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Michigan Tech to host 6th annual transportation youth program
Does anyone else notice that the picture of the kids operating the switch stand would make any railroad safety officer cringe? Lots of rules violations here, from the way they are dressed to how they are operating the stand. If Michigan Tech wants to promote the railroad as a career to young people, please make sure that safety is the first rule learned.
Mr. Chambers, did you not read the words: this is a summer youth program in rail and intermodal studies, or did you just look at the picture?
To John and Fred: I just hope the instructors here reminded these youth that wearing the appropriate safety gear is a mandatory requirement on the REAL railroad. The rail line in this picture does appear to be out of service noting the track conditions.
To John, Fred and Steven: I was one of the students in this program, and you are right Steven, this rail line was not in major service, it was the Lake Linden and Torch Lake Railroad that we visited on the last day. They gave us a quick trip around the property on their 2 foot gauge train. But, when we went to the BNSF yard, LS&I, and the other places, we did wear reflective vests, hard hats, protective glasses and steel-toe boots.
Also, that switch stand threw a stub switch on a curve, and we (I was one of the students, too) couldn’t throw it for the life of us. So, that’s why we were so entertained with it.