vb:literal>

Page 1 of 5 12345 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 42

Thread: Railroad trespassing

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Midcoast
    Posts
    11

    Thumbs down Railroad trespassing

    I was doing an Operation Lifesaver presentation today for new ATV operators, and heard about a cache that is "right in the middle of a railroad track." After reading one thread on this forum about crossing a track/walking on railroad property, I thought I should chime in with some information. I've been a volunteer presenter with Maine Operation Lifesaver for several years now, and have worked as a railroad employee for a little longer than that. Operation Lifesaver has chapters in every state except Hawaii. Canada and other countries also have OL organizations. OL works with railroads, government agencies, and other interested parties to help prevent highway/rail crossing collisions. Also of great concern to us is the fact that around 500 people are killed each year while trespassing on railroad property. Another 200+ were injured each year during 2003, 2004, and 2005. The Federal Railroad Administration's Office of Safety Analysis maintains extensive records, and a review of their Website shows that the casualties are not just kids: the 21-25 age group and the 41-45 age group had the most deaths and injuries (306 each) for that three-year period.
    One of the first things a new railroad employee is taught is to expect a train on any track, at any time, in any direction. Another important lesson is that trains can overhang the track by three feet, and broken strapping (metal bands) or possibly a shifted load can "reach out and touch someone" in a very unpleasant way at an even greater distance.
    The new Continuous Welded Rail (CWR, or "ribbon rail") being used more and more has eliminated the "clickety-clack" of train wheels passing over joints in the rail. A heavy freight train or a fast passenger train can take a mile to come to a full stop. The train can't steer around you, and you may not have a safe place to go to in order to get out of its path. The best way to avoid a sudden unpleasant encounter with a train is to just "don't go there" where you could be in harm's way.
    The discussion in the other thread included some questions about fines for trespassing. I'll just refer you to MRSA Title 23, §7007. http://janus.state.me.us/legis/statu...23sec7007.html
    (Remember, sometimes the penalty for trespassing on railroad property is death.)
    I know someone's saying, "What about this old track that they don't use anymore?" Are you sure it's not being used? The "Lewiston Lower" is being rebuilt right now, for eventual resumption of service. Maine ATV and snowmobile regulations say a person "may operate within the right-of-way of a portion of railroad line that has been officially abandoned under the authority of the Interstate Commerce Commission." I don't know how you could be certain of an abandonment enough to maybe stake your life on it, especially since there's no longer an Interstate Commerce Commission.
    Railroad trespassing is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in the U.S.
    Enjoy geocaching and other outdoor activities, but please, "Stay Off! Stay Away! Stay Alive!"
    Thanks.

    --
    Doug Clark

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Unity, Maine
    Posts
    3,874

    Default

    One of my caches is close to a railroad line that was not being used in previous years, but it now appears as though it will be doing some excursion trips this year. Even before this thread appeared I was planning on moving it due to this new development . . . although personally it wouldn't break my heart if the train company just folded up and sold the line to the State of Maine -- I suspect a multi-purpose rail trail would get a heckuva lot more use than it will as a train line for railroad buffs.
    "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the realization that there is something more important than fear."

    "Death is only one of many ways to die."

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Bangor, ME
    Posts
    6,343

    Default

    New caches are approved before they can be made public and it is geocaching.com's policy not to allow caches on RR property.

    I have yet to hear about any Maine cache that is in the middle of any tracks with the exception of one or two near old narrow-guage tracks. Some caches are near active tracks, however. I have one within 15 feet or so of active tracks, but it is perfectly safe and legal.

    However, an occasional cache will make it through the approval process. If you could refer us to the cache name, ID, or general location, it can be checked on and, if neccessary, moved or archived.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Solon, Maine
    Posts
    5,965

    Default

    I think that one cache that might need to be reconsidered is the Burnham Junction cache.

    This involves an interesting walk across a railroad trestle - the one where Hiram dropped his GPSr.

    I read recently that excursion train service between Unity and Burnham will start on Father's Day. And the trains will undoubtedly go across this trestle.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Burnham, Maine
    Posts
    507

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by WhereRWe?
    I think that one cache that might need to be reconsidered is the Burnham Junction cache.

    This involves an interesting walk across a railroad trestle - the one Hiram dropped in GPSr off of.

    I read recently that excursion train service between Unity and Burnham will start on Father's Day. And the trains will undoubtedly go across this trestle.
    Rather than archive this cache maybe all that needs to be done is re-direct cachers from another direction. It can be approached from the Troy Road near the Burnham Elementary School, however, you'd still have to cross over the tracks but it would be better than getting stuck on the trestle. Another idea would be to place this cache near the cache owners store near Rt. 100 to make it more accessible and still offer folks a good view of the trestle. Just an idea..........
    What if the Hokey Pokey is what its all about?
    Have Fun & Be Safe!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Solon, Maine
    Posts
    5,965

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Smitty & Co.
    Rather than archive this cache maybe all that needs to be done is re-direct cachers from another direction. It can be approached from the Troy Road near the Burnham Elementary School, however, you'd still have to cross over the tracks but it would be better than getting stuck on the trestle. Another idea would be to place this cache near the cache owners store near Rt. 100 to make it more accessible and still offer folks a good view of the trestle. Just an idea..........
    Well, maybe they could just make it a "difficulty 5" on days the train is due?


  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Midcoast
    Posts
    11

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by brdad
    New caches are approved before they can be made public and it is geocaching.com's policy not to allow caches on RR property.
    I figured there was probably a general policy like that, but maybe something had slipped through, or perhaps a formerly inactive railroad line was being used once again.

    However, an occasional cache will make it through the approval process. If you could refer us to the cache name, ID, or general location, it can be checked on and, if neccessary, moved or archived.
    I thought it was somewhere in the Brunswick area, and directed visitors to an old trolley grade. I looked at some topo maps on the UNH site last night, and didn't see a trolley line on any of them in the Brunswick area. (Maybe it's actually an old spur off of the rail line.)
    The person who mentioned it to me hadn't yet logged his find of it, but said he'd point out to somebody that it might want relocating. I think he also said that the particular area is only accessible via the track.

    Some days, having minimal information is worse than having none at all, right?

    --
    Doug C.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Bangor, ME
    Posts
    6,343

    Default

    The first cache that came to mind when you mentioned Brunswick and trolley was Trolly Line (GC9F97) by Kristomeg (2/4). This cache can be accessed without walking on the active RR lines. Some people have not, myself included. But I walked clear of the tracks and when I came to what looked like too dangerous a spot, I opted to bushwhack instead. The cache is nowhere near the active tracks, but are not too far from the old trolley bed.

    Other Maine caches which mention trolly or trolley:
    The Jolly Trolley (GCG5PH) by Montana East (1.5/2)
    Trestle Trove (GCMD52) by Two Reprobates (2/2)

    And Maine caches which mention tracks within 25 miles of Brunswick:
    Rubiks Revenge (GCQD0X) by robt (4/2)
    Wildes Road Wildlife management area (GCH31H) by keagriver (2/2)
    Take a walk on the wild side..... (GCV5MG) by Team Teebow (2.5/2.5)
    I've Been Caching on the Rail Road (GCV2T1) by MaineRebel and GreenGoddess (3/3)
    Railroad Ramble (GCHFBQ) by IntotheWoods (2/3)
    Downtown L/A III - Railroad Park (GCQYEZ) by Gob-ler (5/1)
    Benedict's Campground (GCGHHV) by T-Fam (2/3)

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Auburn
    Posts
    2,134

    Default

    Jolly Trolly, Trestle Trove and Downtown L/A have not had tracks for a very long time.

    Rubik's Revenge requires the cacher to cross the tracks, if this is not safe, let either me or RobT know and we'll address the issue.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Brunswick, Maine
    Posts
    548

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by tat
    Jolly Trolly, Trestle Trove and Downtown L/A have not had tracks for a very long time.

    Rubik's Revenge requires the cacher to cross the tracks, if this is not safe, let either me or RobT know and we'll address the issue.
    Hmm, The trail that I placed the cache off of does cross an active RR track. If it is an issue please let me know so I can pull the cache if needed.

    RobT

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •