Hi I would like to know just how a metra enginier knows when to move the train affter the conductors give the highball sing if the enginer is seated on the opposite side of the platform where the conductors are standing? Please let me know thank you.
They do it with mirrors.
Seriously, there’s a signal in the cab to let the engineer know that all doors are closed–that’s taken as the highball. A buzzer can be used if the door-closed signal isn’t working properly. Or, the mirrors.
Can’t speak for Metra, but I always use the radio…
David Copperfield technique?
I’m a daily rider on the Southwest Service and have observed that there is a signal button in the center vestibule of the newer coaches which is used in such situations.
I believe all commuter equipment has a signal cord or electronic system so that the train crew can give the go ahead or highball or otherwise commuticate with the engineer. Usually: two signals go forward when stopped, stop when running forward; three back up when stopped, stop at next station when running; one means nothing but take most cautious and safe course (stop and find out what’s going on). Engineer may sometimes answer with train horn or whistle.
Supposedly goes back to a time when I believe an Erie conductor got so frustrated trying to communicate with his engineer he rigged up a string from the hind end of the train to the cab so that when a member of the train crew pulled on the cord a bell would gong in the cab. Or the engineer would get struck by a small stick.
Yes, Henry, according to the account in A Treasury of Railroad Folklore, an Erie conductor felt that it was at times necessary to tell the engineer to stop the train after the train had left a station so a passenger who refused to pay his fare could be safely put off the train. I do not know how the conductor could be sure that the engineer saw the stick of wood move (that’s what the account says; it does not say that the stick was to hit the engineer). The engineer was of the opinion that the conductor could not interfere with the operation of the engine, and cut the string. The next day, the conductor told the engineer that if the wood was not tied to the string at the end of the run, the two of them would have to fight it out. The conductor won the fight. In time, a bell or a gong was substituted for the stick of wood. And, when the technology permitted such, an air line was installed on equipment operated on passenger trains so that a whistle would be sounded in the cab when a valve on any car was opened.
Chalk two advances in railroad operation up for the Erie–the first known control of train operation by telegraph was also on the Erie.
Johnny
Conductor looks alongside train to check for anyone near doors, waves highball to engineer, closes doors, presses Attendant Call button to ring buzzer in cab (trainlined function). Engineer then waits for “Doors Closed” light on control stand.
Carl, I know the guys (and gals) working the scoots have to attend “Charm School.” Do they teach them to sing also?
Jeff
Appologies to wilmette2210, I know what you really meant. I just couldn’t help myself.
Apparently not, Jeff–the 25th Anniversary issue of On the Bi-Level made reference to reprimanding a UP conductor for his untuneful rendition of “Happy Birthday”.
I, too, am a sucker for such printed gaffes.
The doors-closed light is normally sufficient for the engineer to move the train. They rarely use the communicating signal.
Can’t speak for Metra, but on the MBTA a common way is to use simple hand signals. The Conductor and Asst. Conductor step out onto the platform and wave to the engineer to signal that the train is clear to depart the station. At night flashlights are used.