to anyone working with freight trains: how often do you encounter train hoppers?

Question

and also what do you think of us?

Answer 1

It's easier to smell them than spot them. Thats not a joke. I've climbed into several units that smelled of dog or alternative hygeine. Most are friendly and to the point. I have no problems with them riding. But in my parts we'll run into (literally 2 a year). So be prepared for all cars to start moving at anygiven moment. Bring lots of water atleast 70 oz per 12 hours. Don't touch anything in units. Except air conditioner or heater knob.
Forgive my longwindedessssssssss. I see smell talk to about 5 a month.

Answer 2

Its a far less friendly world than it used to be. The jungles are gone, the infrastructure, yards, right of way, and other older aspects of railroading are more automated. There are fewer places where one can catch a train, most of them are traveling too fast for longer distances and even so ... you run the risk of being arrested. There are fewer places on the trains where you could ride, or grab on to a car. Its not like it used to be when a train had to stop ever 40 or 50 miles and take on water. You can get stranded or even badly hurt and most of the crews don't like you riding on thier equipment.
If you are brave or reckless enough to do this, I would not try to stop you. It might be a good idea to bring water, a scanner to
listen to the crew on the head end if you can. With the war on terra, its not a pleasent thought to get unwanted attention from local law enforcment. Railroads don't like trespassers.

Answer 3

i cant imagine many do it anymore, here in maine due to people walking on the tracks and not noticing a huge train coming and getting killed they are cracking down on people just taking a walk on rr property, much less hopping on one.

Answer 4

not often, just be careful, we cant hear u scream 90 cars away.

just as long as u not doin nothing to the train. i dont care where u ride.