To Pass the time on a train.....

[BNSF5767]

Is there a music radio? Can you use it? How do you wake up when the dispatcher comes over and says it's time to go. Is it boring or fun. Do you ever get tried of sitting or watching the scenery?

[SD50]

I presume you're talking about a trip on Amtrak? No, there's no built-in music system. Suggest bringing your scanner and listening to the RR comm. I personally never get tired of the scenery, on train or airliner.

One thing you will notice, though, is that strangers actually talk to one another on a train. So it's likely you'll engage in conversation to pass the time.

[Turbo Bill]

If your talking about an engineer or conductor, then no, there is no radio for music nor are you allowed to have a portable one or any electronic game device for that matter. Napping is not allowed unless conditions are met for new rules on napping WHILE STOPPED, which means one member must be awake to hear the radio and the dispatcher approves it. Is it boring, sure when you sit and rot in a siding for several hours because the next yard is plugged with cars and definetely not fun. Worse yet is when your stuck in a siding for 8+ hours on a 100 degree day next to a dairy farm with the wind blowing the wrong direction and no air conditioning. Then it's downright un-inhabatable and borders on torture.

[batterymule7]

As far as the rule for napping, the crew doesn't need to get permission from the dispatcher, at least per the UP GCOR. But, the rule does take up a whole page in the GCOR.

[qballbandit]

While rotting on a siding, are crew members ever allowed to leave the cab to stretch their legs, as in take a break outside, assuming one stays in the cab?

Neil :)

[Turbo Bill]

Sure used to do it all the time as long as the other crew member stays in the cab to hear the radio or takes his portable with him. The main thing is to make sure the train has the proper brake applications made so it stays in place. On longer spells in the siding I would often walk the siding and check the roll dates on the side of the rails. It's amazing how old the rail is in many sidings. A large number of siding rails were once mainline rail when steam was still king or on it's last legs at best. If only those rails could talk.

Quote: As far as the rule for napping, the crew doesn't need to get permission from the dispatcher, at least per the UP GCOR. But, the rule does take up a whole page in the GCOR.

Thanks for the correction Erik, it's been a while since I actually read the rule.