:thumbs_up:Just wondering if anyone knows if BNSF has what is called a Hang test? I've heard this before just want to know if they do this. thanks all.
Well, if you're talking about the simulated hanging on a railcar test. I don't know if they do or not. I had to do one for UP and I didn't think it was that bad, not knowing how well you have to do to pass and being a bit husky for my size of course. I'll tell you this though: 1.Relax, stay as vertical as possible with your chest close to the handle bar, it takes a little less effort this way. 2.Hold the handle bar tight enough to hang, DON'T give it a death grip that'll just wear you out a bit faster and maybe cause cramping. 3.During all your physical testing, relax, take nice big deep slow breaths to try and keep your heart rate and blood preasure down. 4.Do some good stretching before you go in and get started, especially the upper body and arms. Make sure you do everything in a safe manner too, lifting by bending at the knee's ect... When I did my hang test, I did extend my arms once or twice but not all the way. It was just to be in a slightly different position for a second or two. They had the monitor right there for me to watch too so I could see the effort and all that fun stuff increase as I went further out of vertical on it. Good luck.
If that's what it is, I don't recall having a "test" on it. I went thru conductor's training at the N.A.R.S. courtesy of the BNSF. We were taught the "railroad" way of getting on & off moving equipment, how to mount/dismount freight cars and ride them. This included the proper grip, use of grabirons,steps and stirrups and "3 point contact". We were also taught the "correct" way to couple/uncouple cars, connecting brake & M.U. hoses, opening/closing angle cocks, replacing & carrying coupler knuckles, knuckle pins and coupler pins. Your instructor will probably disassemble a coupler and tell you to put it back together again. Watch your fingers!!!! After you hang from a few boxcars or locomotives, it becomes 2nd nature. You might not enjoy doing it all that much, but it sure beats walking, which BTW you can opt to do if you dont feel comfortable riding. You wont be very popular with your crew though. It's fairly easy and safe enough if you do it properly. It is a b**ch in cold or wet or snowy weather, those grabirons and stirrups get icy!!!. It's also not real thrilling during a thunderstorm. Boxcars are made of steel doancha know!!! LOL Charlie
Never had a hang test when I was there.Cars I like to ride, tanks,boxcars with large grab irons,hoppers, and flats. Cars I HATE Auto racks,bulkhead flats and gons! I like where I "ride" now.only thing I have to hang onto is a handle lol.
If that's the hang test dscamaro is referring to, it's a no fun worst case scenario. Like a gon with a foot stirup and only two up high grab irons that must be sticking out a foot from the car. I think you have to hold on for 3 min, all while having your vital signs monitored and the handle bar thing measuring how much you're pulling on it. Not sure why they measure how hard you're pulling on it?
Hi Thanks for all your responses, Yes that is the test you all are talking about Ill call Rob and ask him tomorrow what the deal is with the test. thank you.
