| Posted by Tom on March 7, 2018 | |
Again here I am with a question from a non-railroader, but how in the world can they see anything ahead of them ??? Just curious, but I can't understand this arrangement.
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Tom - to answer your question, the Conductor or another crew member is standing inside the rear door watching the movement and looking down the track through the window in the door. He / she is communicating with the Engineer (Driver for those outside the U.S.) over radio communications and providing the much needed information concerning track switches, signals, crossings, and looking for anything that might cause a problem or concern, such as an obstacle on the tracks or anything out-of-the-ordinary. They are very used to this operation and I'm sure they have this down to a point they could almost do it in their sleep! Though that would be VERY unadvisable to do! :-) LOL!
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My guess is a crewmember is looking out the rear window.
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| Posted by Miguel on March 8, 2018 | |
Just use the mirror, that's literally what it's there for. There's one on each side of the cab. Conductor uses his mirror and the Engineer uses his and they tell each other what they see. No point in having the trainman stand and peak out the rear door. It's not a shove, technically the Engine is on the head end.
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| Posted by Tom on March 8, 2018 | |
Thanks for the replies, guys. I thought that might be the answer, but wanted to know for sure.
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One of the many reasons why holster stands are useful. I have always wondered why Amtrak's P40DC's that have been rebuilt had there holster stands removed.
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