Cab Rides

[Shortliner]

I know that 9/11 and higher Insurance rates has changed the rules, but is it still possible to get a cab ride? I was thinking about trying to get a cab ride on the Yadkin Branch in Rowan to Stanley County, NC, or a cab ride on a local shortline (Aberdeen Carolina & Western RW is the top of my list). The only friend or family member I have in the industry is my step-uncle, and he works for the Charlotte shop, so I don't know how much pull he'll have.

Any advice?

[Echoshill]

It happens, but it would be best to not talk about it if it did. The crew that does it is taking a big risk.

There are ways to "buy" throttle time with certain tourist railroads. Usually you get a small class and then a chance to run the train for 1/2 hour or so. There are also some tourist roads that allow you to buy tickets to ride in the cab. My father has done that a time or two and had a great time.

My wife and I have some friends that are currently on the job, one here in Ohio and another in Kansas. But I would (personally) not put them in the position of asking them for a ride.

Just me, and believe me I can see the draw of wanting to do this, but I thought I would offer my thoughts.

Mark

[BNSF650]

There is a railroad here called TSU that will let you ride with them all the time. Also i am gald that most of my Famly works at the BNSF Yard here.

[petebauer]

There is a tourist railroad in Spooner, Wisconsin that sells $10 tickets to let you ride in the cab.