Mike,

The Wabash Railroad "Rules and Regulations for the Maintenance of Way and
Structures" dated 01 Feb 1944 states:

"When required to ride on freight or work trains, employes must place
themselves in a safe position as near the center of the cars as practicable.
They must not ride on cars containing loads which may shift.

Sitting on the brake wheel or with feet projecting over the end of the car
is prohibited."

Another rule concerning handling of work equipment states:

"When equipment is shipped unaccompanied by a watchman, the valves, steam
gauges, injector, and other small parts which might be stolen must be
removed, packed and otherwise forwarded so as to avoid theft."

To me, this rule implies that sometimes equipment was ridden in transit.

Hope this helps.

gary roe
president
Wabash Railroad Historical Society




Mike Brock asked:

Speaking of flat car loads, anyone know of the rules [ in our period, of
course ] for people riding the loads? I am aware that military personnel did
ride in vehicles at times [ I'm assuming this occurred when an active unit
was moved ] but, in this case, I'm curious about active MOW equipment rather
than a new piece being transported. For example, UP Steam Eastern District,
Smoke Over the Divide part, pg 91, shows a bulldozer on a flat car being
moved by a 2-8-8-0. No caboose, mind you, just the flat car. There are two
guys on the dozer. Stops are placed at the end of the dozer and the only
other visible means of stabilizing the dozer are wood stakes in the pockets
where the dozer sits...which, BTW, is at one end of the car.

Mike Brock