Leo, random tests? I wonder, too. It was no secret about how some people left Savanna eastbound. I think it was all an early version of "don't ask, don't tell" and get the train over the road.
I think it's difficult for someone not "in the life" to really appreciate some of the situations crews were put in. Savanna again 1970's: flophouse boarding ("hotel" Radke rooms were a bed and a sink, one bathroom per floor, no air, TV, etc), two very greasy spoons, three bars. And nothing else. If you didn't play cards in the bars there wasn't a lot else to do. And there you were for anything between 8 and 24+ hours. And I remember a few times coming in, being told the lineup showed we'd be there at least 12 hours and very likely more, having a few at Gene's Oasis, going to bed and then being called right on the 8 hours (which, of course, meant you were called at the 7 hour point). Arghh.
When the long pool started and we were put up in a modern type of hotel in LaCrosse (what normal people routinely expect) I couldn't believe the RR was finally arriving into the late 20th century.
Doug
----- Original Message -----
From: qutlx1@aol.com
To: cbq@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 10:33:39 PM GMT -06:00 US/Canada Central
Subject: Fwd: [CBQ] Fwd: Fire Insurance Efficiency tests
As usual Pete has done a pretty complete job of covering the various types of efficiency tests. Keep in mind these were usually done on low density lines. For example I dont ever recall an efficiency test on the triple track east end between Aurora and CUS(by the way we never called it the speedway or anything other than the East End). I also dont ever recall a test in a yard. Most of the tests I remember were done during the day on branch lines.
Pete be sure to read all the way to the bottom as there's a "test" of sorts for you at the end.
One test that I previously described was done at Aurora Tower. The rules required that a crew observe a signal until it had been passed. The layout of the tower and one eastbound signal made it possible to test from the comfort of the tower by changing the signal indication just a split second before the engine would go under it. When this test was being done the train was routed in such a way as to be lined into a red absolute signal less than about a quarter mile away on a curve that was hidden until very near it. Why do I remember this particular test so well. It was pulled on me and an engineer one night and I thought we failed as we did get just past the red signal. Never heard another word about it, not even so much as a friendly better be more careful. And yes I was sure it was a test because I saw the guy standing at the window in the tower.
I believe another kind of test was to drop in on a crew while they were eating somewhere out on the road at a local establishment. One crew on one particular wayfreight was "said" to be having liquid lunches in a particular town. One day while the crew was lunching the trainmaster and roadforeman dropped into the restaurant. Along with their food a couple crew members seemed to have a drink not allowed under Rule G and also a glass of water or soda.
When asked if the alcohol was his,each member said no his drink was the soda or water and didn't know who the booze was for.
Another time at this same establishment the crew came in for lunch and the bartender took their orders and then sat only a glass of water in front of each. Momentarily the trainmaster/roadforeman team walked in.
I believe another form of testing was to ride a passenger train and see if the fares were collected and tickets punched correctly. I believe this usually happened when something was suspected.
Now you knew there was going to be a story....................
One night I was called off the passenger extra list to work a night dinky as the regular man had laid off. On my way into the depot another trainman was going home after just arriving but stopped me to say watch out, your working in so and so spot tonight and they think he's splitting duplexes and are on the train. The suspect trainman had laid off with short notice and apparently word had not reached the testers or they decided to observe anyway.
You know how it's been described that RR mgmt used to dress in an easily identifiable manner, seems to me RR police also did or I was just aware that night of certain out of place appearances. The upper deck had at least two observers in each half of the car I was responsible to collect tickets in and each bought a cash fare. It was only a few weeks later that the regular colllector on the job was no longer a RR employee.
I believe another possible form of testing was for local mgmt to visit the away from home terminal restaurants and bars. This was a bit tricky for all because back in those days you were OK drinking in your off duty time as long as you didn't come to work under the influence. You could be in town in some cases for a day or more.
Things are very, very much different today.
The thing I often wondered about was if the tests were totally random or were certain crews or crew members selected specifically?
Leo Phillipp
As usual Pete has done a pretty complete job of covering the various types of efficiency tests. Keep in mind these were usually done on low density lines. For example I dont ever recall an efficiency test on the triple track east end between Aurora and CUS(by the way we never called it the speedway or anything other than the East End). I also dont ever recall a test in a yard. Most of the tests I remember were done during the day on branch lines.
Pete be sure to read all the way to the bottom as there's a "test" of sorts for you at the end.
One test that I previously described was done at Aurora Tower. The rules required that a crew observe a signal until it had been passed. The layout of the tower and one eastbound signal made it possible to test from the comfort of the tower by changing the signal indication just a split second before the engine would go under it. When this test was being done the train was routed in such a way as to be lined into a red absolute signal less than about a quarter mile away on a curve that was hidden until very near it. Why do I remember this particular test so well. It was pulled on me and an engineer one night and I thought we failed as we did get just past the red signal. Never heard another word about it, not even so much as a friendly better be more careful. And yes I was sure it was a test because I saw the guy standing at the window in the tower.
I believe another kind of test was to drop in on a crew while they were eating somewhere out on the road at a local establishment. One crew on one particular wayfreight was "said" to be having liquid lunches in a particular town. One day while the crew was lunching the trainmaster and roadforeman dropped into the restaurant. Along with their food a couple crew members seemed to have a drink not allowed under Rule G and also a glass of water or soda.
When asked if the alcohol was his,each member said no his drink was the soda or water and didn't know who the booze was for.
Another time at this same establishment the crew came in for lunch and the bartender took their orders and then sat only a glass of water in front of each. Momentarily the trainmaster/roadforeman team walked in.
I believe another form of testing was to ride a passenger train and see if the fares were collected and tickets punched correctly. I believe this usually happened when something was suspected.
Now you knew there was going to be a story....................
One night I was called off the passenger extra list to work a night dinky as the regular man had laid off. On my way into the depot another trainman was going home after just arriving but stopped me to say watch out, your working in so and so spot tonight and they think he's splitting duplexes and are on the train. The suspect trainman had laid off with short notice and apparently word had not reached the testers or they decided to observe anyway.
You know how it's been described that RR mgmt used to dress in an easily identifiable manner, seems to me RR police also did or I was just aware that night of certain out of place appearances. The upper deck had at least two observers in each half of the car I was responsible to collect tickets in and each bought a cash fare. It was only a few weeks later that the regular colllector on the job was no longer a RR employee.
I believe another possible form of testing was for local mgmt to visit the away from home terminal restaurants and bars. This was a bit tricky for all because back in those days you were OK drinking in your off duty time as long as you didn't come to work under the influence. You could be in town in some cases for a day or more.
Things are very, very much different today.
The thing I often wondered about was if the tests were totally random or were certain crews or crew members selected specifically?
Leo Phillipp