Moving Between Loco's On The Move

[Train Guy 3]

I'd rather walk on the outside of a locomtive at full speed than walk between the cars on Amtrak at full speed.

[Anonymous]

Many years ago, we had a group of Alco S2's and S4's with MU that were used in transfer service. Most of these units had drop steps, but some didn't. Foot boards were still in use, and we would step between units using the footboards if no drop step was there at speeds up to about 25 mph. The safety gestapo would FREAK at that now! 8^@

[Anonymous]

As Ed said there is no applicable rule in GCOR. I believe NORAC also lacks such a rule. The rule I am aware of is imposed upon employees through a special instruction in the ETT that prohibits being on the outside locomotive walkways at speeds exceeding 15 mph.

LC

[edblysard]

No rule against it in the GCOR, but then again, most of our locomotives have hand rails, walkways and drop down end platforms designed for just such a purpose.
Its sorta like walking on a moving ship in choppy seas, once you find the rythem, its easy, as long as you dont think about it to hard.
Ed

[oubliette]

Hi,

Another question from the UK. Whilst watching a number of Rail DVD's I noticed on a couple of them train crew on the running boards of loco's whilst the loco's were moving at a fair speed. I also witnessed this in Field, BC whereby a member of the train crew was walking from one loco to the next whilst the train was climbing towards the Spiral Tunnels.

Is there a rule on this. I know there are handrails etc but is there a point where it becomes unsafe to walk outside a loco whilst on the move.

Just curious?

Cheers

Rory