On Saturday, July 18, volunteers Dwight, Colin, Justin, Nick, Bruce, Reid, Jerod, Ben, Dannis, Abel, Doug, Scott, Jasper, Reilly and Paul participated in a basic training course that helped the volunteer crew understand a bit more about the equipment they work with, including the basic components of the air brake system, the hand brakes, how to lace up air hoses and cut in the air for the brakes. The group also worked on learning basic hand signals that effect train operations, and practiced radio calls.

The group took a nice lunch break and enjoyed some pizza before heading out in the hot afternoon sun to learn and practice the proper way to board and alight from steps and ladders on the freight cars and cabooses. Everyone got to practice throwing a track switch and learning how not to throw out your back while doing that! Lastly we switched a couple of pieces of equipment to help tie all of the training together. The volunteers said they all enjoyed learning this information and they said they had fun even though the heat was quite an issue by the end of the day.

I have included a few pictures that were all taken by Ben when he could sneak a minute away from the training!

– Paul