Locomotive Cab Rides

[Kathi Kube]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ironken

Kathi, forget the yard! Use your media relations to hop a Z train on the Big Steel. 70 MPH. Now that's a ride! I just cought one two days ago. Every trip, I grit my teeth for the first couple of miles.
Ken

Mmmmmm... That DOES sound like quite a ride! I'll have to keep that one in mind.

Kathi

[Kathi Kube]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ironken

Kathi, forget the yard! Use your media relations to hop a Z train on the Big Steel. 70 MPH. Now that's a ride! I just cought one two days ago. Every trip, I grit my teeth for the first couple of miles.
Ken

Mmmmmm... That DOES sound like quite a ride! I'll have to keep that one in mind.

Kathi

[Modelcar]

Kathi:

Thanks for the great description of your trip on the Corridor....

[Modelcar]

Kathi:

Thanks for the great description of your trip on the Corridor....

[Anonymous]

I didnt get my first cab ride until I was 22, and started working for a localshortline.
When I was 13, my dad and I were watching a Norfolk Southern crew switch a small yard in Madison Ga. I was on the ground watching the conductor make his moves. He paused for a second and started a conversation,asked me if I liked trains,just small talk, he told me to be careful, then went on about his job. My dad and I talked to the engineer for several minutes, then he let me up in the cab of one of their GP 38's. Then it was clear that I wanted to work for the railroad, that's all I thought about back then. Now 9 years later, I get daily rides in the cab of a Chessie GP 7. Who else out there still runs 1st generation diseals?

[Anonymous]

I didnt get my first cab ride until I was 22, and started working for a localshortline.
When I was 13, my dad and I were watching a Norfolk Southern crew switch a small yard in Madison Ga. I was on the ground watching the conductor make his moves. He paused for a second and started a conversation,asked me if I liked trains,just small talk, he told me to be careful, then went on about his job. My dad and I talked to the engineer for several minutes, then he let me up in the cab of one of their GP 38's. Then it was clear that I wanted to work for the railroad, that's all I thought about back then. Now 9 years later, I get daily rides in the cab of a Chessie GP 7. Who else out there still runs 1st generation diseals?

[Anonymous]

This doesn't really quailfy, but back in the Fifties we lived across the street from the L&N yard in Marietta. The yard was separated from the street by a jungle, but it didn't keep our windows from rattling every time a mainliner went through.

We had a large garage in the back yard and an L&N switchman rented a stall there. My cousin and I had a bad habit of going into the yard and walking the tracks down to the Square, strictly against my Grandmother's orders. One day the switchman was at a steamer hooked to a caboose. He asked if we would like a ride. Would the cat like a bowl of cream?

He put us in the caboose, where we went straight to the top and opened the windows. We went about a mile and a half to the team track and back, waving out the windows and hooting -- kings of the road. All along the way our Grandmother's friends were calling her with the news, one after the other. When we got to the house, of course, She Who Must Be Obeyed was waiting, and we got our tails thoroughly warmed. Did that stop us from going to the yard? Of course not!

The only time I remember being allowed to go to the yard was the night the water tower caught fire. All of us went and laughed our heads off at the sight of a WATER tower burning half down!

God bless the W&A, the NC&St.L, the L&N, and CSX. The historic W&A line, site of the Great Locomotive Chase in the War of Northern Aggression (the first Medals of Honor were awarded for this) is still a very active line, sometimes a little too much so.

I very much envy you folks who got actual cab rides.

[Anonymous]

This doesn't really quailfy, but back in the Fifties we lived across the street from the L&N yard in Marietta. The yard was separated from the street by a jungle, but it didn't keep our windows from rattling every time a mainliner went through.

We had a large garage in the back yard and an L&N switchman rented a stall there. My cousin and I had a bad habit of going into the yard and walking the tracks down to the Square, strictly against my Grandmother's orders. One day the switchman was at a steamer hooked to a caboose. He asked if we would like a ride. Would the cat like a bowl of cream?

He put us in the caboose, where we went straight to the top and opened the windows. We went about a mile and a half to the team track and back, waving out the windows and hooting -- kings of the road. All along the way our Grandmother's friends were calling her with the news, one after the other. When we got to the house, of course, She Who Must Be Obeyed was waiting, and we got our tails thoroughly warmed. Did that stop us from going to the yard? Of course not!

The only time I remember being allowed to go to the yard was the night the water tower caught fire. All of us went and laughed our heads off at the sight of a WATER tower burning half down!

God bless the W&A, the NC&St.L, the L&N, and CSX. The historic W&A line, site of the Great Locomotive Chase in the War of Northern Aggression (the first Medals of Honor were awarded for this) is still a very active line, sometimes a little too much so.

I very much envy you folks who got actual cab rides.

[Train Guy 3]

I got to ride in the fireman's seat of one on the narrow gauge steam locomotives in Dollywood back in 2001. When the train went by I saw this guy in the locomotive who had nothing to do with the train. So when the train was at the station i asked the engineer how could i get a ride. He said just ask.... so i did.

[Train Guy 3]

I got to ride in the fireman's seat of one on the narrow gauge steam locomotives in Dollywood back in 2001. When the train went by I saw this guy in the locomotive who had nothing to do with the train. So when the train was at the station i asked the engineer how could i get a ride. He said just ask.... so i did.

[Anonymous]

Three rides- the first in a B&O Budd car from Washington Union out to Laural Maryland in the early 70's- cars running the gates at the crossings scared the s*** out of me, they were so close. Engineer just laughed and said he kept score of the near misses.

MARC push -pull from Baltimore to Washington about 10 years ago- were were in push mode and I my daughter and I were looking out the window in "front" whan the conductor came by and asked if we wanted to step into the cab. Heather, who was about 9 at the time, was thrilled. Hit about 90 mph or so at one point.

The best was a ride in Southern 622 at Keysville VA with the late Mr Pardee at the throttle- it was only several hundred yards but it was cool (and hot with the firedoor open) and Mr. Pardee was a real gentleman to both me and my wife who got to ride too, even though she thinks all train fans are crazy. This was about 1980.

[Anonymous]

Three rides- the first in a B&O Budd car from Washington Union out to Laural Maryland in the early 70's- cars running the gates at the crossings scared the s*** out of me, they were so close. Engineer just laughed and said he kept score of the near misses.

MARC push -pull from Baltimore to Washington about 10 years ago- were were in push mode and I my daughter and I were looking out the window in "front" whan the conductor came by and asked if we wanted to step into the cab. Heather, who was about 9 at the time, was thrilled. Hit about 90 mph or so at one point.

The best was a ride in Southern 622 at Keysville VA with the late Mr Pardee at the throttle- it was only several hundred yards but it was cool (and hot with the firedoor open) and Mr. Pardee was a real gentleman to both me and my wife who got to ride too, even though she thinks all train fans are crazy. This was about 1980.

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Kathi Kube

On a recent trip to DC, I was fortunate enough to ride along in an Acela Express cab up the Northeast Corridor to New York. Seriously cool! I spent only four hours in New York with a good friend and returned to DC riding in business class.

Another time I was in a freight locomotive cab (can't recall the type--sorry!) in Montreal with CN. I don't think that counts as a cab ride, though, because it didn't move beyond the few feet the engineer and I moved it with the remote control transmitter. It still was a lot of fun, though. (But cold--why on earth did I go to Canada in March????)

In both cases, I was visiting a railroad for a story and was able to gain access through media relations contacts.

I would LOVE to get a ride in a freight locomotive someday, and I'm working on it. Anyone out there operate trains in southeast Wisconsin??[:D]

Kathi - I am a Trains subscriber - will that get me a ride on a locomotive?

Mookie

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Kathi Kube

On a recent trip to DC, I was fortunate enough to ride along in an Acela Express cab up the Northeast Corridor to New York. Seriously cool! I spent only four hours in New York with a good friend and returned to DC riding in business class.

Another time I was in a freight locomotive cab (can't recall the type--sorry!) in Montreal with CN. I don't think that counts as a cab ride, though, because it didn't move beyond the few feet the engineer and I moved it with the remote control transmitter. It still was a lot of fun, though. (But cold--why on earth did I go to Canada in March????)

In both cases, I was visiting a railroad for a story and was able to gain access through media relations contacts.

I would LOVE to get a ride in a freight locomotive someday, and I'm working on it. Anyone out there operate trains in southeast Wisconsin??[:D]

Kathi - I am a Trains subscriber - will that get me a ride on a locomotive?

Mookie

[Kathi Kube]

Mookie,

Go for it, babe. And if it works, let me know!

[;)]Kathi

[Kathi Kube]

Mookie,

Go for it, babe. And if it works, let me know!

[;)]Kathi

[CShaveRR]

Jen, it can't hurt to ask...if an engineer recognizes you and your driver as familiar and harmless, who knows what may happen?

I'd say that it would depend (if you get a willing engineer) on how likely they are to be observed by officials who would frown on such things for obvious safety reasons. And some engineers just don't want to do it. An engineer I worked with often was very paranoid when I brought a daughter aboard once.

Another factor might be the conductor...by the rules, he's the boss. I was stranded 120 miles from home one night because the conductor didn't want me on board (engineer and both brakemen had no problems with it). Consequently I was the house guest of another brakeman that night, and got a ride home the following day from a conductor who knew me better.

[CShaveRR]

Jen, it can't hurt to ask...if an engineer recognizes you and your driver as familiar and harmless, who knows what may happen?

I'd say that it would depend (if you get a willing engineer) on how likely they are to be observed by officials who would frown on such things for obvious safety reasons. And some engineers just don't want to do it. An engineer I worked with often was very paranoid when I brought a daughter aboard once.

Another factor might be the conductor...by the rules, he's the boss. I was stranded 120 miles from home one night because the conductor didn't want me on board (engineer and both brakemen had no problems with it). Consequently I was the house guest of another brakeman that night, and got a ride home the following day from a conductor who knew me better.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Ringer1

Well as a retired railroader 43years switchman, brakeman, conductor, yardmaster I can say one thing. The BNSF engineer who let you on and off a moving locomotive should be fired on the spot. The majority of the railroads do not allow their own operating dept. employees to get on or off moving equipment except in emergency.

THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THIS KIND OF BEHAVIOR.



GOD BLESS THE GREAT NORTHERN

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Ringer1

Well as a retired railroader 43years switchman, brakeman, conductor, yardmaster I can say one thing. The BNSF engineer who let you on and off a moving locomotive should be fired on the spot. The majority of the railroads do not allow their own operating dept. employees to get on or off moving equipment except in emergency.

THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THIS KIND OF BEHAVIOR.



GOD BLESS THE GREAT NORTHERN

[Anonymous]

I now work for the BNSF,but in olden railfan days ( 1983),a nice hoghead let me go in the cab of his stopped , SP GP 20 -#4144,I'll never forget it! In 1988,near Flagstaff,Az., a SANTA FE hogger allowed me in to view the first "tabletop" console I'd ever seen.
Ironken ........Remember,the BN was a Mongrel R.R.,made up of several "Sidewalk love affairs"......The SANTA FE was a purebred.......I love agitating the mislead BN folks...lets see,Warbonnet paint vs.a dull green & black,hmm......No name trains vs. the Super Chief,hmm...SANTA FE, ALL THE WAY......................Ringer 1,.....You sure sound like a yardmaster, all the way down to the Brown Nose............

[Anonymous]

I now work for the BNSF,but in olden railfan days ( 1983),a nice hoghead let me go in the cab of his stopped , SP GP 20 -#4144,I'll never forget it! In 1988,near Flagstaff,Az., a SANTA FE hogger allowed me in to view the first "tabletop" console I'd ever seen.
Ironken ........Remember,the BN was a Mongrel R.R.,made up of several "Sidewalk love affairs"......The SANTA FE was a purebred.......I love agitating the mislead BN folks...lets see,Warbonnet paint vs.a dull green & black,hmm......No name trains vs. the Super Chief,hmm...SANTA FE, ALL THE WAY......................Ringer 1,.....You sure sound like a yardmaster, all the way down to the Brown Nose............

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bnsfmemptn

I now work for the BNSF,but in olden railfan days ( 1983),a nice hoghead let me go in the cab of his stopped , SP GP 20 -#4144,I'll never forget it! In 1988,near Flagstaff,Az., a SANTA FE hogger allowed me in to view the first "tabletop" console I'd ever seen.
Ironken ........Remember,the BN was a Mongrel R.R.,made up of several "Sidewalk love affairs"......The SANTA FE was a purebred.......I love agitating the mislead BN folks...lets see,Warbonnet paint vs.a dull green & black,hmm......No name trains vs. the Super Chief,hmm...SANTA FE, ALL THE WAY......................Ringer 1,.....You sure sound like a yardmaster, all the way down to the Brown Nose............

I would be very careful and go gentle into the night on this one. I for one like both the CBQ, BN, Sante Fe and the colors associated with them - except for the punkin and green - yuck. And you are 1983 vintage - which was only a few days ago. I am 40's and 50's vintage - so I think some nice words about the old BNSF are in order. Some of the best things come from a sidewalk love affair and some of the biggest problems come from purebred!

Mookie

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bnsfmemptn

I now work for the BNSF,but in olden railfan days ( 1983),a nice hoghead let me go in the cab of his stopped , SP GP 20 -#4144,I'll never forget it! In 1988,near Flagstaff,Az., a SANTA FE hogger allowed me in to view the first "tabletop" console I'd ever seen.
Ironken ........Remember,the BN was a Mongrel R.R.,made up of several "Sidewalk love affairs"......The SANTA FE was a purebred.......I love agitating the mislead BN folks...lets see,Warbonnet paint vs.a dull green & black,hmm......No name trains vs. the Super Chief,hmm...SANTA FE, ALL THE WAY......................Ringer 1,.....You sure sound like a yardmaster, all the way down to the Brown Nose............

I would be very careful and go gentle into the night on this one. I for one like both the CBQ, BN, Sante Fe and the colors associated with them - except for the punkin and green - yuck. And you are 1983 vintage - which was only a few days ago. I am 40's and 50's vintage - so I think some nice words about the old BNSF are in order. Some of the best things come from a sidewalk love affair and some of the biggest problems come from purebred!

Mookie

[dknelson]

Yeah the engineer who invited us up but did not stop the train was putting us at risk. Then again we could always have said thanks but no thanks. I think maybe he did not want to let his conductor know what he was doing.
By the way on my steam cab ride (at the Illinois Railroad Museum) we were on a small 2-6-2 and I stood near the tender. let me tell you the steel apron that bridges the gap between tender and cab is pretty dangerous too. I was not wearing steel toed shoes and I should have been. we were going slow but it was like a bucking bronco
Dave Nelson

[dknelson]

Yeah the engineer who invited us up but did not stop the train was putting us at risk. Then again we could always have said thanks but no thanks. I think maybe he did not want to let his conductor know what he was doing.
By the way on my steam cab ride (at the Illinois Railroad Museum) we were on a small 2-6-2 and I stood near the tender. let me tell you the steel apron that bridges the gap between tender and cab is pretty dangerous too. I was not wearing steel toed shoes and I should have been. we were going slow but it was like a bucking bronco
Dave Nelson

[oltmannd]

When I was about 6, my dad and I took a trip from Huntington Sta to the end of the line at Port Jefferson on the Long Island. The engr. let us in the cab as they wyed the FM C-liner. Don't remember much about it other than I was there.

When I was about 10, got to ride in cab of steamer at Steamtown (Vermont). Very cool. Very loud. Somewhat scary.

When I was a teenager and rode the Metroliner, you could sneak up to the cab end of the first car (if the conductor let you) and chat with the engineer. I remember one particular trip at night where I was amazed how the engineer would start braking for a curve way before you could see it and how he'd have it down right to the posted speed just as the head end entered the curve. Also remember him bragging a bit how he got 5 days pay for 6 hours work and a two hour layover! ..the advantages of whiskers....

[oltmannd]

When I was about 6, my dad and I took a trip from Huntington Sta to the end of the line at Port Jefferson on the Long Island. The engr. let us in the cab as they wyed the FM C-liner. Don't remember much about it other than I was there.

When I was about 10, got to ride in cab of steamer at Steamtown (Vermont). Very cool. Very loud. Somewhat scary.

When I was a teenager and rode the Metroliner, you could sneak up to the cab end of the first car (if the conductor let you) and chat with the engineer. I remember one particular trip at night where I was amazed how the engineer would start braking for a curve way before you could see it and how he'd have it down right to the posted speed just as the head end entered the curve. Also remember him bragging a bit how he got 5 days pay for 6 hours work and a two hour layover! ..the advantages of whiskers....

[dekemd]

Its mostly a matter of who you know and/or where you are. I have a friend I grew up with that is an engineer. I've rode with him while switching in the yard and have an open invitation to ride whenever he's working a particular job. It helps to be in an out of the way place where the chances of an official showing up are pretty slim.

Derrick

[dekemd]

Its mostly a matter of who you know and/or where you are. I have a friend I grew up with that is an engineer. I've rode with him while switching in the yard and have an open invitation to ride whenever he's working a particular job. It helps to be in an out of the way place where the chances of an official showing up are pretty slim.

Derrick