STAY OFF THE TRACKS

[Anonymous]

Hi All,
I live in Michigan right on the Holly sub of Grand Trunk Western (CN). I've lived there all my 38 years and basically grew up walking the tracks behind my house. We are way out in the country, and growing up, there were never any No Trespassing signs or Railroad police around. Nobody ever told us that it was dangerous. We thought and acted like the railroad was a regular road. Look both ways, if something is coming get the heck out of the way, fast. We never had an incident, and only once do I recall that the crew had to give an extra toot to warn someone.....and that was an adult. Today, I would never dream of doing the things that I did in my uneducated youth. And my railfanning freinds and myself let everyone know, in no uncertain terms, stay off the right of way. The kids usually listen. It's the adults that have a hard time getting it. We are rather fortunate in that we have a great railfaning spot at the Durand, MI Union Station. It is open to the public and you can stand on the platform as the trains go by. There ia a fence seperating you from the right of way, but you can stand within about 8 feet of millions of tons of CN freight trains roaring by at over 60 MPH. More than once I have used this as an object lesson with friends to get the point across that these big, heavy, thundering machines cannot stop for you so you have to stop for them. So far I have only had one person stay at the fence with me for the entire length of the train. Everyone else has backed off . If that experience doesn't make the point then they are hopeless.

[Anonymous]

Hi All,
I live in Michigan right on the Holly sub of Grand Trunk Western (CN). I've lived there all my 38 years and basically grew up walking the tracks behind my house. We are way out in the country, and growing up, there were never any No Trespassing signs or Railroad police around. Nobody ever told us that it was dangerous. We thought and acted like the railroad was a regular road. Look both ways, if something is coming get the heck out of the way, fast. We never had an incident, and only once do I recall that the crew had to give an extra toot to warn someone.....and that was an adult. Today, I would never dream of doing the things that I did in my uneducated youth. And my railfanning freinds and myself let everyone know, in no uncertain terms, stay off the right of way. The kids usually listen. It's the adults that have a hard time getting it. We are rather fortunate in that we have a great railfaning spot at the Durand, MI Union Station. It is open to the public and you can stand on the platform as the trains go by. There ia a fence seperating you from the right of way, but you can stand within about 8 feet of millions of tons of CN freight trains roaring by at over 60 MPH. More than once I have used this as an object lesson with friends to get the point across that these big, heavy, thundering machines cannot stop for you so you have to stop for them. So far I have only had one person stay at the fence with me for the entire length of the train. Everyone else has backed off . If that experience doesn't make the point then they are hopeless.

[Wdlgln005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CShaveRR

I'll never forget the first time I saw that video, during an Operation Lifesaver presentation made to employees. As soon as it started, I recognized the location... Fairview Avenue, Downers Grove (I've biked past there many times...just yesterday I was there). Having a familiar location like that show up, and suspecting what I was going to see happen, made me really not want to look at the rest of the video, but, of course we saw it, then ran it through again (the first time we hadn't known who the victim would be). Even though the video ended when the corpse hit the cameraman, you could tell she probably never knew what hit her...the white of her dress was turning to red, even in those two seconds or less. The cameraman himself was drenched in her blood, we were told. I, too, had heard the divorce story.

I hope these gory details help drive home the original message.

As for the timing, I'm not sure, but I'd put it later than the late 60s...BN used those E units on suburban trains well into the 80s (someone correct me or supply a good date for that), and video photography didn't become common until well after the 60s (you could tell by the end of the film that it was video, not a movie).

Now, having said all of that, it should be noted that they probably didn't go past a lowered gate, since they may have gotten off the stopped train, and the platform is inside the gates. Still, no excuse for crossing the tracks without looking or listening (or at least recognizing what you're hearing).

I'm also familiar with the BN racetrack and some of the stations/ crossings. The racetrack is one of the busiest lines in America. From LaGrange Road west thru Downer's Grove, Naperville to Aurora, The video is a great one to demonstrate EXPECT A TRAIN FROM ANY DIRECTION AT ANY TIME! Many of the gates are the single quadrant type to cover one side of the road & a short arm for the pedestrians on that side of the street. Bells & lights blink & dink away. Passengers should know to stay behind the yellow line & don't cross the tracks. Drivers should stop & wait for the few seconds for a train to pass.

Many times I could watch from LaGrange road a similar situation: an E9 will push an inbound train & stop at the station. On the 3rd track, another unit will pull another westbound & stop, accross the track from the 1st one. Then a 3rd express commuter will blast everyone going 50+. This is what the video depicts, with some pedestrians not waiting for all the trains to clear so they can cross the tracks & get to their car. Tough, but it's better to WAIT TO BE SAFE.

My mousepad shows a E9A painted in the green BN hockey stick scheme in 1974. Two units are here at the Tennesee Central RR Museum. They have US flags on the front sides, so must have run thru Desert Storm in 1993? One is too rusty to run now.

On my way to work, I've seen too many wrecks along this line. This is the part that drives trainmen crazy. Railroads put in lots of loud bells, horns & lights. Most of the road lights are tied into the signals & also turn red and only allow traffic to move on the cross streets. The state added a $500 fine for gatecrashers. Yet, too many drivers & pedestrians are just too stupid to stop & stay safe. Maybe the only solution is to set up white wooden crosses at every location some angel has died. Too morbid? Only because they could have lived another day! Have a good day today!

[Wdlgln005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CShaveRR

I'll never forget the first time I saw that video, during an Operation Lifesaver presentation made to employees. As soon as it started, I recognized the location... Fairview Avenue, Downers Grove (I've biked past there many times...just yesterday I was there). Having a familiar location like that show up, and suspecting what I was going to see happen, made me really not want to look at the rest of the video, but, of course we saw it, then ran it through again (the first time we hadn't known who the victim would be). Even though the video ended when the corpse hit the cameraman, you could tell she probably never knew what hit her...the white of her dress was turning to red, even in those two seconds or less. The cameraman himself was drenched in her blood, we were told. I, too, had heard the divorce story.

I hope these gory details help drive home the original message.

As for the timing, I'm not sure, but I'd put it later than the late 60s...BN used those E units on suburban trains well into the 80s (someone correct me or supply a good date for that), and video photography didn't become common until well after the 60s (you could tell by the end of the film that it was video, not a movie).

Now, having said all of that, it should be noted that they probably didn't go past a lowered gate, since they may have gotten off the stopped train, and the platform is inside the gates. Still, no excuse for crossing the tracks without looking or listening (or at least recognizing what you're hearing).

I'm also familiar with the BN racetrack and some of the stations/ crossings. The racetrack is one of the busiest lines in America. From LaGrange Road west thru Downer's Grove, Naperville to Aurora, The video is a great one to demonstrate EXPECT A TRAIN FROM ANY DIRECTION AT ANY TIME! Many of the gates are the single quadrant type to cover one side of the road & a short arm for the pedestrians on that side of the street. Bells & lights blink & dink away. Passengers should know to stay behind the yellow line & don't cross the tracks. Drivers should stop & wait for the few seconds for a train to pass.

Many times I could watch from LaGrange road a similar situation: an E9 will push an inbound train & stop at the station. On the 3rd track, another unit will pull another westbound & stop, accross the track from the 1st one. Then a 3rd express commuter will blast everyone going 50+. This is what the video depicts, with some pedestrians not waiting for all the trains to clear so they can cross the tracks & get to their car. Tough, but it's better to WAIT TO BE SAFE.

My mousepad shows a E9A painted in the green BN hockey stick scheme in 1974. Two units are here at the Tennesee Central RR Museum. They have US flags on the front sides, so must have run thru Desert Storm in 1993? One is too rusty to run now.

On my way to work, I've seen too many wrecks along this line. This is the part that drives trainmen crazy. Railroads put in lots of loud bells, horns & lights. Most of the road lights are tied into the signals & also turn red and only allow traffic to move on the cross streets. The state added a $500 fine for gatecrashers. Yet, too many drivers & pedestrians are just too stupid to stop & stay safe. Maybe the only solution is to set up white wooden crosses at every location some angel has died. Too morbid? Only because they could have lived another day! Have a good day today!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by edblysard

Starting Sept. 1st, it will be illegal to drive a automobile and talk on a hand held cell phone in Texas. You may use a hands free set up, ie speaker or ear piece and microphone,
Stay Frosty,
Ed

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

[i]Originally posted by edblysard

How could they not know a train was coming?[quote
Ed, I too saw that video - and just about bet the thinking was that the gates were down for the engine sitting to the left. Never even considered there might be one coming. Preoccupation - kind of like cell phones and automobiles!

Jen

Hi all

Here in our area about 6 months ago we had a cell phone talker / train crash. A lady was driving one car while her daughter followed her in another car. The mother was talking on a cell phone. She drove through the down crossing gate and into the train. The train did not hit her, SHE HIT THE TRAIN. Whoever she was speaking with heard her last words. She never spoke any others. Imagine the shock her poor daughter felt seeing the death of her mother and not being able to do anything to stop it.

Do we really need to speak to someone that bad? I sure don't.

Stay safe, and Look, Listen, and Live

Don't forget the troops

Ed for president

• Reply
• Edit

I will vote for all of the above!

Jen

[Mookie]

[

[zardoz]

On the CNW Metra there is a rule for suburban territory that states that "No more than one train can occupy the limits of a station at one time; any train approaching an occupied station must first stop vefore reaching the station, and then may proceed not exceding restricted speed through the limits of the station". The only time this rule does not apply is when the tracks at the station are physically separated by a fence. This rule pertains to freight trains also.

More rules to protect the stupid, so they can breed even more stupidity.

[zardoz]

On the CNW Metra there is a rule for suburban territory that states that "No more than one train can occupy the limits of a station at one time; any train approaching an occupied station must first stop vefore reaching the station, and then may proceed not exceding restricted speed through the limits of the station". The only time this rule does not apply is when the tracks at the station are physically separated by a fence. This rule pertains to freight trains also.

More rules to protect the stupid, so they can breed even more stupidity.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by zardoz1

On the CNW Metra there is a rule for suburban territory that states that "No more than one train can occupy the limits of a station at one time; any train approaching an occupied station must first stop vefore reaching the station, and then may proceed not exceding restricted speed through the limits of the station". The only time this rule does not apply is when the tracks at the station are physically separated by a fence. This rule pertains to freight trains also.

More rules to protect the stupid, so they can breed even more stupidity.

You know back say in the 1940s a rule like that would not have been necessary. I wonder if people had more common sense back then? We as a people seem to have grown more stupid as time has passed. I don't have the answers but I do have the questions.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by zardoz1

On the CNW Metra there is a rule for suburban territory that states that "No more than one train can occupy the limits of a station at one time; any train approaching an occupied station must first stop vefore reaching the station, and then may proceed not exceding restricted speed through the limits of the station". The only time this rule does not apply is when the tracks at the station are physically separated by a fence. This rule pertains to freight trains also.

More rules to protect the stupid, so they can breed even more stupidity.

You know back say in the 1940s a rule like that would not have been necessary. I wonder if people had more common sense back then? We as a people seem to have grown more stupid as time has passed. I don't have the answers but I do have the questions.

[AlcoRS11Nut]

[:(!][:(!][:(!][:(!] In my town people use the tracks as a dumping ground for their lawn clippings, home improvment trash, and anything else that is trash!!!!![:(!]

[AlcoRS11Nut]

[:(!][:(!][:(!][:(!] In my town people use the tracks as a dumping ground for their lawn clippings, home improvment trash, and anything else that is trash!!!!![:(!]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AlcoRS11Nut

[:(!][:(!][:(!][:(!] In my town people use the tracks as a dumping ground for their lawn clippings, home improvment trash, and anything else that is trash!!!!![:(!]

You mean they put that stuff right on tracks?! How many derailments have you guys had? Even if people put trash beside the railroad it is still not right (and illegal)
plus a fine for littering, but that's the least of the problems.
That's sad.[:(!]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AlcoRS11Nut

[:(!][:(!][:(!][:(!] In my town people use the tracks as a dumping ground for their lawn clippings, home improvment trash, and anything else that is trash!!!!![:(!]

You mean they put that stuff right on tracks?! How many derailments have you guys had? Even if people put trash beside the railroad it is still not right (and illegal)
plus a fine for littering, but that's the least of the problems.
That's sad.[:(!]

[JoeKoh]

the railroad is not a trash dump but some people don't care.I'd take their picture and report it too the cops.:o(.some kids skipping school were surprised.
stay safe
joe

[JoeKoh]

the railroad is not a trash dump but some people don't care.I'd take their picture and report it too the cops.:o(.some kids skipping school were surprised.
stay safe
joe

[Puckdropper]

I saw some idiot stop on the tracks for a red light. A freight train came along, going about 5-10 mph. Luckily for him, there was no one behind him.

Never ever stop on the tracks. Even a car that has its engine quit has enough momentum at 25 mph to finish crossing most tracks.

[Puckdropper]

I saw some idiot stop on the tracks for a red light. A freight train came along, going about 5-10 mph. Luckily for him, there was no one behind him.

Never ever stop on the tracks. Even a car that has its engine quit has enough momentum at 25 mph to finish crossing most tracks.

[traisessive1]

I've really only seen 2 close calls where I live, but kids screw around on the tracks all the time. I'm 16 and have gotten a lot of privalleges from the CN guys in the local yard, cab ride etc...

But 1...i saw a guy walk across the tracks, gates down and not even look for the train, 4 seconds to spare. 2...a kid raced in front of a VIA on a bike. If it was not going 5mph (leaving station) and going track speed, hed be dead.

[traisessive1]

I've really only seen 2 close calls where I live, but kids screw around on the tracks all the time. I'm 16 and have gotten a lot of privalleges from the CN guys in the local yard, cab ride etc...

But 1...i saw a guy walk across the tracks, gates down and not even look for the train, 4 seconds to spare. 2...a kid raced in front of a VIA on a bike. If it was not going 5mph (leaving station) and going track speed, hed be dead.

[Anonymous]

I know this situation all to well

in the dark doing the midnight Run, kids want to get home.
Teenagers think they are invinsible and are extremely naieve to any situation... They often wait on the platform for the train to arrive. Like always i have activated the flashing lights of the control cab and the ringing of the bell..
They get real close to the tracks and threaten to push each other on the tracks. , mokingly or not.. it's still VERY dangerous.. so i let the horn go when they try this move...a 1 second long Blast... by pulling the lever right to the bottom.. The women on the platform immediately cover their ears.. and some Men do to.. If the Kids come into the first car.. I will get up and throw the book at them for their Stupid, idiotic behavior.. if not.. i'll get the Conductor to go yell at them.. or if the inspectors are on board, i'll get them to ticket them.

doin't let that fool you.. i can enter a station at 50 MPH and do a complete stop without breaking necks before the station is over.. at midnight i only have 2 or 3 cars and an extremely powerful locomotive meant for freight but altered for passenger use.

Tracks are very dangerous!!

[Anonymous]

I know this situation all to well

in the dark doing the midnight Run, kids want to get home.
Teenagers think they are invinsible and are extremely naieve to any situation... They often wait on the platform for the train to arrive. Like always i have activated the flashing lights of the control cab and the ringing of the bell..
They get real close to the tracks and threaten to push each other on the tracks. , mokingly or not.. it's still VERY dangerous.. so i let the horn go when they try this move...a 1 second long Blast... by pulling the lever right to the bottom.. The women on the platform immediately cover their ears.. and some Men do to.. If the Kids come into the first car.. I will get up and throw the book at them for their Stupid, idiotic behavior.. if not.. i'll get the Conductor to go yell at them.. or if the inspectors are on board, i'll get them to ticket them.

doin't let that fool you.. i can enter a station at 50 MPH and do a complete stop without breaking necks before the station is over.. at midnight i only have 2 or 3 cars and an extremely powerful locomotive meant for freight but altered for passenger use.

Tracks are very dangerous!!

[Anonymous]

Earlier this year I was driving up Pacific Coast Highway, near Long Beach, when I came to a crossing. The gates were down, red lights were flashing and bells were ringing as a slow-moving BNSF freight advanced.

I could not believe my eyes as cars stopped in both directions on PCH suddenly started flying around the lowered gates! This was not one or two cars; it was the MAJORITY of the vehicles that had been stopped. I must have seen 12 or more vehicles go around the gates--not only endangering themselves by driving in front of an oncoming train, but also putting themselves at risk of collisions with cars going around the gates the *other* way. I wish I had a video camera to document this "stampede." I have never seen anything like it!

[Anonymous]

Earlier this year I was driving up Pacific Coast Highway, near Long Beach, when I came to a crossing. The gates were down, red lights were flashing and bells were ringing as a slow-moving BNSF freight advanced.

I could not believe my eyes as cars stopped in both directions on PCH suddenly started flying around the lowered gates! This was not one or two cars; it was the MAJORITY of the vehicles that had been stopped. I must have seen 12 or more vehicles go around the gates--not only endangering themselves by driving in front of an oncoming train, but also putting themselves at risk of collisions with cars going around the gates the *other* way. I wish I had a video camera to document this "stampede." I have never seen anything like it!