Back in the fifties, the PRR E-8's I rode in had just two seats in the cabs, NO air conditioning, NO hot plates, I do not recall any drinking water or any other creature comforts. They did have a porcelain toilet behind the rear 567 on the engineers side. I do not recall them having a DO NOT FLUSH sign.
SD70Dude We had a lawn chair for the middle seat in a yard engine for about a month. CP quit buying air ride seats years ago (thanks Hunter and Creel). CN never splurged for them, but we did get fully reclining seats for a while back when the napping program was a thing (long since gone, again thanks to Hunter and his ilk). Now we don't even get headrests. Not sure about the other railroads.
We had a lawn chair for the middle seat in a yard engine for about a month.
CP quit buying air ride seats years ago (thanks Hunter and Creel). CN never splurged for them, but we did get fully reclining seats for a while back when the napping program was a thing (long since gone, again thanks to Hunter and his ilk). Now we don't even get headrests. Not sure about the other railroads.
Air ride seats would be nice. We started getting ones with headrests, which I hated. For me, all they ever did was get in the way when I wanted to look back without sticking my head out the window.
We have new seats that were tested and they actually took comments from the people who use them. They are OK, but they don't slide back far enough the way they are mounted on most engines. Most wide nose cabs with the side control stand have a shelf for paperwork and cup holder. Some are large. Even the small ones mean a big person is going to have your knees crushed into them.
Jeff
zugmann BaltACD They are designed with the same throught processes that apply to all the other forms of heavy duty industrial equipment. Get the job done without routinely killing the operator of the equipment for the least amount of money. That thinking is very dated (and of course the railroads are among the last to adapt to anything new). There's no excuse for today's locmotives to not have decent seats and operating compartments. Well, excuses that don't revolve around crying about spending money for basic neccessities. The pseudo macho-crap needs to go. The people in the ivory tower could get by sitting on overturned milk crates and using a port-o-john in the parking lot, too. But they don't. And the industry wonders why they can't get/retain people.
BaltACD They are designed with the same throught processes that apply to all the other forms of heavy duty industrial equipment. Get the job done without routinely killing the operator of the equipment for the least amount of money.
That thinking is very dated (and of course the railroads are among the last to adapt to anything new).
There's no excuse for today's locmotives to not have decent seats and operating compartments. Well, excuses that don't revolve around crying about spending money for basic neccessities. The pseudo macho-crap needs to go.
The people in the ivory tower could get by sitting on overturned milk crates and using a port-o-john in the parking lot, too.
But they don't.
And the industry wonders why they can't get/retain people.
Greetings from Alberta
-an Articulate Malcontent
We've come a long way over that last 40 years.. and arguably we still have a long way to go. Today's equipment is much quieter and more ergonomic than what was available in, say, 1982. Over the years workers demanded better working conditions, and employers came to realize that better working conditions improved productivity and reduced injuries, illness, and employee turnover... a win win for all involved. Even people in the hardscrabble construction field expect to be working in air conditioned comfort... diggers and bulldozers now come with AC and comfortable seats as standard equipment..no more sitting out in the elements under an old makeshift umbrella.
Under PSR - everything is viewed as avoidable costs. People, safety appliances, creature 'comforts' - EVERYTHING.
Figure a way to avoid the cost and get promoted - unless you are the cost that is being avoided.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
zugmann The people in the ivory tower could get by sitting on overturned milk crates and using a port-o-john in the parking lot, too.
Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.
EHH tried when he moved CP HQ out of their posh downtown Calgary digs and into much more modest quarters adjacent to a railyard. Not quite to the sitting on milk cartons stage, but a reasonable compromise..
BaltACDThey are designed with the same throught processes that apply to all the other forms of heavy duty industrial equipment. Get the job done without routinely killing the operator of the equipment for the least amount of money.
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
Despite how will like to glamorize them - locomotives are nothing more that specialized heavy duty industrial equipment designed for the sole purpose of moving freight on the railraods of the world. Each is bound by the physical restraints of the areas they are to operate in.
They are designed with the same throught processes that apply to all the other forms of heavy duty industrial equipment. Get the job done without routinely killing the operator of the equipment for the least amount of money.
I haven't been in a locomotive cab in decades, but if we're talking about air ride seats, AC and hot plates then things have surely improved over the years. In the 1970s I had the opportunity to look into the cab of a CN RS18.. wow.. long hood forward limited visibility through a very small window that resembled a porthole.. cramped cab.. and nothing that I could see that would equate to creature comforts in the modern context. But in the 70s many railroaders who had started out with steam were still working, and even the RS18 was a vast improvement over a steam engine cab, thus not alot of complaints. Apart from the utilitarian cab, I suppose one had to grow accustomed to the engine's sounds.. the rhythmic kathunk kathunk of the prime mover along with alot of hissing, shuttering, and the occasional long sigh..
Murphy Siding I wondered if locomotives had air-ride seats like most semi trucks. Then I remembered that trains ride on steel rails that *should* be really smooth. So are they equiped with just basic, old truck seats?
I wondered if locomotives had air-ride seats like most semi trucks. Then I remembered that trains ride on steel rails that *should* be really smooth. So are they equiped with just basic, old truck seats?
CP AC44's built from 2001+ have air ride seats. Some of the best seats in my opinion.
Locomotive batterys are 8 volts, and there are 8 of them, so if you want to tap them you have to go to the second battery, (been there done it) I always went to the 14 volt tap. Because of line loss, you'd get just what you wanted for 12 volt use.
I've been gone too long, I am going to get this quote box issue figured out.
For some reason, the quote function is different than the other forums I have been frequenting
May your flanges always stay BETWEEN the rails
tree68 Some is no doubt due to not understanding another industry. My childhood dream job was Locomotive Engineer. I always knew that I would be involved in transportation, Rail being my preferred choice, I grew up on the Columbia River, near Portlan, OR and Tug and Barge was also a strong interest. I Graduated from high school in 1983, the railroad's had people furloughed, and weren't hiring, I was never able to find out how to get involved in Tug and Barge work, and I pretty much fell into a Good job driving in Food service, 33 years later, still moving freight, just not restauran supplies anymore Around 1981, I met a local crew, in Troutdale, OR, I was invited to join them, they kept inviting me back, and I went out many times with them. One day, after clearing the main, Al stopped and had me take his seat, and supervised me operating a GP38-2, until we got to the Reynolds Aluminum plant, didn't think it was a good idea for anyone to see me in his seat, so he took the controls back It was a memorable experience, and my time with that crew reinforced my ambition to work for UP, but my timing was bad, and life took me another direction That crew told me about what Life was really like working the rails, but pretty much every fie job in transportation has it's sacrifices. Doug challenger3980 I "Get" that this is a Rail based site, but some of the hostility towards trucking is one of the reasons that I left the site for awhile, that and other interests demanding time as well Some folks seem to thrive in such an "us vs them" world. Give 'em an inch, and they'll take a mile, as they say.
Some is no doubt due to not understanding another industry. My childhood dream job was Locomotive Engineer. I always knew that I would be involved in transportation, Rail being my preferred choice, I grew up on the Columbia River, near Portlan, OR and Tug and Barge was also a strong interest.
I Graduated from high school in 1983, the railroad's had people furloughed, and weren't hiring, I was never able to find out how to get involved in Tug and Barge work, and I pretty much fell into a Good job driving in Food service, 33 years later, still moving freight, just not restauran supplies anymore
Around 1981, I met a local crew, in Troutdale, OR, I was invited to join them, they kept inviting me back, and I went out many times with them.
One day, after clearing the main, Al stopped and had me take his seat, and supervised me operating a GP38-2, until we got to the Reynolds Aluminum plant, didn't think it was a good idea for anyone to see me in his seat, so he took the controls back
It was a memorable experience, and my time with that crew reinforced my ambition to work for UP, but my timing was bad, and life took me another direction
That crew told me about what Life was really like working the rails, but pretty much every fie job in transportation has it's sacrifices.
Doug
challenger3980 I "Get" that this is a Rail based site, but some of the hostility towards trucking is one of the reasons that I left the site for awhile, that and other interests demanding time as well
Some folks seem to thrive in such an "us vs them" world. Give 'em an inch, and they'll take a mile, as they say.
challenger3980I "Get" that this is a Rail based site, but some of the hostility towards trucking is one of the reasons that I left the site for awhile, that and other interests demanding time as well
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Sorry about replying in the quotebox above, using my phone, and that doesn't always work out so well
zugmann No doudt, both sides had issues, being a rail centric site, definitely more on the rail side, and perspective plays a part The lunchbox cooker is pretty compact it holds up to 3 small burritos, the 2.5qt sauce pot would be more compact if the handle was folding or removable, but still fairly compact, and a guy would only take whichever one he would be using a particular day or trip. Being a "Pool Driver " now, I am not assigned a truck, and work different locations frequently, I understand not being able to leave things in the cab, I do miss having an assigned tractor, but my dedicated account closed, such is life Anyhow, my intent was to maybe suggest options some weren't aware of, hopefully some will find some use, if not I tried to help Doug challenger3980 I "Get" that this is a Rail based site, but some of the hostility towards trucking is one of the reasons that I left the site for awhile, that and other interests demanding time as well I always saw the opposite, but I guess it depends from one's perspective. The major issue is how much you want to carry around with you - esp the road guys.
No doudt, both sides had issues, being a rail centric site, definitely more on the rail side, and perspective plays a part
The lunchbox cooker is pretty compact it holds up to 3 small burritos, the 2.5qt sauce pot would be more compact if the handle was folding or removable, but still fairly compact, and a guy would only take whichever one he would be using a particular day or trip. Being a "Pool Driver " now, I am not assigned a truck, and work different locations frequently, I understand not being able to leave things in the cab, I do miss having an assigned tractor, but my dedicated account closed, such is life
Anyhow, my intent was to maybe suggest options some weren't aware of, hopefully some will find some use, if not I tried to help
I always saw the opposite, but I guess it depends from one's perspective.
The major issue is how much you want to carry around with you - esp the road guys.
I always saw the opposite, but I guess it's all a matter of perspective.
The major issue is still how much you want to carry around with you - esp the road guys.
I wasn't sure if 12V outlets were available in a locomotive, or if you would even be allowed to use these, but they would offer inexpensive options for meal prep.
They are available at most truck stops. I originally got the lunchbox cooker for hot meals on the boat, Salmon Fishing. I got it with fuel points, not expecting much, and was Pleasantly Surprised, at how well made it is, and how well it works
Time marched on, things changed, I ha been doing a lot of sleeper work, and have added pretty much the rest of the collection, again mainly with fuel points, but I have come to appreciate these appliances
Maybe some in T/E service can use them, unfortunately more don't see the many ways that Trucks and Rails can work TOGETHER, each industry has it's advantages, and disadvantages, inter-industry cooperation is getting better, but there is sstill a Lot of room for improvement I "Get" that this is a Rail based site, but some of the hostility towards trucking is one of the reasons that I left the site for awhile, that and other interests demanding time as well
I see Shadow is still here, and seems to have gained some respect
zugmann120, probably. If they're not 74V like most other things on an engine. I'm not sure.
I'd imagine 120 VAC. One inverter is probably cheaper than the appliances, and if an appliance breaks, you can run to the local department store and get a new one.
You could pull 12VDC off the batteries, but IIRC, there could be a surge issue pulling the juice off just one battery in the bank.
zugmann120, probably. If they're not 74V like most other things on an engine. I'm not sure. Don't forget - all those cooking accessories sound nice in theory, but you have the carry that stuff. Every day. On top of all the other stuff you have to carry.
Don't forget - all those cooking accessories sound nice in theory, but you have the carry that stuff. Every day. On top of all the other stuff you have to carry.
When did NS stop handing out 'dooty bags' for #2?
120, probably. If they're not 74V like most other things on an engine. I'm not sure.
zugmann Some of our engines have an outlet for company-provided laptops (according to the sticker). That's pretty much it.
Some of our engines have an outlet for company-provided laptops (according to the sticker).
That's pretty much it.
Are those 12V or 120V outlets?
You would need a 15 amp/ 12V outlet, I wouldn't bet on 10 amp or less not blowing a fuse/tripping a breaker
It has been a long time since I was invited into a Cab, and I have never Worked as a T/E employee.
Is there any 12 volt access in a locomotive?
If so the 12V appliances from Road Pro are Very Good, and reasonably priced
I have, and have used the cooker that looks like a lunch box, I wrap burritos and chimichangas in foil and cook them in that. I also have, and use the 2.5 qt sauce pot, which I cook beef stew, chili, clam chowder or soups in. I have but haven't used yet, their crock pot, frying pan, roasting pan,and coffee maker
If 12V is available, these would offer many options for hot meals. I have eaten many hot meals, at out of the way places using them
jeffhergertI can't recall PTC doing anything when self testing. Although I usually test the cabs/ATC first (if needed) before initializing PTC.
Our LSLs do the speed test thing, but they have their own speedometer on the LSL box on our engines.
zugmann tree68 Also necessary if you're trying to get a train up a +/- 1% hill in the fall when the rails are covered with leaves - so you can hear if an axle takes off on you. Now if that happens PTC will just enforce you the instant the speedo pegs.
tree68 Also necessary if you're trying to get a train up a +/- 1% hill in the fall when the rails are covered with leaves - so you can hear if an axle takes off on you.
Now if that happens PTC will just enforce you the instant the speedo pegs.
Back when we had the first version of LEADER, it would freak out when the Automatic Train Control was self-tested. Since ATC has a speed component, in self testing mode it drives the speedometer up to the preset speeds. LEADER didn't like that, but it couldn't give a penalty application.
Although when operating with PTC we don't use cab signals, lead engines still have to be equipped and have passed a departure test in case the PTC fails. I can't recall PTC doing anything when self testing. Although I usually test the cabs/ATC first (if needed) before initializing PTC.
jeffhergert That wouldn't be so much of a problem, but the latest third seat design on ours gets placed where it's in the way of everything when it's folded up. When unfolded for use, it's way more in the way. I call it a Murphy Bed (No offense Murphy Siding) because that's what it reminds me of.
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