You will have far better luck on a regional, shortline or tourist railroad getting a cab ride. Just a few weeks ago I had the privilage of riding in a GP9 on the local shortline for about an hour. Switching and then mainline running. Was great fun.
The tourist railroad here also sells tickets for riding in the cab of their SW9 on their passenger trains. $25.00 for 2 hours of riding. Not bad.
If anyone comes dowon to the North Shore Scenic Railroad during operating days I usually can get you a ride in our GP30 SD18 NW5 or whatever power we have that day.
I’ve wondered about that, I’ve met guys who told me that it turned out ok for them and others who thought they went to the wrong side, for whatever reason. I know that in one terminal, ALL who went to CSX ended up on the road, even the ones who’d been lifelong yard men. I know a guy in a different terminal who went to NS only because he knew he’d have to go to the road if he went to CSX. And, I met a senior CSX engineer who told me that if he knew everything he knew now, he’d gone to NS, mostly because he could see what kind of jobs he could have held had he done so and that was pre “Darkside Migration”, too (arrival of Ingram[:D])
We’ll, if your the average Joe, you best make a lot of friends at the railroad. Thats ONE way of getting into a cab, and I know MANY MANY people, and it works out. And most railroaders are really nice guys, just as long as your nice too. My uncle has worked for numerous railroads, the Wisconsin Central, as a conductor and engineer and the Canadian Pacific as a dispatcher. I’ve taken a ride from Shoreham yard to Pigs eye. And even a few times from CP guys that I dont know, i get into the cab or something else. I did get a tour from an old Milw Rd hostler, in the CPs ex MILW RD shops at Saint Paul. All in all its a great experience, but dont get your hopes up, as things dont always work. Best advice, if you want to get in the cab or better yet, make some really nice friends, talk to some guys if they have time. Alec
You could always get a MoW job, get yourself on the right gang, AND get cab rides every day.[:D] Life is good.
Learn to play harp and pull some strings.
Or perhaps drum up some sympathy…[(-D]
a few days ago I was watching our local freight and the train stopped to wait for some guys to finish loading a boxcar and I got closer to take a photo of the locomotive and the engineer motioned for me to come over so I did. I told them who I was and that I want to be an engineer and he invited me into the cab and showed me around. He and the conductor gave me all kinds of great tips on how to get hired and what to put on my application. I’m affraid to talk about it though because I’m afraid to get those nice guys in trouble or fired thats why I haven’t mentioned the name of the town this happened in but I will say it was on the U.P. system. Could they acctully get introuble for that?
Kevin
I suppose they could. Generally, it’s not a good idea to talk about getting up in the cab of a Class 1 RR’s locomotive, even if you have the crews permission to do so. RR brass does read these boards, and you wouldn’t believe some of the things crews have been fired for because of railfans! One railfan on another board I frequent typed in one of his “trip reports” that the train stopped in town XXXX and they took a break for lunch. The engineer was later taken to court by the president of the railroad, I kid you not![:O]
Back in January, when I was still writting for my local newspaper, I pitched a story about spending a “Day on the job” with a New York & Atlantic Railroad crew. The president of the railroad was actauly very happy to have the free publicity. Not only did I get a cab ride on the Bay Ridge Branch, the president of the railroad sat down for an interview as well.
Suppose (and this is totally pipedream!) one of the class 1’s decided to SELL cab rides… how much would you be willing to PAY?
Somewhere there has got to be a point where you could BUY your way into a cab. Say you offer 100 million dollars to a class 1? I bet that would get their attention. Ridiculous to be sure, but, now, what is the lowest number that would get their attention?
What amount would be the breakeven point for cost of letting you in… insurance, paperwork, etc. included?
To me if they were not authorized to take there lunch break, then the company has just cause for taking them or him to court, or investigation for unnecessary delay of train. Are you sure it is the president of the railroad? I would say the trainmaster got a hold of the paperwork and decided with higher up guys what would happen. I could be wrong, but who knows.
Your best bet is a short line but,be prepared to sign waivers that says the railroad is held blameless since the creation of the earth…Then you will be required to wear safety glasses,ear plugs and work boots.You may have to report at some wee hour of the morning.I had to report at 4:30AM.
Its better to contact a tourist road that offers cab rides and throttle time for a fee.
It was on a shortline, the president is very involved in the train ops.