Switchman-Brakeman?

Question

What is the highest speed you can mount or dismout stirup on a moving train,without rolling?

Also which foot do you lead with on dismount?

Answer 1

You can dismount anywhere between 5 and 150 MPH, but try it much above 15 or 20 MPH and you will find you can only do it once.

It is really a matter of physical condition as anything else, but climbing on and swinging off should be done at less than 10 MPH.  In the good old days, the rule read that the engineer was not to exceed 8 MPH for the length of his train when departing after a stop, so that the rear brakeman could re-line the switch to its normal position behind the train and still catch the caboose and re-join the crew.

When attempting to board moving equipment, the foot nearest to the equipment, in direction of approach, is the foot that goes in the stirrup provided for that purpose first.  As an example, if the car you intend to board is moving from left to right, your left foot would go into the trailing corner of the stirrup.

When detraining, your trailing foot, in the direction of movement comes off first.  It takes a little practice, but the equipment is actually doing most of the work.  Done this way, if ballance is lost, you still have the other foot coming down in a rather large "step", and a major "face plant" is probably the worst one could expect.

In addition (and this is THE most important part), unless you are boarding the last piece of equipment, ALWAYS board the leading end of the car.  This way, if you miss, you wind up banging into the car, which in and of itself is not good, but you won't fall in between the cars and wind up as so much hamburger, or a monicker like "Lefty".

Whenever possible, board the equipment before you initiate the move.  Always be aware of the condition of the toe path where you intend to hop off.  Switch stands, poor footing, etc. are there to hurt you if you don't.

Answer 2

Dismount with trailing foot.As how fast 10 mph safely but have seen brakemen mount and dismount at 20 mph.Most railroads have a 2 mph rule and some require complete stop.now