SPV 2000 on the Capitol Limited, and an Engineer Cussing Out DPUs

Sounds just like some guys on the forum trying to figure out command control lol!

Why aren't rail fans allowed on the platform ?

Just my guess and 2cents...those rail fans would get in the way of business...travelers getting on/off trains...porters moving luggage...

Dan Padova posted:

Why aren't rail fans allowed on the platform ?

It's not publically accessible per say. The former PRR concourse and offices are owned by a private company that uses the space for apartments and reception venues, so much of it is private property. Amtrak/NS often has private cars parked in one of the three stub-ended sidings, so they don't want folks harassing those cars. At 5:00, as RedJimmy1995 suggested, it's probably to prevent interference with train loading, since the platforms are fairly short, and Amtrak doesn't want non-passengers sneaking onboard. Finally, Amtrak stores the consist for the Pennsylvanian in the station overnight, so they don't want folks tampering with that train either. 

I've been to the station twice in the last 5 years to railfan. In one case, when I was on the platform, the station agent politely asked me to leave, and the second time, when I was on the portico leading to the station, a building employee asked me to leave. That said, there were at least three times previously where I was there and not removed ("caught" is probably the better term). 

The DPU conversation seems about right. In practice, it's not terribly hard to run once you've grown used to it, although it is subject to technical "hiccups" just like any other piece of tech. One of the biggest problems we faced here with the implementation of DPU was the lack of training. Essentially, dpu trains just "showed up" and nobody had gotten trained on using it.

I was called to recrew a freight train when the DPUs started showing up. I had never been trained on DPU, given any information about it, or how it works. I show up after deadheading to this outlawed train, which is DPU'd. So with no training, and no idea, I had to "figure it out" on a real life crash course of 106 miles. I guess I did an okay job because we arrived in one piece, but it was frustrating dealing with the typical lack of information the railroad is famous for. After the DPUs had been here a month, everyone got a DPU training class (too little, too late), and even getting that paid turned out to be a nightmare (instructor gave everyone the wrong claim code for class...)

Most big city stations and terminals require a ticket to access the platforms.

Jon

Get the cheapest ticket you can, for a train that leaves after you will be finished with your railfan activity.  I always buy a cheap ticket if I am watching or photographing trains where there are badge-heavy security or police officers.

Jeffrey Sessa posted:

The DPU conversation seems about right. In practice, it's not terribly hard to run once you've grown used to it, although it is subject to technical "hiccups" just like any other piece of tech. One of the biggest problems we faced here with the implementation of DPU was the lack of training. Essentially, dpu trains just "showed up" and nobody had gotten trained on using it.

I was called to recrew a freight train when the DPUs started showing up. I had never been trained on DPU, given any information about it, or how it works. I show up after deadheading to this outlawed train, which is DPU'd. So with no training, and no idea, I had to "figure it out" on a real life crash course of 106 miles. I guess I did an okay job because we arrived in one piece, but it was frustrating dealing with the typical lack of information the railroad is famous for. After the DPUs had been here a month, everyone got a DPU training class (too little, too late), and even getting that paid turned out to be a nightmare (instructor gave everyone the wrong claim code for class...)

The RR version of training for the 737Max before theyvwere pulled from service?

Number 90 posted:

Get the cheapest ticket you can, for a train that leaves after you will be finished with your railfan activity.  I always buy a cheap ticket if I am watching or photographing trains where there are badge-heavy security or police officers.

Tom,  Is the ticket refundable when you do not actually use it.  Pat B.

I have noticed on recent visits to NYP that they are no longer checking tickets at the track gates.

>>Is the ticket refundable when you do not actually use it. 

I don't believe there is any such thing as a "cheap" Amtrak ticket.  Virtually all space is reserved, and once you pass the departure time as a "no-show" there are no refunds.  I'm not sure about other commuter lines, but NJ Transit tickets are non-refundable, but like "forever" postage stamps, are good until used.

Kent Loudon posted:

>>Is the ticket refundable when you do not actually use it. 

I don't believe there is any such thing as a "cheap" Amtrak ticket.  Virtually all space is reserved, and once you pass the departure time as a "no-show" there are no refunds.  I'm not sure about other commuter lines, but NJ Transit tickets are non-refundable, but like "forever" postage stamps, are good until used.

 

Thanks Kent

I haven't ever needed to buy an Amtrak ticket for this purpose.  I have only done this where there is commuter rail, and, for the low price, I do not try to get a refund.  But, if a photo was going to be good enough, I would consider the very cheapest Amtrak ticket, which in my case is either free or half fare, since I am in the ever-smaller group of individuals who hold a Legacy Amtrak Pass.  I was working for Santa Fe before Amtrak was created, so, my old Santa Fe pass privileges are still in effect for use on Amtrak.