We've updated our operations and safety procedures.
Comments welcome
Engineer is in charge - the senior decision maker during public operations.
- learn how to operate the locomotive; know and use the whistle/horn signals; know how to correct derails; maintain spacing between train and handcars
- use shoulder checks and mirrors to monitor passenger behaviour
In-station Conductor/ticket puncher/loader
- open the entrance rope, punch new tickets, collect punched tickets used for the ride-bonus (pass back to ticket seller at days end); board the people, close the rope, do the safetyspeil
- work closely with and advise the yardmaster whether the train or hand car should go (or return) next;
- call "All Aboard" when the train is about to go.
Yardmaster - is the prime flow-control person for activity in the Wye
- watch for and stop hand cars behind the train when the train is about to back up at the archery gate
- as train arrives at the station: whistle-stop it at the exit gate; exit the people through the exit rope gate, re-rope it; then ask the engineer to move the train back to the end of track
- monitor numbers waiting for the train and hand cars; decide whether to call the train or hand cars forward next; get advice on that from the in-staion conductor; ensure no handcars are returning at the crossing when the train is about to leave.
- turn on/off the crossing bell/lights with the remote (two remotes stored in the cash box)
- monitor pedestrians and vehicles wanting to pass through the railroad crossing during roped-off operation:
- - IF NECESSARY: open the ropes if needed to permit cars to pass (first suggest the vehicle use the vendor entrance)
- - permit able-bodied adults to cross over the ropes if time permits between train activity
Loop switcher-safety person
- give everyone a turn on the loop, except the youngest/weakest of children, sent them directly through (ie by-pass the loop)
- monitor handcar and train activity and alert handcar or train to stop to avoid collisions where the mainline meets the loop
- fix handcar derails and monitor handcar behaviour; do not tolerate bumping or other irresponsible action
Floating Relief
- the fifth person on the train crew ensures everyone gets a break as needed
- Whenever there are more than four on the train and two on tickets, everyone involved is asked to be aware that others came out to work too, and step aside to let people into the popular jobs and take a far share of all the jobs.
Pre-arrange: prior to day of operation:
- That week's lead Ticket person: Bring the blue box with Cash etc; extra lawn chairs if desired
- One of Train crew: bring high octane gas for the loci if container taken after last operation; gas up if needed
On arrival, (typically 11:45 for 12:30 event) team members:
- open the shed, secure the doors in the open position using the spikes that go into pipes in the ground
- mount the Paradise Train oval sign above the doors (clips on, stored in shed)
- set up the animal silhouettes and 4 farm animal displays
- walk / sweep the track of rocks on ties next to the flange; particularly the switches
- fill the gas tank;
- re-connect the train and bring it to the station; unload the ropes, stiff broom & special pry bar
- set up the tent, table, and chairs (stored in the shed)
- put up the banners on the tent valences using Velcro tabs
- put up the display boards (stored in the shed; stand up “sandwich”; lean/bungee the other)
- put up sandwich sign up at the OAM entrance announcing the train is operating
- install the gate electronics
- keep the pasenger cars covered with vinyl tarps until used to keep them dry or cool
- When first train ready to go (12:30): close the crossing with ropes marked "pedestrian access" with an arrow;
Ticket Sellers
- put hats on display for sale;
- record attendance, ticket sales, hat sales etc in the Railroad Log
- mind the cash, sell tickets/hats, direct people into the roped holding area
- count/record the cash, roll toonies/loonies if needed
- person/couple returning next week
- - take home blue box with Cash etc
- - retain $212 float; do the Scotia Bank deposit
- everyone help collect signs, re-pack the blue boxes; store everything in the shed except the cash blue box
- complete the reverse of the "on arrival" list above, keeping items close to the shed wall to permit cars to be there
- The shed is full; a planned rolling stock put-away sequence is required:
- - take the 4 hand cars up by the wheelchair car; load the light two on the wheel chair car and leave 2 on the loop
- - Drive the train up to the loop past where the mainline joins the loop, and disconnect the caboose and two cars
- - Put the wheelchair car behind the caboose and roll the WCC, caboose and one car back through the shed out of the way
- - Put one car and two hand cars on the 3rd track
- - Run the loco, tender and one car around the loop and through the shed
- - move the other passenger car and two hand cars from the 3rd track into the shed
- - lock the back door while there is walking space
- - move the remaining rolling stock into the shed
- final look-around; lock the shed
Note: First Aid kit and Fire Extinguisher mounted in the Shed
- encourage lots of “show” - bells and whistles etc – take photos; email to webmaster
On-board Conductor (optional)
- The engineer cannot see or hear behind him if an emergency occurred while underway. so whenever riders are mainly young children, or a hyper active child is noted, the engineer may require an extra or designated on-board conductor with a whistle
- On board conductor could be an instantly recruited bystander (riding free).
The engineer will make the judgement call on whether or not an on-board conductor is required.
For a normal operating day (2 hours), ideal team size is seven;
- engineer,
- in-station Conductor - ticket puncher-loader
- yardmaster
- loop switcher/safety person
- one spare for relief and as an on-board conductor when needed
- two on tickets
The Engineer is the "responsible person in charge" for judgement calls associated with the ride.
Ride Pricing
Rides cost $2.00
Three single-punched tickets are valid for a free ride.
Needed caregivers and their rider travel on one ticket.
"Needed" can be declared by
- any child or parent/guardian unsure their child of any age will be ok alone; or
- a railway team member who wants the parent/guardian along for safety
Examples:
-Parent/guardian and all children up to 2 ride on one ticket; (ie We insist caregiver is needed under age 3)
-Parent/guardian and child age 3 or older who want the parent along for security ride on one ticket;
-special needs person with one or two caregivers ride on one ticket; and
-confident/capable 3 year old or older riding alone needs a ticket
Free List
- We're not a business - our policy is to give free rides to deserving people. But...
-It's important we be consistent with who get free rides to as not to antagonize the people who pay, often more than they can afford
- riders going free should be given 3-punched tickets to hand the conductor rather than announce verbally that the person doesn't need a ticket.
- the family-friends-vendors free list is suspended when there are lineups to ride the train
- Some free list situations:
- - we support the Fresh Food Coupon program of the Family place and Bond; passes will arrive at the ticket location and should be traded for three-punched tickets
- - sponsors and their families who have donated time or money to the railroad and stop by to see what it's all about
- - family members and close friends of active PRFHS volunteers ride free a reasonable number of rides in a day
- - some special needs people who have been identified by regular train crew members are given some free rides, particularly when traffic is low
- - vendors at the market and their children are given reasonable number of free rides in a day
We recommend all riders face forward for the ride because:
- some people become disoriented when riding backwards.
- train capacity is reduced when people sit both ways.
Some exceptions to must-face-forward are:
- when a young child is in the caboose, then a parent/guardian facing him/her can be allowed. The engineer will decide.
- Some special needs persons need their caregiver riding backwards.
- When the train reaches the Y at the archery gate and is about to go backwards, some passengers have a strong wish to turn around and face "forward" for the last leg into the station. In exceptional situations, with few passengers on board, the engineer could allow this under his supervision. In this case the engineer must dismount and reemphasise to everyone the train is about to go again and everyone must remain seated whichever way they are now facing.
Suggested (for new riders. Wording can be adapted to your style)
- Thank you for coming. For a safe and enjoyable trip, please:
- Face forward unless especially authorized.
- Keep your feet inside your car.
- Do not lean out, attempt to grab anything, or change positions; or you may disrupt the balance of the train.
- Please pay particular attention when we stop to back into the station. This is your chance to ride backwards, which is fun. It's important not to be trying to turn around or get off when the engineer is starting to back up.
- When the ride is over, please wait for the train to come to a complete stop and do not get off until the conductor or engineer blows his whistle and says it is safe to do so.
..... after the trip is over, direct them to the exit...
- Thank you for riding with us!"
Suggested (for new riders. Wording can be adapted to your style)
"- Thank you for coming -- we hope you enjoy the ride.
- the hand car is tippy, so to get on the hand car, don't stand on it. Put one foot on either side and sit down.
- short legs can be bent at the knees with the feet positioned on the hand car. For longer legs, put your legs straight, with feet out in front of the car.
- wiggle forward or backward to be sure your weight is centered, or you could derail
- always hold on tight to both handles. The handles don't coast like a bicycle, and if you let go the handles, they can get away on you and knock your teeth out.
- go slowly while in the station, then full speed after you get past the crossing
- keep a space between you and the other hand car. No bumping please.
- if the hand car derails, get off and signal a crewmember for help. Or, try to lift and center it on the track yourself.
- Please pay particular attention when getting ready to back into the station. This is your chance to ride backwards, which is fun. Pay attention to the crossing guard and follow his direction.
..... after the trip is over, direct them to the exit...
- Thank you for riding with us!"
Ticket Seller Speil
Suggested (for new riders. Wording can be adapted to your style)
"- Welcome to the Paradise Valley Railroad!
- Thank you for coming -- we hope you enjoy the ride.
- Rides cost $2 per person, for either the train or hand cars.
…if young children or special needs person are there…
- For children up to two years old, we require a caregiver along, and the child with caregiver ride on one $2 fare
- For children older than two, or special needs people, if we, or the child or caregiver feels they need someone older along for confidence or safety, the two ride on one $2 fare.
- For safety, it is important that you follow the safe riding rules posted on the signs. Please have a look at them as you wait.
- Take your ticket through the line to the conductor, who will punch the ticket.
- Please note that we have a free bonus ride program. Three single-punched tickets are valid for a free ride, so be sure to save them and bring them back for free rides; not only today but all season.
- and…. be sure to follow train crew instructions at all times. “
Zero Tolerance
As a volunteer organization dealing with the public, we expect all our members to be on best behaviour at all times and treat everyone with respect.
- zero tolerance for sexual harassment
- be politically correct on all human rights areas: race, religion, sexual orientation, age, appearance, weight, colour, politics, etc
Bells and whistles are popular with the riders, and perhaps give confidence.
Keep the compressor 15- 20 lbs (switch is on left; hold right for a few seconds until the pressure reads 20lbs, then return the switch to the left. SHORT stab on the horn button; otherwise it's too loud)
--- means long; o means short; either with a police-whistle; horn or toy steam whistle
--- Signal to stop (e.g.; conductor tells engineer to stop when backing; engineer replies with same single whistle --- )
o o Conductor has loaded cars, given briefing and advises it's safe to go; engineer replies with same double whistle --- ----
--- --- Engineer is about to release brake and proceed
o o o Engineer is about to back up (sounded by either or both of Yardmaster and Engineer)
---- ---- o -------- level crossing - or any interest point (trestle, tunnel,....)
o o o o o emergency STOP!!!
loco bell - ring often for effect - or to draw attention to any other whistle
When we have two trains and handcars (e.g. Fall Fair), we want to
Move passengers efficiently
Avoid lifting the hand car off the track
Some techniques we will adopt:
Back the train until the ride cars are at the unload gate. Stop for unloading; SET THE BRAKE; whistle once o. This permits unloading while the other train is loading. Then move the train back fully to end of track for loading when safe or directed by the in-station conductor.
Keep both trains short (two ride cars plus caboose maximum unless a big backlog)
Assign one station track to each train
keep the hand cars always in front, using techniques such as:
- pause one hand car by the archery fence if not in demand; bring it back as needed
- park one hand car in front of the train Not going next; can change station tracks quickly by moving it up and back thru the switch
If there is a big demand for hand cars, get them in and out ahead of the trains.
have a dedicated hand car Conductor to load, brief and get riders underway
If main demand is for train rides; keep the hand cars out of the way (end of track in the Y; either at the archery gate or pedestrian entrance)
Bring extra towels to dry the seats; use the material we have now
Set up Hans's large tent over the track if rain is forecast
Bring extra tarps to keep unused cars dry
- The wheelchair is normally positioned on the third track near the loop, and brought to the station when a wheelchair rider is ready.
- Also bring the loading ramp
