NEWS: I Will Be A Car Host On The Joliet Rocket!

Have you ever been a "car host" before? If not, I suggest you get extensive training.

Railfan Brody posted:

If you end up being in my car, feel free to critique me on the forum! 

LOL. Yeah, like anyone on this forum would seek your approval before posting a "critique".   

Hot Water posted:

Have you ever been a "car host" before? If not, I suggest you get extensive training.

We had a car host meeting on the crew training day and we received a wealth of instructions, tips, and pointers from Wayne York. This is my first time and I am both excited and nervous because a train is something that you need to take seriously, and it shouldn't be taken lightly. I feel confident in myself, but I'm sure that I will learn a lot on this trip.

If anyone wants to add in some pointers, feel free to do so.

Good for you, Brody.  Have a great time, give everybody great hospitality, and remember to not tell them everything you know.  

Brody and his mom will be paired with more experienced staff from the FWRHS - we're happy they're participating as a family.

In 1978, at age 18 I was the youngest member of the new NRHS chapter in Cumberland, MD. I was "volunteered" to serve as car host on 2 of the Chessie Steam Special trips out of Cumberland that year.
Here is the trip handouts and the 4-page instruction sheet for car hosts, authored by Chessie legend Bill Howes.
If it seems a bit overwhelming, it was, fortunately I had help. There is much here you won't have to deal with.
The bad thing was I was so busy that I really don't remember much of the trip, except the layover in Terra Alta,WV.
During the second trip, again I was so busy that I stayed on the train after it let off most passengers in Harpers' Ferry, WV. This was so I could spend some time with my grandfather, who was riding another car. The train was taken to Point of Rocks,MD. to turn on the wye, so I was able to get my 1st look at Point of Rocks and Brunswick.

Borden Tunnel posted:

In 1978, at age 18 I was the youngest member of the new NRHS chapter in Cumberland, MD. I was "volunteered" to serve as car host on 2 of the Chessie Steam Special trips out of Cumberland that year.
Here is the trip handouts and the 4-page instruction sheet for car hosts, authored by Chessie legend Bill Howes.
If it seems a bit overwhelming, it was, fortunately I had help. There is much here you won't have to deal with.
The bad thing was I was so busy that I really don't remember much of the trip, except the layover in Terra Alta,WV.
During the second trip, again I was so busy that I stayed on the train after it let off most passengers in Harpers' Ferry, WV. This was so I could spend some time with my grandfather, who was riding another car. The train was taken to Point of Rocks,MD. to turn on the wye, so I was able to get my 1st look at Point of Rocks and Brunswick.

Looks like an awesome consist.

I'll be on the Sunday morning trip with a coworker and my Girlfriend.  We're looking forward to it.

It should be a great experience for you and your mom!  :-)

Railfan Brody posted:

I was recently informed that my mother and I will be car hosts on the Joliet Rocket. ....

You have a cool Mom! Have fun, you guys!

Borden Tunnel posted:

In 1978, at age 18 I was the youngest member of the new NRHS chapter in Cumberland, MD. I was "volunteered" to serve as car host on 2 of the Chessie Steam Special trips out of Cumberland that year.
Here is the trip handouts and the 4-page instruction sheet for car hosts, authored by Chessie legend Bill Howes.

The instructions clearly communicated the duties and responsibilities of the car host, in my opinion.  You were lucky to have such good guidance.  Thanks for giving us a look at the Chessie operation.

Could be worse.  He could have gotten instructions form recent unprofessional acting airline hosts!

I've been a docent on home tours.  The first time is the hardest. 

I appreciate the effort of your Mom and you to help make a steam excursion from Joliet to Chicago happen.I am super enthused about the event.I have a Deluxe coach 29 ticket for Sunday afternoon.