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Engine666
location:
Hamilton, Ohio
Gender: Male
 |  |  | Re: Trains
<Reply # 20 on 4/14/2006 11:43 PM >
|  | | | Posted by blackhawk
If the engineer is blowing the hell out of his air horn you have pissed him off. He may radio it in too.
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Not neccesarily. Speaking as an engineer, I can say that most of us don't have psychic ability. Most railroads have rules stating to blow the hell out of the air horn (not exactly in those words but close enough) when there are people on or near the tracks. There's no way of telling from the cab if the person is zoned out not paying attention, drunk, suicidal, or just hanging out not bothering anything. I've never seen the need to call anyone in. Hell, I did my share of trespassing around railroads growing up. I'm not advocating going into an active railyard, but if you're gonna do it use common sense and don't walk down the middle of the tracks AND as the post up there says, expect movement on any track at any time. And don't expect it to stop on a dime.
Finally, if you do find a rr employee who seems pissed off, know that this job entails very long hours. 12 hour shifts with a crap load of paper work, 6-7 days a week-do the math. Some of these guys are going to be pissed off for other reasons. Just my opinion.
E
"May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house."
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Samurai
      
Vehicular Lord Rick
location:
northeastern New York
No matter where you go, there you are...
| | Re: Trains
<Reply # 21 on 4/14/2006 11:50 PM >
| | | | Posted by Engine666
Not neccesarily. Speaking as an engineer, I can say that most of us don't have psychic ability. Most railroads have rules stating to blow the hell out of the air horn (not exactly in those words but close enough) when there are people on or near the tracks. There's no way of telling from the cab if the person is zoned out not paying attention, drunk, suicidal, or just hanging out not bothering anything. I've never seen the need to call anyone in. Hell, I did my share of trespassing around railroads growing up. I'm not advocating going into an active railyard, but if you're gonna do it use common sense and don't walk down the middle of the tracks AND as the post up there says, expect movement on any track at any time. And don't expect it to stop on a dime.
Finally, if you do find a rr employee who seems pissed off, know that this job entails very long hours. 12 hour shifts with a crap load of paper work, 6-7 days a week-do the math. Some of these guys are going to be pissed off for other reasons. Just my opinion.
E
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Yeah, the CP Rail guys who deliver at my mill are kind of crabby... always trying to dump the cars and get it over with and they just haul out of Fort Ann NY. They mellow out if you are friendly enough, but most, when asked what they are using for motive power just grumble and reply, "I don't fucking know. A big red one."
Samurai
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Engine666
location:
Hamilton, Ohio
Gender: Male
| | | Re: Trains
<Reply # 22 on 4/15/2006 12:27 AM >
| | | | Posted by Samurai
but most, when asked what they are using for motive power just grumble and reply, "I don't fucking know. A big red one."
Samurai
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Ok...THAT's funny. I may use that. Thanks!
"May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house."
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blackhawk
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
location:
Mission Control
UER newbie
| | | Re: Trains
<Reply # 23 on 4/15/2006 12:28 AM >
| | | | Posted by Engine666
Not neccesarily. Speaking as an engineer, I can say that most of us don't have psychic ability. Most railroads have rules stating to blow the hell out of the air horn (not exactly in those words but close enough) when there are people on or near the tracks. There's no way of telling from the cab if the person is zoned out not paying attention, drunk, suicidal, or just hanging out not bothering anything. I've never seen the need to call anyone in. Hell, I did my share of trespassing around railroads growing up. I'm not advocating going into an active railyard, but if you're gonna do it use common sense and don't walk down the middle of the tracks AND as the post up there says, expect movement on any track at any time. And don't expect it to stop on a dime.
Finally, if you do find a rr employee who seems pissed off, know that this job entails very long hours. 12 hour shifts with a crap load of paper work, 6-7 days a week-do the math. Some of these guys are going to be pissed off for other reasons. Just my opinion.
E
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Trust me I saw this happen. I was the one that did it! Wasn't close enough to get get hit, but too close and not aware of his presence. I felt bad about doing that. The engineer radioed it in. The next commuter train 5 minutes latter air horned the hell out of me, even though I was sitting 7-10 yards off the track. I got lost quick after that.
If your well clear of the tracks, with a tripod, you more likey to get a wave or short tap of the air horn rather than the "death blast". It's a tough job, with long hours as you stated and I can understand why RR workers don't want any more "excitement" than they already have.
Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.
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Engine666
location:
Hamilton, Ohio
Gender: Male
| | | Re: Trains
<Reply # 24 on 4/15/2006 12:45 AM >
| | | | Oh yeah. There's some definet hot heads out there, to be sure. And I'm not saying none of them will call you in. Same situation as you described next to a CSX line got us-
They read us the riot act, told us how dangerous it was to be around train tracks,blah blah blah, followed by 'Where do you work?' "On the railroad. We drive these things." It kind of took the wind out of his sails and lightened the mood considerably. Enough that they let us take a shot of their lit up cruiser.
This was the train that called us in. To be fair, it was 2 in the morning and I guess two guys with cameras on tripods in the middle of nowhere looked odd to them.
"May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house."
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blackhawk
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
location:
Mission Control
UER newbie
| | | Re: Trains
<Reply # 25 on 4/15/2006 12:52 AM >
| | | | Ha! Guess that was a pretty good ice breaker; nothing like the truth. Nice shots. I like the ghost train.
Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.
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piplnr65656
location:
World Wide
Gender: Male
| | Re: Trains
<Reply # 26 on 4/16/2006 4:15 AM >
| | | | Another thing is don't wear a red shirt or jacket around the RR. I had to take a RR safety course and that was one of the big nono's they drilled into are heads. Red means stop no matter if it is a red light or a red jacket. A cool trick if you need to get the train to stop is to complete the circut between RR tracks with a piece of wire or a metel rod. It signals a fault in the system and they had to come out and visually inspect the tracks for the problem.
It was in September, we saw their silhouettes fade away, outlined on the horizon against the rays of the setting sun. |
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Twystr
location:
39.2N, 104.17W Elev. 6535ft
Gender: Male
Gimme Biggah Drayyyyynes!
| | Re: Trains
<Reply # 27 on 4/18/2006 1:59 AM >
| | | | Posted by piplnr65656
Another thing is don't wear a red shirt or jacket around the RR. I had to take a RR safety course and that was one of the big nono's they drilled into are heads. Red means stop no matter if it is a red light or a red jacket. A cool trick if you need to get the train to stop is to complete the circut between RR tracks with a piece of wire or a metel rod. It signals a fault in the system and they had to come out and visually inspect the tracks for the problem.
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If a railroad still has open-wire poles up for the signals, hook up some 12 volt bulbs and watch em come on/go off as a train passes... A theory which i havent seen done yet, but would love to tho. Could prove useful for sometihng. I do for a fact know that the two porcelain insulators on the very end of the lowest arm can pack up to 2,000 volts for the system power. Everything else on the glass insulators is just "code" or signal leads. Telephone can also be found mixed inon older systems with multiple arms...
Definaltely intersting to say the least.
"The man who trades freedom for security does not deserve nor will he ever receive either."
-Ben Franklin |
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Fruitbat
Gender: Male
| | Re: Trains
<Reply # 28 on 4/18/2006 5:30 AM >
| | | | I've found the best excuse is to claim that you're a trainspotter/railfan. This might even be true, in which case the engineers usually find solidarity with you, since most engineers are railfans themselves. However if you're going to play this act around people who know what they're talking about, you better know what you're talking about too if they engage you in any kind of railfanning conversation.
In the UK, there is a law that requires the driver to raise their hand and wave at anyone by the trackside on rail property, who must raise their hand and thereby demonstrate that they are aware of the oncoming train's presence. If you fail to do this, safety procedures require that you at least be reported as a possible trespasser - the rail company will then send someone to your location to have you removed. If you DO wave back at the driver, then they're far more likely to not be concerned. If you do this while wearing a high visibility vest, then they will actually assume that you're genuinely supposed to be there.
Many unaware trespassing railfans in the UK have gotten away with it by thinking that the engineer was merely being friendly, and have waved back as a result! Don't leave it up to chance. Read up on the rules of the railroad before you go explore it.
Assuming the role of Unauthorised Personell since 2003... |
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Engine666
location:
Hamilton, Ohio
Gender: Male
| | | Re: Trains
<Reply # 29 on 4/18/2006 10:11 PM >
| | | | Posted by Fruitbat
I've found the best excuse is to claim that you're a trainspotter/railfan. This might even be true, in which case the engineers usually find solidarity with you, since most engineers are railfans themselves. |
Not here they're not. I know a few who are, but for the most part they refer to the railfans as 'F'n GERF's'. Generally they put up with them, but trust me, for the most part they goof on them. A few around here carry cameras and shoot back. I don't think it's a security thing. I think it's just their way of having fun with it.
That is an interesting law about the waving there in the UK, though!
"May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house."
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Duct Tape
location:
Toronto
Gender: Male
"The Handyman's Secret Weapon"
| | | Re: Trains
<Reply # 30 on 4/19/2006 9:16 PM >
| | | | If you are really insisting on wandering railroad property, especially in a yard, investing in a Hi-vis vest probably isn't a bad idea. I know it goes against every stealthy UE instinct you likely have, but its a good way to make sure the train you don't see sees you and you get the warning of a horn blast.
I know of people who have been in CN yards with permission on Official Business photographing who have been given holy hell over not wearing hi vis, even away from the tracks.
While i know many won't agree with that because it goes against the goal of invisibility, its still my advice.
That said, the other things that have been said, constant vigilence, remembering trains can move at any direction at any time on any track, staying out of between the rails, don't walk/step on the rails (they can be slippy, stick to ballast and ties) and the like will help to keep you alive and safe when exploring, and its probably a good idea to not get caught in a container terminal, what with them having lots of international cargo that may or may not have been screened at the border, thats a sure way to P-O the railway people, police and customs.
"the ghosts of old buildings are haunting parking lots
in the city of good neighbors that history forgot"
- 'subdivision', Ani DiFranco ** Urbania - http://urbania.ohlphotos.com |
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Fruitbat
Gender: Male
| | Re: Trains
<Reply # 31 on 4/20/2006 2:00 AM >
| | | | Posted by Engine666
Not here they're not. I know a few who are, but for the most part they refer to the railfans as 'F'n GERF's'. Generally they put up with them, but trust me, for the most part they goof on them. A few around here carry cameras and shoot back. I don't think it's a security thing. I think it's just their way of having fun with it.
That is an interesting law about the waving there in the UK, though!
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In the UK they ALL are! They're all the grown up kids who said "I want to be an engine driver!". And I know in the US that it varies from area to area. In some places it's quite easy to actually get yourself an unofficial "don't say nothin' to the boss" cab ride.
It's a shame that so many people have so much hatred for railfans. Especially people who work for the railroad. It's so unnecessary.
Oh yes, one good rule to keep in mind is that, in fairly large numbers, points or switches or turnouts or whatever you want to call them, as well as the presence of a switching/shunting locomotive, means that unpredictable and random movements or rail cars is VERY likely. These places can be rail yards or industrial loading areas.
[last edit 4/20/2006 2:03 AM by Fruitbat - edited 1 times]
Assuming the role of Unauthorised Personell since 2003... |
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piplnr65656
location:
World Wide
Gender: Male
| | Re: Trains
<Reply # 32 on 4/20/2006 7:16 PM >
| | | | Be careful around rail switches. I was walking down the tracks one day in the port of la and a switch in front of me suddenly jerked over with force. If I would have had my foot in the wrong place at the wrong time it would have not been good.
It was in September, we saw their silhouettes fade away, outlined on the horizon against the rays of the setting sun. |
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Fruitbat
Gender: Male
| | Re: Trains
<Reply # 33 on 4/21/2006 12:05 AM >
| | | | Posted by piplnr65656
Be careful around rail switches. I was walking down the tracks one day in the port of la and a switch in front of me suddenly jerked over with force. If I would have had my foot in the wrong place at the wrong time it would have not been good.
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Which is one of the reasons why you don't walk between the tracks.
Assuming the role of Unauthorised Personell since 2003... |
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blackhawk
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
location:
Mission Control
UER newbie
| | | Re: Trains
<Reply # 34 on 4/21/2006 12:36 AM >
| | | | Your right piplnr65656 the auto switches are nasty, always walk around. As for walking on the tracks, I've done since I was six. The old Dutchman showed me how. No worries. Won't do it on high speed lines/concrete ties as they will sneak up on you. It's easier than walking beside many times, if there's a good walk way/road along side then that. If you can't, don't! No headsets, or cells....dah.
Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.
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Engine666
location:
Hamilton, Ohio
Gender: Male
| | | Re: Trains
<Reply # 35 on 4/21/2006 1:15 AM >
| | | | Posted by Fruitbat
It's a shame that so many people have so much hatred for railfans. Especially people who work for the railroad. It's so unnecessary.
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I don't think most hate them as much as they don't get it. Most are guys doing this because it's a job and can't understand why someone's out there taking pictures of them for fun.
"May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house."
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Fruitbat
Gender: Male
| | Re: Trains
<Reply # 36 on 4/21/2006 5:24 AM >
| | | | Posted by Engine666
I don't think most hate them as much as they don't get it. Most are guys doing this because it's a job and can't understand why someone's out there taking pictures of them for fun.
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True.
I once knew someone who ridiculed railfanning, saying he thought it was absolutely pathetic, yet he had an obsession with volkswagen beetles - he had books with nothing but pictures of them. He changed his mind after I explained to him that a volkswagen beetle is just a vehicle designed for a certain purpose with wheels and an engine just like any locomotive.
There seems to be the unreasonable perception among people that if it runs on rails it's taboo to take an interest in it.
Assuming the role of Unauthorised Personell since 2003... |
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piplnr65656
location:
World Wide
Gender: Male
| | Re: Trains
<Reply # 37 on 4/21/2006 10:34 AM >
| | | | Posted by Fruitbat
Which is one of the reasons why you don't walk between the tracks.
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Or between the tracks and the power unit for the switch like I did.
It was in September, we saw their silhouettes fade away, outlined on the horizon against the rays of the setting sun. |
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sean121982
location:
Harrisburg
Gender: Male
| |  | Re: Trains
<Reply # 38 on 4/26/2006 8:00 AM >
| | | | Posted by Engine666
This was the train that called us in. To be fair, it was 2 in the morning and I guess two guys with cameras on tripods in the middle of nowhere looked odd to them.
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Nice to know I'm not the only one who's been called in by a train while doing some night railfanning. Although first the train called the Philadelphia Police, who just drove by me as my friend and I were leaving our spot. We decided to call it quits and I dropped him off and headed home. I live about 3 miles from the nearest CSX tracks, but when I was turning onto my street I saw a CSX Police SUV going the opposite way. Guess they had nothing better to do at 3 AM than do a driveby of a railfan's house. 
Posted by piplnr65656
A cool trick if you need to get the train to stop is to complete the circut between RR tracks with a piece of wire or a metel rod. It signals a fault in the system and they had to come out and visually inspect the tracks for the problem.
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It should go without saying (but I'll throw it out there anyway) that this "cool" trick should NEVER be performed when there is a train approaching. Completing the circut in a block (what railroads call portions of the line) is how the dispatcher and signals governing entrance to the block on either end tell if it's occupied or not. So completing the circut causes the signals to change from whatever aspect they're displaying to "stop". So if there's a 5000 ton freight train hauling ass towards a signal that suddenly changes from green to red, the engineer has no choice but to put the train into emergency braking. Due to the speed that air pressure travels along the length of a train, emergency causes the front of the train to be slowing down as quickly as possible while the rear of the train is still moving at the pre-incident speed. The result could be a derailment, especially if there are light or empty cars around the front or middle of the train. It's just not a good idea to fuck with moving trains, especially in a manner like this. Not only is it unsafe, but railroaders already have a stressful, time-consuming job and they don't need anyone else making it harder on them. A happy train crew is more likely to be benign to whoever they see trackside.
Posted by Duct Tape
I know it goes against every stealthy UE instinct you likely have, but its a good way to make sure the train you don't see sees you and you get the warning of a horn blast.
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Not only that, but things like reflective vests and hardhats are great for social engineering around railroads.
While reading this thread, I didn't notice anyone mentioning one very important rule for railroad safety: NEVER climb on or (especially) under standing railroad equipment. Trains can start to move very suddenly, and if you're on it or under it and not expecting it, the results can be disastrous.
"And that's when the C.H.U.D.s came at me..." - Homer Simpson |
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Switchkey
location:
Victoria BC Canada
Gender: Male
| | Re: Trains
<Reply # 39 on 4/30/2006 1:55 AM >
| | | | Posted by piplnr65656
A cool trick if you need to get the train to stop is to complete the circut between RR tracks with a piece of wire or a metel rod. It signals a fault in the system and they had to come out and visually inspect the tracks for the problem.
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To add to Sean's warning about this.
A - Even if there isn't a train immediately approaching, do NOT mess with the signal systems. Doing so will trigger an "unexplained track occupancy" on the Centralized Traffic Control panel and will result in maintainance of way staff being called to the location. (More people to kick you off the property)
B - The RTC cannot clear the signal and must give the train a Rule 564 authority to pass the signal, which limits the speed to that which the train can stop in half the range of vision until it passes the next signal. (Pissed off crew, much more likely to call you in.)
C - If the train has passed the last signal on a clear indication, the stop signal will be a surprise to them (see previous post)
D - If caught by the police (RR or other), you WILL be looking at far more serious charges than mere trespassing (Can we say terrorist, boys & girls) and no excuse will work.
[last edit 4/30/2006 1:56 AM by Switchkey - edited 1 times]
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