find other train enthusiasts in the UK and see the trains that they've spotted that day!
Why is TikTok right for your content?
I am able to show people who maybe haven't experienced train spotting before what it's like to watch a train you've been excited to see all day and the adrenaline rush and the joy that it can bring as it passes by!
What is your favourite effect?
The green screen, as I can place myself anywhere in the world and as long as the camera perspective is right, it can look really authentic!
What is your goal on TikTok?
To make people smile and to spread positive energy.
What else is on your TikTok For You feed?!
The guy from New Zealand who is able to gulp down an insane amount of fluids in a matter of seconds. I have to admit, I attempted doing it myself with water and ended up getting water on my face and t-shirt! @thatkiwiguyy
What is your favourite TikTok you have made to date and why?
The video I made where I explained my love for trains and how now I feel that I no longer have to suppress my passion for trains and railways for the sake of coolness. While I was recording the video at a trainspotting location, something rare occurred where two trains crossed paths right in front of me which is very rare on a rural line like the one I was filming near. It was almost as though the universe was confirming that I was doing the right thing in being completely open with my passion.
What do you love most about the TikTok community?
I love the support and encouragement that people give to carry on going and making videos with trains. It always warms my heart to hear how my happiness has improved someone's day and that has to be one of the most wonderful things about the TikTok community.
Here is one of my favourite videos on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeVkUD6y/
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