Rail roads and their tracks.

[JethroB]

Great explanation Moss, thanks.

 

[MossRoad]

Great explanation Moss, thanks.

Thank the kid. I just asked for the rest of us.

Another thing he mentioned was a huge book of rules that are apparently different for each RR. He has to follow their rules when on their tracks. I'd have thought they were all universal, but he says nope.

 

[5030]

He said it's a fun job, but the hours are insane. He's on call for a set number of days and has 2 hours to get to work if he's called. He takes his train to wherever it's supposed to go, then, if it's too far away to make it back in a set time, they take him in a taxi to a hotel, where he has to get at least 10 hours of rest, before they might call him again. When they do call him, he brings a train back to Elkhart. He said they mostly go to 3 places. Chicago, Ohio, or down to Peru. Chicago is the shortest route but takes the longest time. He can tell some stories about what he's seen along the tracks in Chicago.

Most likely what I observed when driving a steel truck over the road before I retired. For some reason, people are oblivious to the fact that someone may be looking when they do stupid (and sometimes naughty things).

 

[Cub 7274]

Everyday was different working on the RR that was one of the things I liked about the job- I hated working in the winter switching in the snow and cold was never fun

 

[Hay Dude]

Had no idea railroad terrorism was happening like this. Young women trying to destroy trains and train equipment

Pair charged with interfering with safety on railroad tracks | USAO-WDWA | Department of Justice

 

[BackRoad]

Interesting - I was not aware electrical systems associated specifically with the rails were used.

Would have guessed rails would not be sufficiently isolated from ground to be usable or dependable for signaling or something else like this.

Unfortunately, they will most likely be set free on some legal technicality...in spite of being caught with real evidence.

It would only require a few public hangings to get everybody to start following the law...

I used to think putting pennies on a rail might cause derailment...that was nothing in comparison.

 

[caver]

There's an insulated rail joint on both sides of the crossing.

 

[the old grind]

Lionel train 3-rail turnouts (switches) have an insulated rail.

If manual, the train will stop going into the 'Y' when not switched in the right direction.

If electric (remote op) current goes across axles and activates the switch to prevent de-railing.

Makes sense that connecting rails (across the track) as if occupied could simulate traffic and trigger a signal to operate, or not.

 

[MossRoad]

Had no idea railroad terrorism was happening like this. Young women trying to destroy trains and train equipment

Pair charged with interfering with safety on railroad tracks | USAO-WDWA | Department of Justice

Anarchists.

Anyhow, let's not let this good discussion go down that rat hole.

 

[the old grind]

Lionel train 3-rail turnouts (switches) have an insulated rail. ..

... let's not ... go down that rat hole.

Am I the only railfan here who 'plays with indoor trains'?

I say 'some' is better than 'none'. There are no rules or standards, no minimum size or particular details required to join. Just like walking or biking rails to trails, or making/watching drone videos it's time we spend with a hobby that makes it all so sweet.

Just sayin' ...