March 22, 2008: Two RBMN SD40-2's, 3053 and 3051, power back and forth putting the train together for Port Clinton. Kicking cars can be seen a few times in this video. Enjoy!
There is something satisfying about hearing that thunder when the cars you just kicked run into the "bookend"..especially loud on those empty cars, where the vibration resonates. Kicking cars I was nervous the first time I did it, wondering if I had done it too hard, or maybe not hard enough and that we'd have to go back and shove the car ..wondering if I did the right way. Heard that thunder and haven't looked back since! :) Nice vid.
Wish I could do some old school switching like that, but I will get in deep trouble if I did what he is doing even though it makes things go smoother and alot quicker. GCOR baby!
It's not that hard to figure out that if I throw this lever it will move the points. Also, unless someone has a way to cut the lock off of the switch you can't operate them.
I meant lifting the switch handle with one hand...but i do get that each railway has different rules. Its just a bit of an eye opener when you see it thats all. Good vid though
Rules are railroad by railroad...not country by country. When working the ground during a kick there's no way I'm going to reach over and use two hands. Safety glasses and/or the use of vests is up to each individual railroad.
@3:27 "Fuck, yeah!" This is a really entertaining, yet kinda educational vid. I love seeing a full house of ACes over -2's barreling a doublestack down the mainline as much as the next guy, but this is a side of Railroading that we don't see as often on RU-vid. I love respect railroaders and love the work they do for us, but that's a career I just wouldn't have the patience for. (I'm sure I'd be snapping couplers and plowin' through switches the wrong way all day). Best left for the pros!
cars with long drawbars (auto's.. centre beams.. certain box cars etc) are more likely to get damaged by crossing the drawbars. Just have to watch how fast you kick em and if they're on any type of a curve when making the joints. By the way i just giggle when i watch this video... the guys wearing no safety vest.. no glasses that i can see.. lifting the handle with 1 hand.. a CN trainmaster would have a field day with this guy.. but i guess rules are laxed in the states?