That particular track is a spur going to the refinery on Manor.  You don't see a lot of trains on it and when you do they're usually moving very slowly.  You'll probably never see one moving fast across there..but I wouldn't bet my life on it.  I treat all track with the same caution.

(psst Cass...some of us took drivers ed before they made videos....heh.  but seriously, you're right in that they're shown on tv from time to time.) 

Driver's Ed?  What's that?

Nancy

I  vaguely remember a class where there was a lot of loud snoring going on.   Unfortunately, the teacher's buzzing and snorting woke me from the best nap I ever had.. 

You are right Nancy. I learned out on Frasier Rd. with my dad as teacher. He did a good job. One of the first things he taught me was to always use caution around tracks and if there were 2 sets never assume that both are clear of trains, be sure.

PS

For Bakerspatch newbies you won't find Frasier Rd anywhere as I believe it became part of Ming Ave. or White Ln.  The only thing there at the time was a block building (KERN radio station) with a radio tower.

Drivers Ed used to be a required 9 week course in High School, usually taken your sophomore year.  After successfully completing Drivers Ed, you could get your learners permit at 15 1/2 and take Drivers Training, which was also a 9 week course in High School.  Now parents pay a couple hundred dollars to a private driving school who may or may not take the time to teach your child the rules of the road.  What they do teach them is how to pass the test!  Then they have their license, and they become the problem of everyone on the road.

They didn't have drivers training when I went.  Or if they did I don't remember it.  We just learned to drive in a family car of a friends car.  Oddly enough, I learned stick shifting while snuggled up to my honey (who I later married).  He did the steering with one hand, had one arm around my shoulders, and pushed the clutch in while I shifted gears.  A friends parents used to let us take their car out to Pete's Pasture (Jackrabbit for those in the know) and we got the luxury of what I believe was called "powerglide), an automatic.  My same boyfriend gave me 33 Dodge coupe 3 speed on the floor and I learned how to double clutch.  It didn't have a synchromesh so a little accomodation was needed.  Geezzz..todays cars are a breeze to drive compared to the old ones..but not nearly as much fun.

Staying on topic here... I'm glad moto put this blog up..we need to be reminded from time to time because I think we all get complacent with safety issues.  The double track comment is a good one and especially if a stationary train is blocking your view of the other track.  Even with no gates or lights one should proceed slowly until  you make sure both tracks are clear.

Random

I was so nervous during my first driving test that I became hysterically blind and almost ran over an old lady in a crosswalk.  The examiner looked at me in disbelief and said "Go back to the DMV".  Top that, if you can!

The "Oil City Branch", as the tracks along Norris are called, is a 10MPH track. Chances are the train would be able to stop in such a situation, but the crew is mandated to call the situation in and you will be cited. If the slow moving train does hit you, you'd probably survive, but your car would be tatalled and you would still be cited. Also remember that proceeding through an activated crossing warning system(gates down, lights flashing) is illegal and is one of the more expensive fines on the books.

As far as drivers ED in schools, lawsuit crazy people and budget constraints have pretty much put a stop to such things and it is unlikely it will ever return.

I somehow got signed on with Cassies name. Made her sound pretty on top of railroad stuff!

motopoet,

What is with the crossing gate on East Belle Terrace (just east of Union Ave )? I got stuck behind that gate and there were no trains coming for as far as the eyes could see. A total malfunction. I am not sure which RR owns the line so not sure who to talk to about it.

Thanks motopoet, now I know who to call.

Checking the phone book tho I find no listing for them so how do I get a live body to bitch to?

If I remember right, Mark once told me that the phone number should be on the housing of the crossing arm mechanism box.  Or whatever the technical name is.

The crossing at Wible used to be a major problem too but I haven't heard anything about it in a while.

Mom's right. There should be a number to report problems on the crossing case. The SJVRR's headquarters are in Exeter, you might try that in information. All they have here is a sales office.