What do most crews use for thier grips?
Thanks
Rich
i use a computer carring bag for my books and paperwork…and a gym bag for my overnight stuff…
csx engineer
I used an emergency service type duty bag. The kind with stiff canvas bottom and sides, and lots of pockets.
Some of my crews use back packs. Some use attache cases. The longer distance crews like aircrew type rolling bags.
Nick
I have 2 gym bags I use. One for yard assignments that has my books, brake handles and reverser in case my hoghead forgets either one; usually space for a few bottles of water and my lunch as well. When I take a train on the road I usually load up my second bag with dry clothes and enough food to last me a couple days.
I use a backpack for my laptop computer, a sports size duffel for other stuff and a playmate cooler for food and drink.
Rodney
I have most of my rules and stuff on my PDA and I carry a large athletic type bag (I got it from the rr as a safety award) filled with just about everything duct tape, air gauge, hand set, extra reverser, brake handles, rain gear (I take that out in the summer time) and I always carry a light jacket (some of these units have two settings on the A/C damn cold or off! I’d rather freeze then fry!)
If I owned a PDA for all of the rules, bulletins, and stuff that weigh down my backpack (along with binoculars, bike-repair tools, lunch, etc.) I could probably get by with something smaller. Mine weighs between 25 and 30 pounds–and that’s after lunch.
Nick, has your line said anything about wearing backpacks yet? I remember a few years ago when a CSX employee was dragged to her death when a train on an adjacent train caught the straps of her backpack. If I were working on the road I’d probably be using a small grip (which I also have).
Carl,
I knew that unforunate soul, we were in the same training class.
After it happened, there was a big hue and cry about banning backpacks, although nothing came of it. When everyone calmed down, they realized she was in the wrong place and the wrong time. If I remember the incident correctly, she was checking the head cars against the consist.
We were reminded to stay alert, walk on the field side of the train, and not wear/carry our grips while inspecting the train.
Nick
I forgot about the bino’s and a multi-tool. And being a military man I always carry toilet paper and a MRE. I’ve been stranded on too many UP trains waiting for a limo!!!
Red Oxx bag company in Billings, MT makes the best railroader’s bag I have ever used. You should be able to find them on the internet or I will see if I have an URL.
These guys make stuff for skydivers and they take their seams and grommets seriously. Geat warranty and they understand the railroaders use their bags at full weight daily.
Thanks everbody for your in put I really apreciate it
Rich
The link for the bags from Billings is:
Then check on their ‘railroad’ link to see all the options. The zippers and seams on these bags will last YEARS longer than anything you can find at the local sports store, Wal Mart or luggage close out out let.
These are bags which will not disappoint during use.
I have no financial interest in Red Oxx bag company. I have had a number of grips over 30 yrs of railroading and these bags are just the most rugged and thoughtfully designed of all that I have used. A quick look at terminals in Montana and Washington where crews report for work will show that I am not alone in this assesment.
which style do you use as they have several ranging from 50-200 bucks its no big deal as they all seem very rugged
Thanks I appreciate you input
Rich
I see their railroad link is not on the page but I typed in Railroad for a search and came up with this bag.
http://www.redoxx.com/search.php?q=railroad&x=9&y=4
Formerly they showed a couple of different sizes in the Railroad line but this is the only one which came up this time. It appears to be one of the larger sizes which is what I use. The new briefcase size rule book pretty much sets the minimum grip size these days. If you do not want to carry it separately then the grip needs to be large enough to fit that in along with the spare clothes and shaving kit you want to carry.
You can call them up and talk directly with someone about products. They are a friendly bunch of people. Hey, this is Montana and everyone is friendly.
What exactly is a “grip”? What is the origin of this word?
it is railroad slang for the train crews bag they carry their stuff in it is derived from the tern grip sack it was a bag that had frame around it and over the years it got shortened to grip
hope that helpd
Rich