Wyoming misadventure

[chad thomas]

Wyoming misadventure

All this talk about trespassing and law enforcement run-ins reminds me of a story. Back in 92’ I was living in LA and took a trip to Wyoming to visit an ex girlfriend. She lived in Evanston and was still in school. So during the mornings I had time to explore the area. I got lots of UP pictures from around the area. After a few days of exploring the area I decided to just sit next to the tracks west of the roundhouse. I don’t know if I was trespassing or not, it was not posted if it was. As I pulled into the yard there was a stack train passing by. When that train cleared there was a manifest train on the far track. The locomotives were about 100’ from where I was parked. After 10 minuets or so two guys popped out of the cab and stood on the platform. I could tell they were eyeballing me but trying to be inconspicuous about it. I just sat there and waited to see what they would do.

After a few minuets one of them walked over to my truck and bummed a smoke. I think that was just to break the ice though. After a bit of chit chat he asked me if I could do them a favor and give them a ride to the market up the street. Naturally I said no problem and he called the other guy over. They jumped in and we zipped over to the store and they went in and bought some snacks. They even bought me a soda for the ride. And back to the train we went. We got back and these guys asked me if I wanted to join them up in the cab where it was warm (this was November). So we all climbed into the cab. It was a UP C30-7 and it was much warmer up in the cab. Once we all settled into our seats these guys macked on there munchies while I checked things out. This was the first time I ever saw the inside of a GE (not including a 1 min. cab tour of AT&SF 554 at railfair 91’)

Of course I had many questions and these guys had the answers. One thing I wondered was what were they waiting for. I asked when they were leaving and they told me when the dog catch crew showed up. So I figured they died on the law and were waiting for the carry all to take them home when the new crew arrived. I got a little nervous about getting in trouble but they assured me everything is cool. I spent about an hour in the cab and one of them explained what was what and what it did. These guys were very knowledgable not just about the UP but railroads in general.

Now this whole time I had every reason to believe these guys were the crew. They dressed like a railroader would. They were VERY knowlegable about the loco and railroads. They were on the loco when I arrived earlier. But when one of them started talking about there planned route, something like from there to Cheyanne and then up to the BN, a flag went up. Wait a minuet, crews don’t do that. I wanted to find out if they were the crew but if they were and I asked then I would feel like a real idiot. I sat there for several minuets before asking the question. I figured out a way to ask without feeling as stupid as I would have. I asked them if they were the crew for THAT train. They both busted up laughing. After what seemed like an eternity in suspense one of them asked me if I really thought they were crew. I told them that I had no reason to believe they were not.

At that point they proceded to tell me of there yearly hoboing treks around the country. These guys went on two week journeys every year on there vacations. I hung around for about another half hour or so listening to there tales. By that time I had to pick up my ex from school. Thinking back on that there were certainly many things that could have went way wrong really fast. Thankfully it didn’t. Now every time I see a UP C30-7 I am reminded of that day (too bad I didn’t get the number).

[Tharmeni]

Very good story. Thank you.

[chad thomas]

Thanks.
I hope this means your not still upset with me.[8D]

[Anonymous]

Awesome story!!!!!!!! Wow!!!!!!! [:O]

Ohh, By the way, another great pic in your signature!

[chad thomas]

Thanks Chris

[chad thomas]

And I hope you younger members don't get the wrong idea about trespassing. Even though this was only a decade ago, it was still a different era. It really is tragic that you guys can't get away with the stuff I used to do. I had many adventures that I wouldn't attempt to try today. If I don't get run out of here for telling them I will post more when I get time. I've been busy as can be lately but I feel sick today so I am hiding in my office.

[trainboyH16-44]

Wow, that sounds like some adventure! Thanks for the story, even my non-railroad friends got a kick out of it!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by chad thomas

And I hope you younger members don't get the wrong idea about trespassing. Even though this was only a decade ago, it was still a different era. It really is tragic that you guys can't get away with the stuff I used to do. I had many adventures that I wouldn't attempt to try today. If I don't get run out of here for telling them I will post more when I get time. I've been busy as can be lately but I feel sick today so I am hiding in my office.

I hear ya. I always go railfanning with my dad, and we once went to the UP engine facility here in the Chicago suburbs becasue the Olympic Torch SD70 was having work done to it. We drove on to the yard road and sighted the loco, but it was buried... So I occupied myself with photographing some of the power that was closer, and tryng to get a shot of the 2002, which I could not.

Just as we were abuot to leave, a UP employe came over to tell us that we were treuspassing, and my dad and I said that we would leave, no questions asked. But then the UP guy started to shoot the breeze with us....he talked to my dad.. I asked him some rrailroading questions, and told him how I would some day like to work for the UP... he asked why we were here, my dad and I explained to the UP guy that we were railfans, and I was interested in photography. And then , we mentioned the 2002 and the guys took us back there!!!!!! he let us cross the track to get pics of the Olympic torch loco!!! What a nice guy!!!! Goes to show ya, common courtesey goes a long way[:)][:D]

EDIT: I accidentaly typed in KATY SD70 oops!!![:I]

[CopCarSS]

Good story, Chad. BTW, I'm starting to get envious of you pictures. Some beautiful shots, and your luck, skill or combination thereof of getting more than one train into a picture is uncanny. Would that I had your luck/skill!

[tree68]

Lesson to be learned from Chris's Olympic Torch engine story - Be civil and people will be civil back. Had they challenged the RR people ("Whadya mean, I'm trespassing!?!?!?"), they would have been run off the property and may very well have had to speak to one or more members of the law enforcement community.

[chad thomas]

My last encounter went like this.
I was sitting in front of a closed grade crossing between trains when BNSF cop drives by, stops, turns around and pulls up next to me.
Me,"Hows it going?"
Cop,"Alright, how bout yourself?"
Me,"Is there something I can help you with?"
Cop,"Naw, I thought you were someone else"
Me,"Well who are you looking for?"
Cop,"Someone up to no good"
Me,"Yep, You got the wrong person all right"
Cop,"Say man you got a light?"
Me,"Yup". And I handed him my lighter.
Cop, Pulls out a big cigar and lights it up, hands me my light back, takes a deep drag and says,"here is your next one"
I turned around and sure enough here comes one. I reach for my camera and jump out of the truck.
Cop,"You enjoy yourself now ya hear". Then speeds off. Now everytime he sees me he shoots me a big wave.

[chad thomas]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CopCarSS

Good story, Chad. BTW, I'm starting to get envious of you pictures. Some beautiful shots, and your luck, skill or combination thereof of getting more than one train into a picture is uncanny. Would that I had your luck/skill!

Location,location, location baby.[;)] But thanks anyway. I admire your work too. I can't wait till I can scan my old slides. I got the scanner but the software was corrupt and I'm waiting for the replacement software. Then I can post my better pictures, better cause the SP was still the SP and there were no paches (Milwakee bandits aside).[:D]

[rockisland4309]

Great story Chad. About 10 years ago when U.P.'s SD90MACs were brand new I was shooting pictures of them and started chatting with the crew and they invited me up in the cab and I couldn't believe all of the screens on engineers stand. It was very cool.

Before my invite up in the SD90MACs the only units I'd got to climb up in were GP7's, GP38-2's and U.P.'s very first SD60M (which I didn't write down the unit number.) Unfortunately, I never had a chance to check out any SD40-2 or C30-7's.

Yeah. If you shoot the breeze with most train crews and they realize you're not a threat they'll bend over backwards for you to climb up in the cab and show you around or even get to ride along. Unfortunately, the younger railfans will never experience that like myself.

[chad thomas]

Thanks guys.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rockisland4309



Yeah. If you shoot the breeze with most train crews and they realize you're not a threat they'll bend over backwards for you to climb up in the cab and show you around or even get to ride along. Unfortunately, the younger railfans will never experience that like myself.

Well, now I feel really lucky[:D] My dad and I were once railfanning a BNSF yard and had an employe shoot the breeze with us, and after we showed him repect and even offered to leave and let him get on with his job, he took us in the cab of an AC4400!!!! We were very grateful, and got yet another expieience that proves how far respect and courtesey will get you.

[:)]

By the way, great storys guys!!! [8D]

[miniwyo]

I hope too get invited to see one of the locos being serviced in Green River, but I doubt It will happen.

Chad- The roundhouse is by no means trespassing, Outside, It is owned by the City of Evanston and is currently being restored, another piece of ralroading being saved!!

[Tharmeni]

Chad's story and his followup post remind me of one of my favorite recollections of my career with the HQ staff of the BN. Shortly after Richard Grayson took over as president of the BN, I stopped by to see a road gang working in Northern Illinois. I needed a picture of a working road gang working on double track for one of the BN publications.

The foreman and several of the men were quite excited because "Mr Grayson" had stopped by earlier in their shift, visited with the gang, asked them about working conditions and gave the cigar smokers on the gang some Bohio cigars. The foreman actually offered me his.

When I later checked with Owen, *** Grayson's personal assistant, I discovered Mr. Grayson had not left his office in St. Paul that day.

I've always wondered who the generous imposter was.

Well, Chad, I've wracked my brain and can't recollect being upset with you. Tharmeni

[Anonymous]

Great story Chad!

Your hobo story beats my hobo story by a mile.

[chad thomas]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tharmeni

Chad's story and his followup post remind me of one of my favorite recollections of my career with the HQ staff of the BN. Shortly after Richard Grayson took over as president of the BN, I stopped by to see a road gang working in Northern Illinois. I needed a picture of a working road gang working on double track for one of the BN publications.

The foreman and several of the men were quite excited because "Mr Grayson" had stopped by earlier in their shift, visited with the gang, asked them about working conditions and gave the cigar smokers on the gang some Bohio cigars. The foreman actually offered me his.

When I later checked with Owen, *** Grayson's personal assistant, I discovered Mr. Grayson had not left his office in St. Paul that day.

I've always wondered who the generous imposter was.

Well, Chad, I've wracked my brain and can't recollect being upset with you. Tharmeni

Mental note: add white hardhat, box of premium cigars, and name of local head honcho to my railfan gear.[:D]

Well Tharmeni, a while back a certain troll was causing problems and you got in the middle of it (probably unaware of this trolls antics) and we had words. No big deal, I don't remember the specifics either. Glad there are no hard feelings.[8D]

[Tharmeni]

Hard feelings/ None whatsoever. (since I can't recall the incident). I thought it was my topic head "Two Weeks to Live" that almost gave you a heart attack!

But do go to WalMart, spend a buck and watch the first few minutes of "Two Weeks to Live". Good steam and Zephyr shots.

[chad thomas]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tharmeni

Hard feelings/ None whatsoever. (since I can't recall the incident). I thought it was my topic head "Two Weeks to Live" that almost gave you a heart attack!

But do go to WalMart, spend a buck and watch the first few minutes of "Two Weeks to Live". Good steam and Zephyr shots.

No it wasn't the topic. Actually I think it's funny when someone post those attention getting topics.....and even funnier how some people react.[:D]
Although I must admit I have harrassed some forum members for doing so, all in good fun of course.[;)]