New Train Hopping Gallery

[artandrevolution]

I've been putting this gallery together since I have been travelling by freight train and just uploaded a bunch more.

http://www.pbase.com/artandrevolution/travels

example:

[trishymouse]

Thanks for sharing your hop pics. My family goes back to 1800's working for the railroad (NOT bulls, but linemen and telegraphers and stuff...) I've been around the railroad all my life and seen the people riding the rails, and often thought what it would be like...

[dinger_ca]

anyone have any advice for a rookie train hopper? I mean other than using common sense and avoiding the bulls and all that good stuff.
like what cars to pick? ones to avoid? specific things I shoud be packing with me?
any advice would be great
Thanks

[artandrevolution]

one piece of advice would be to go with someone who has done it before. There are two types of trains IM and GM(or junk). FOr a newbie i'd suggest hopping a stopped train(my first time i hopped on the fly but i went with an experianced person who knew what to ride and it was going real slow).
If you do get a moving train make sure you can see all three bolts on the wheel separetly. If they are a blur and you cant count the bolts its going too fast.
Bring water...at least a gallon plus maybe a nalgene. Bring food. Expect to be on the train for at least 6 hours and up to 12(8 hours is a crew change).
Junk trains are mixed train cars. IM's are high priority and are faster and smoother ride. NEVER ride cars that have no floors(also known as suicide cars) they dont have bottoms and are very dangerous to ride.
You can always message me privatley on here if you need tips on a certain train yard(maybe ive been to it). also bring warm clothing and probably a sleeping bag. Id also suggest waitiing till spring when its warmer.
cheers.
amelia