Was there a train conductor that would hop onboard after it had sped up using the pole on the last car steps?

Question

The suggestion was that he did it up to a quite high mph without pulling his arm out of the socket. He would be 'translating' the forward movement of the train into rotational motion around the pole which swung him up onto the car!

Answer 1

Well, as a conductor for BNSF. There is certain ways to get on and off moving equipment, the max speed for me, getting off is about 20 mph, getting on is a lot harder, but I do it at around 10-15 mph max! any faster, yes, it will make your arm about a foot longer.... PS most class 1 railroads don't allow you to get on or off moving equipment....

Answer 2

Well today we must stop to pick him up. But when I started we would pick him up wile moving even with his grip (suit case). We would try to pick him up at about 5 to 10 mph. At 10 with his grip was getting a little fast. If you look at the old cabooses you will see a grab iron shaped like a half moon that grab iron would help pull him on. Now back in my younger days and theirs I have seen it done up to 15 or 18 with out a grip. But I would get a good tong lashing on the radio after and a big grin. There was usually a game or bet involved. Some of the old head conductors would have a little fun with the rear man sometimes and run him a bit when we lined behind before we had auto switches.  

    The big thing here is do not go try it we were young and did it every day. wittster hit the nail on the head I could step off up to 20 or so and stop in 3 steps. Over that and over I went. Trial and error. Error is when you do a flip and end up with your a** in the chat.

Answer 3

Are you thinking of London bus conductors?

Answer 4

No, when a train departs all crew is aboard, and as far as I know, its always been that way.

AFAIK, getting on/off moving equipment is a no-no in the rule book, though its still done.