dave buccolo Wrote:
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> Hate to make a negitive comment on a great picture
> and I am gald IP has power there for the passenger
> trains but the trainman is riding on a perch that
> is not in compliance with FRA regulations and is
> not to be used as a step or platform to ride on,
> that's why FRA takes exception to Cab units like
> these being used in freght switching service and
> way in my past we used to use F units on local
> freights and I would have never aloowed someone to
> ride where this guy is riding, he barley has 3
> point contact. He should have been on the one of
> the two wide steps on the pilot. EE if you see the
> post please let this trainman know of the danger
> he has put himself in. We all need to go home safe
> each night.


Mr. Buccolo, I have to respectfully disagree with you on this one that it is unsafe. Looking at the photo it appears to me the trainmen has plenty of foot room to maintain a good three point contact and maintain balance. That pilot is not a standard EMD pilot like you may have worked with in the past. I will agree however that this is not an accepted position to use as a riding point in the eyes of the FRA OR GCOR and a better position could be found. But as an experienced trainmen I believe its his best option. To use those steps and other ladders which appear to be offset from the grab irons i do not see that as a safe alternative to his location. Where he really should be riding is in the cab of the locomotive in my opinion.

On another note..he is bad ordered in my opinion as he appears to be using radio communication in plain view of the hog...are you kidding me? Its radio in place of hand signals...not radio because we are turning in to a bunch of lazy @#$%& morons.