I recently discovered the Funnel cam at Folkston and during idle moments (more of the day it seems as the years grind on) I have been studying the scene shown. I have a few, probably naive, observations:
1. Having tried to follow the train schedule it appears that not one train is even remotely on time.
2. Most of the trains are CSX and hugely long compared to our own freights. Is there a legal limit on the number of wagons or it purely based on what the engine can take comfortably? Incidentally, I have yet to see any Amtraks but I accept that these represent only a fraction of the traffic that moves along that line.
3. I know train spotters take pics of engines but I have never before seen anyone photographing freight wagons, particularly ones that appear no different from others. Am I missing something here?
4. On the non-train side I infrequently see golf buggies being driven on the road. I hadn't realised these were legal to be driven off golf courses nor do I understand their purpose in a non-sporting environment. Is this a common sight in the USA? Enlightment requested please.
5. Should I really be worrying about these matters? Life is short enough as it is.
Posted by cubzo (Member # 4700) on :
You will see a lot of golf carts in communities with a lot of retired folks. They are legal to drive if they are "street legal". That having all the required safety equipment such as lights and seat belts.
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
Not sure if there are legally defined lengths of freight trains but there are certainly rules and procedures regarding the loading of such for some types of train. Off the top of my head they might include things like particular types of hazardous or flammable materials within close proximity on the train (best not to mix some types of leakages), heavier things closer to the front (risk of toppling on sharp bends otherwise), etc. Don't forget some trains have mid- or end-train locomotive helpers which can also affect how a train is loaded. Think of the weight on the first coupler with no helpers!
Posted by amtrak92 (Member # 14343) on :
CSX does have rules regarding the length. I forget what they are. But I know they have one. Golf Carts aren't even st. legal in my area. Just drive them