ultamentrailroader Wrote:
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> That's too bad I don't think the goverment should
> be able to tell crews where they can and can't
> stay. I like going camping near the tracks I love
> hearing the trains through the night. Sorry for
> all the questions I'm just wondering since I am a
> future engineer.

You do understand that most railroaders have no interest in looking at trains, right? There's nothing "interesting" about them to most of the people who operate them. What most railroaders want at their AFHT is a clean and very quiet room, a good HVAC system, nearby food, mini fridge, wireless or at least a good cell signal, and functional black-out curtains. A kitchenette is also welcomed. The goal is to get sufficient rest, even in the middle of the day. Listening to trains going by all the time disturbs that process.

Early in my career crews on my subdivision stayed in a trackside company bunkhouse that was only a few hundred feet from the tracks. It was miserable. Besides the place being a general @#$%& hole, it was dirty, noisy, and reeked of diesel fumes, bad food, and toxic coffee. I don't care how much you love trains, after a few trips ending in poor rest, you'll begin to hate every train you see.

I also suggest you read up on how well foamers are welcomed among the rank and file on railroads and learn to keep it in the closet. I'm assuming you are still very young. Personally, I'm dissuading my kids from railroading. I don't think the future is going to be very bright. And learn how to spell "ultimate" but don't call yourself that until you've been doing it long enough to know what you are doing. Any truly humble, experienced railroader will tell you that there isn't a day that goes by out there that they don't learn something new. If you think your are going to be the ultimate railroader before you've even done it, you are in for a rough ride.