Texas Sheetz: The Train Ride

On Friday, while at lunch, I got a call from the school. Sy had won a spot as part of the group going on a train ride. The nice lady that called had absolutely no details except that we needed to be at the city office at 7:20 am today and she needed an answer. She couldn't tell me how long, where, what kind of train, etc. But I knew if Sy had heard I declined he would've have been very upset. He loves trains. So I said yes and decided we would figure it out.

Before the end of the day, we had learned that we would be going on a bus to Cotulla and taking the train to Callaghan (just north of Laredo). The ride was for Rail Road Safety Month.

On Saturday, since these are Union Pacific tracks, I googled Education Union Pacific and came up with their restored passenger train in a photo in another town's paper. By now, Roy had delegated this field trip to me and I was so excited to think I was going to ride that train. It's come by the house many times and I couldn't figure out how to snag a ride. This may be it.

This morning, we got up and met the group at the city offices. A total of 7 students, 4 parents for the elementary students, and some members of the school board and a few others (not sure of their role so I will leave it at that).

We rode a school bus and it had air conditioning. Funny, growing up in PA, we never had buses with a/c. And come to think of it, I'm not sure they had heat either. My toes were numb most winter mornings by the time we got to school.

Anyway, we made it to the designated crossing to get on the train. We didn't have that long of a wait. Just long enough for Sy to get a few laps in around the dirt parking area and wear off some energy.

The train turned out to be a few cars from the restored passenger train. Super cool.

We saw a lot of scrub brush. A few border patrol. Lots of cattle and Andy Pettitte's ranch.

The big reason for this ride was for us to spread the word about train safety. Living with the tracks out my front door, I have learned about safety from many close calls at the crossing just north of the house - and when the train derailed less than a 1/2 mile away due to an 18 wheeler that tried to get over a crossing and didn't make it.

They are having numerous accidents on this section of track - Laredo to Cotulla - because of all the new crossings for the Eagle Ford Shale gas wells. Many of these crossing do not have barriers and you have to stop and look to see if the train is coming.

I will share with you this observation... When you are down lower than the train, the horn is not very loud and provides the perception that it's further off than you think. It will sneak up on you and scare the dickens out of you. But when you are level or higher than the train and a nice safe distance away, you will hear that horn like it's going off in your head. It is so loud. I'm not sure why that is. I forgot to ask today. I may send an e-mail... Anyway, what that boils down to is, stop, look, listen. The train will definitely win if you go to battle.

Here are some of the issues: http://aesc.net/pdf/Union_Pacific_Meeting_Notes.pdf

Okay, now for the pictures.

The blue sign on the pole has a 1-800 number and crossing ID number.
In an emergency, you call the number listed and provide the ID number.
The staff on the other end will shut down the trains on that track until the track is clear.

It's the restored passenger cars = happy

The company working with UP and the gas companies to transport product, equipment, etc.

Moving up to the crossing to pick us up.

The car behind Sy turned out to be a 2nd floor viewing deck. Cool.

This is actually the place to ride. Cool breeze, great view, and the awesome
sound of steel wheels on the track up close and personal.
Just don't stick body parts out when in motion.