were there any rules governing caboose crews standing on rear or front platforms while the train was in motion? the reason i am asking is i have some really cool crew figures that would look great waving from the caboose to my n scale railfans trackside. thanks
They have to on NS ones because when a train backing up someone has to radio info to the engineer, but the speed is usualy low.
Back in the day we would not ride the platform of the caboose unless we was making a reverse move or preparing to dismount.It was a safety issue..Some bad slack action could throw you off the platform and of course we didn't want to be targets for rock throwers.. We would not ride the steps unless we was going to swing off at low speeds.This would be done at slow speed caboose crew changes(miss and you ran to catch the caboose and had the make a awkward swing to get on.) or to unlock and line a switch. BTW..We would wave from the bay or cupola window since that's where we would be riding..
I have no first hand knowledge, but can provide you some excerpts from the Missouri Pacific Uniform Code of Operating Rules, June 2, 1968: 510. Safety Rules Employees must not: (8) Ride on buffer plates, drawbars, couplers, brake beams, brake wheels, end ladders, end sills or end sill handholds of engines, cars or other equipment (9) Ride in or on end of car containing a load that may shift (11) Occupy bay windows of caboose on the side adjacent to a track on which a train, engine or car is passing or being passed Don't know how clear this is, but perhaps it'll help? BTW, my understanding is that these rules were uniform across the railroads.
The way they are posed at each end of the caboose I suspect they're about to swing off. Also note the train is in a yard and moving under restricted speed.
