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Will be traveling the Chief from Chicago to Flagstaff. Is it possible to attain a cab ride on any part of this trip? If so, how might one go about the process? Thanks, Greg
Posts: 5 | Registered: Feb 2004
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Jonathon is right- this is an absolute no-no by the railroads, except in rare cases of a film company (Pentrex, for example) receiving permission. The railroads are unable to accept the liability issues for it, and in this lawsuit happy country, they aren't willing to take a risk. I've been invited into the cabs of a few trains, and all were stopped at a station, but even that is discouraged. But, enjoy the trip- and I hope you have a great time here in Flag!
Posts: 553 | From: Flagstaff, AZ USA | Registered: Apr 2001
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During my eleven year (1970-81) railroad industry career, I had enough properly credentialed cab rides to recall the exposure to personal injury that prevails. Further, I think it is a safe assumption that our world has become "notably' more litigous since I left the industry.
Let's start with the ascent to the cab, a fall would be no fun. Nuff said?
You will quickly note that everything vibrates. What else can one expect with a 3000hp or higher 16 cylinder internal combustion engine right behind you?
The first time an engineer makes a brake application, you will find your eardrums ringing and filled with some amount of pain. Lest we forget you will likely be over on the fireman's as well. It is no wonder that many railroads and passenger agencies require engineers to wear ear protective devices. Further may I note that the various alerting devices (malfunctions, signals, etc) do "not exactly" sound off the way that personal communications device in your pocket of affixed to your belt sounds off with, say, chimes of the G-Minor opening to Mozart's 40th.
While of course, the Amtrak SDP-40F's have long been retired, all I can report to the Forum regarding their inherent lateral motion operating at 70mph or higher can best be described as "violent'.
Now after having been both shaken and disoriented from the motion and the decibels, it is now time to alight from the cab. Sorry, but no cab level platform is available to ensure you have a safe and plesant descent.
Is it any wonder cabs are strictly off limits to the public?
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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In addition to falling off, uncomfortable rides, etc, there are the issues of distracting the engineer and fiddling with things you shouldn't be. For these reasons, a properly sanctioned cab ride would, depending on the railroad, be with a supervisor of some sort to "babysit" you. On many cab ride videos you can hear this additional person in the background. He, of course, needs to be paid for the time spent accompanying you.
The closest you are likely to get is a quick visit to the cab while at a service stop. Not unlikely, but not common either. I was lucky enough to gain such a visit at El Paso a couple of years ago. Don't approach the cab without being beckoned as any security/police may assume you are up to no good and give you a free ride in the back of their car in handcuffs.
Geoff M.
Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Thanks to all of you for your insight on this topic of cab rides. Your responses do not surprise me as I am a nuclear power plant operator and am well accustomed to rules that can not be broken due to the risk factor. Just thought that there might be some avenue I did not consider. Being a train fan for many years, I still think riding up front even from one station to the next would add icing to the cake of the trip.
I am however, intriqued by the responses in this forum by actual crew members. The reality of the atmosphere in the cab of a diesel seems far removed from the romantic adventure of the engineer portrayed to much of the public.
Thanks again for taking the time to respond to my question. I will just enjoy the ride and view from the back and leave the driving to the crew.
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The one time ive been in the cab of an engine(in use) came in 1998.
It was in Kansas City, MO. I remember that day quite well. A 3 hour late Southwest Chief. Freezing temperatures. Rain. But it was well worth the wait. I saw a couple of rail fans climb up in to the lead engine so I went up to the engineer and asked if I could go up and have a look see. I did, and it was a good view from there.
Posts: 547 | From: St. Louis, MO, USA | Registered: Nov 2002
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Like Mr.Norman I have also ridden in cabs with authorization. This was a necessity because of my work responsibilities. I rode Santa Fe's Super C freight from Ft Madison to Emporia and the Super Chief from Raton to Albuq. I have also arrived on the scene shortly after a train hit a gasoline tanker with the result that all in the cab were burned to death. Additionally I know of an accident where a heavily loaded sand truck withnits high center of gravity was hit by a train with severe injuries to the crew.
It is a unique experience to ride in the cab of a fast moving locomotive but It would seem obvious why RR's cannot risk rail fans being allowed the privilege
Posts: 467 | From: Prescott, AZ USA | Registered: Mar 2002
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My best cab ride began on an excursion and lasted thru thr following summer: On an 844 excursion over U.P. from SLC to Cheyenne, a friend and I kept begging engine crew to let us ride with them. No deal, but on return trip with E-units, we were offerred consolation of diesel ride, so up we went, meeting Road Foreman of Engines who was persuaded of our serious interest in the company, leading to a call the following summer during the summer hiring season. I flew back and got a job in train service there that lasted about three months. The excursion was in 1963 and the work months in 1964, with plenty paid cab rides, and even an 844 ride at last.
Posts: 216 | From: San Carlos, CA, USA | Registered: Jul 2000
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by Greg16: [B]Thanks to all of you for your insight on this topic of cab rides.
You might want to consider checking out the museum circuit. Some museums offer cab rides for a surprisingly reasonable price. One that I've done is at the Kentucky Railway Museum in New Haven, KY (11 mile trip each way). Another cab ride possibility is at the North Carolina Transportation History Museum in the old Southern shops at Spencer, NC.
Beyond this, a few museums for a substantial price will let the railfan operate (under supervision of course) a locomotive for an hour. The Nevada Northern Museum in Ely, NV advertises this and there are others out there.
Hope this helps,
------------------ David Pressley
Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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