How can a train tell us what time it is?

Question

its a weird question but its real question. please help.

Answer 1

They can't, except perhaps in a round about way.

For example, if you foolishly get yourself stuck in front of an approaching train, it's time to call the coroner...

Answer 2

Train schedules are not very accurate as a rule, commuter trains being an exception and freight trains have absolutely NO schedule whatsoever so no help there.

I think the best way would be to find a parked train and use it as a sundial.

Of course if the train is stopped and the crew is on it, you could just ask one of them. Railroad operating rules require every crew member to have an accurate watch and check it before going on duty each day.

Answer 3

It whistles to you.

Answer 4

I thank Rango for the SunDial joke, but...

I live and ride by a commuter train: CALTRAIN, at is is rarely more that 60 seconds off schedule.  Even if it is, there are signs at each station that show the time on a digital-clock.

Amtrak may bite, but CalTrain and Ace still run on TIME.

Answer 5

it looks at a watch

Answer 6

Because it is on a schedule,and usually passes the same time daily.

Answer 7

Well, time in the US was standardized only after railroads began serving many communities. People needed to know when to catch the train, so that train had to have a timetable. In order to have a timetable, they had to figure out what time it was in each community that the train served. Our timezones came out of this problem. Also, up until that time few people owned clocks. Since most of the economy was agricultural, people didn't need to think about time. Afterward, communities served by railroads installed large clocks at railroad stations, courthouses, or town halls that served the entire community. So, many communities didn't know (or necessarily care) what time it was until they got train service.

Answer 8

Haha...I like the sun dial idea. :)  Generally, in order for a train to be able to tell you what time it is, you need to be familiar with the schedule.  However, as many have stated, they are not regularly on time and so it's more of a, "oh, there's the train...it must be around 4:30ish...maybe...unless CSX has put out another heat advisory or if Amtrak is ahead then it's probably closer to 5ish...maybe...".  Get the drift?  :) :)