Monday August 30, 2010

   

 

Road Trip – Day 2

The Brakemen

Cass Railroad – Part 3

Thursday, August 19

 

 

It’s incredibly interesting to watch how much work the brakemen do to keep the train running smoothly on the downhill ride.

 

 

This brakeman was right next to me – on the previous car – so he was easiest to photograph

 

 

Every car had a brakeman who was constantly checking and adjusting the brakes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one was adjusting the brakes on his car according to the motions of the brakeman in front of me.

 

 

 

 

Watching the brakeman

 

 

A scenic view

 

 

 

 

This is why many of us had ashes in our hair when the trip was over – and why everyone is encouraged to not wear light colors on the trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were only a few times – when the grade was fairly level – that the brakemen could relax.

 

 

 

 

A fire tower at Whittacker Station

 

 

Back to work!

 

 

While the train was stopped – to let Shay #11 pass – someone gave this brakeman (left) a camera. Shay #11 only went to Whittacker Station, and was on its way back to the depot.

 

 

A wheel on the track and other interesting gadgets around it.

 

 

Back at the depot there were two engines at the shop. Maintaining the engines and other cars is a daily job.

I love trains, and this was a fabulous ride.

 

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Tomorrow: Natural Bridge

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