Re: Georgetown Loop - time to turn the pressure up?

I think you missed the point of the story. The old guys had taught us the most important lesson in railroading. IN CASE OF DOUBT OR UNCERTAINTY THE SAFE COURSE MUST BE TAKEN. I chose not to sit where I could not move quickly when necessary. The fact that I did not feel comfortable sitting down beside the boiler put me in position to reach the brake valve when the need arose. Never be so cocky as to think that even experienced people can't make mistakes. The fact that even an experienced engineer could make the mistake of having the johnson bar in the wrong position, which on a flat railroad is only an "oops" moment, highlights the dangers inherent in mountain railroading and the need for good equipment and good training.

I guess I could have laid out the story in a more educational manner if I had followed my own rules:

1. Outline the story or post
2. Write the story
3. Check the spelling and punctuation
4. SET THE STORY ASIDE FOR A WHILE
5. Re-read the story (did it say what you meant)
6. Rewrite the story.

Here is the conclusion:

You have to have good equipment, good training, and be prepared for mistakes because they will happen.
SAFE RAILROADING IS NO ACCIDENT!