Great shot, Jon ... thanks for posting.
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I remember way back when I was a seventh grader in Pekin, Il and looked forward to the 9 pm arrival of the GM&O "9 O'clock train" which was usually lead by a pair of those F3 diesels. I was no good at any photography back then and so simply watched as the train did its normal switching moves at the junctions of the old Santa Fe and PC. Now those tracks are long gone so thank you for the memory. Great photo.
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Interesting attire that the RR worker has one...a lot different nowadays. Looks like he has on dress slacks, black dress shoes, button up short sleeve shirt.
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While I am uncertain as to exactly what Rules apply, I find it hard to imagine a practice much more dangerous than riding on the front step of a cab unit.
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The only other place for a Brakeman to ride while hostling a covered wagon thru the maze of the yard would be the ladder steps - not exactly a good vantage point to check for opposing trains, engines, or obstructions. By 1973 (at least on the C&NW), footboard-riding WAS prohibited, but in instances like this, the practice was winked at. Back then, the boxcars were made of wood, and the MEN were made of steel.
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