First train trip...getting nervous

[lyke99]

Many of the sandals made by "Keen" have sturdy rubber soles that wrap up and over the toes. Most of them also have a strap around the heel. These would be fine to wear while walking from car to car, but I would not wear an open-toe sandal or a slip-on shoe of any kind while changing cars.

 

[Swadian Hardcore]

Dont see what the big deal is with sandals. I have walked barefoot on the train.

I would only do that in my Roomette! That just screams DANGER even in the aisle, not to mention walking to another car.

Many of the sandals made by "Keen" have sturdy rubber soles that wrap up and over the toes. Most of them also have a strap around the heel. These would be fine to wear while walking from car to car, but I would not wear an open-toe sandal or a slip-on shoe of any kind while changing cars.

Changing cars is the problem.

 

[jb64]

have worn my keen sandals on two trips now. Perfect for the train in both summer and winter.

 

[George Harris]

If the shoe will stay on your feet and not come off easily, it should be OK to wear. I would not think normal slip-on, as good solid slip-ons which are no different from other solid shoes except not having shoestrings or straps that need tying/fastening should be acceptable footwear. What would not be good would be thin soled / weak soled shoes whose soles could be pinched in the vestibules, or flip flops that could come off easily.

I had never thought about footwear being that major an issue. If it is something that you could wear walking around outside without worrying about them coming off or hurting your foot stepping on sticks or small rocks then they should be alright on the train.

 

[zephyrstar]

Another main reason I avoid sandals is I find my feet get cold sitting in one place for an extended period. While I sometimes kick my shoes off while seated, I like having my socks on for warmth.

 

[EB_OBS]

Dont see what the big deal is with sandals. I have walked barefoot on the train.

Because just when you least expect it, because you're so confident and sure that nothing can happen to you, you'll cross between cars at just the right moment and place your foot at just the right spot and in an instant the train will hit a rough spot, one car will bounce and that buffer plate that overlaps the gap will lift or shift and bounce and come down right on your big toe. Bye bye big toe.

It's just one of those things that could happen. It's one of those things that's known to happen because it has happened. It's human nature, most safety rules are reactive not proactive. That's why barefeet are prohibited when moving about the train. Anytime you leave your immediate seating area or your room you should be wearing shoes. Open toed sandals are allowed but obviously offer much less protection than a shoe.

 

[oldtimer]

Dont see what the big deal is with sandals. I have walked barefoot on the train.

Because just when you least expect it, because you're so confident and sure that nothing can happen to you, you'll cross between cars at just the right moment and place your foot at just the right spot and in an instant the train will hit a rough spot, one car will bounce and that buffer plate that overlaps the gap will lift or shift and bounce and come down right on your big toe. Bye bye big toe.

Now the conductor will have to decide whether to call an ambulance or a toe truck!

:giggle: :blink: hboy: :help:

 

[winterskigirl]

Regarding intoxicated or unruly passengers on Amtrak. This is absolutely NOT tolerated by Amtrak. If you should encounter this, first ask the train attendant to address the problem. If that fails, find the Conductor. Believe me, if a passenger is intoxicated and/or unruly and bothering other passengers they will be duly escorted off the train. Although not common I have seen police waiting on the platform to take them away.

 

[AlanB]

I've seen the train make an unscheduled stop at a RR crossing in a town where the train normally never stops. And the police were waiting there to help someone off the train who couldn't seem to control himself, despite multiple warnings from the crew.

Needless to say he never got to the game he was originally heading to, but he did get a free room that night at the local police station.

 

[VentureForth]

I've seen the train make an unscheduled stop at a RR crossing in a town where the train normally never stops. And the police were waiting there to help someone off the train who couldn't seem to control himself, despite multiple warnings from the crew.

Needless to say he never got to the game he was originally heading to, but he did get a free room that night at the local police station.

I'm pretty sure it was anything but "free"!

Meanwhile, I recommend no one should even consider riding a train without these:

 

[Swadian Hardcore]

I've seen the train make an unscheduled stop at a RR crossing in a town where the train normally never stops. And the police were waiting there to help someone off the train who couldn't seem to control himself, despite multiple warnings from the crew.

Needless to say he never got to the game he was originally heading to, but he did get a free room that night at the local police station.

I heard about a man who had a "fit" in the diner of the EB. He was kicked off at Essex, Montana. Ooops. Don't know if he was arrested.

Meanwhile, I recommend no one should even consider riding a train without these:

I must say, you are a hardcore train rider!

 

[PaulM]

I originally made light of Mama's nervousness (my apologies). But with all this talk about needing industrial strength footwear, I would be nervous too. But let's be honest. The danger zone between cars is what, about a foot wide? If you know about it ahead of time and watch what you are doing, it's simple to step over it. What I'm saying is if you don't make like a distracted motorists, you'll be fine.

 

[Swadian Hardcore]

I originally made light of Mama's nervousness (my apologies). But with all this talk about needing industrial strength footwear, I would be nervous too. But let's be honest. The danger zone between cars is what, about a foot wide? If you know about it ahead of time and watch what you are doing, it's simple to step over it. What I'm saying is if you don't make like a distracted motorists, you'll be fine.

A big problem is that the vestibule doors will sometimes close unexpectedly, especially when somebody just passed through and opened the door. The danger zone is also a bit wider, about 2.5 feet.

Distracted by a suddenly closing door and trying to walk through a unstable vestibule, it's easy to misstep and get serious injuries. So, INDUSTRIAL footwear or at least HEAVY DUTY footwear is the best way to go!

 

[SarahZ]

Mama - Sneakers, loafers, flats, and the like are fine. You don't need industrial, steel-toe boots. I usually wear comfortable flats that I can slip on and off since I hate wearing shoes. I just keep them near my foot rest so I can slip them on when I decide to walk around.

Also, the door won't shut on you and trap you. They're like an elevator door with a thick rubber edge. If they sense pressure against them, they'll open again. They do close pretty quickly, though, so if you see one closing, just wait a second and then push the button to re-open it.

Tip: If your hands are full of snacks and drinks, there is a button near the bottom of the door that you can press with your foot. Be very careful, though, and try to lean into it so you don't fall if the train hits a bump.

 

[AlanB]

Also, the door won't shut on you and trap you. They're like an elevator door with a thick rubber edge. If they sense pressure against them, they'll open again. They do close pretty quickly, though, so if you see one closing, just wait a second and then push the button to re-open it.

I don't believe that is correct. Or if they do have that ability, then it's broken on most doors. I've had more than one close right on me, some on my mother, and I've watched plenty of other people get caught too and the door has never rebounded upon touching the victim. I've always had to hit the button to get it to reopen and stop trying to close.

 

[zephyr17]

Also, the door won't shut on you and trap you. They're like an elevator door with a thick rubber edge. If they sense pressure against them, they'll open again. They do close pretty quickly, though, so if you see one closing, just wait a second and then push the button to re-open it.

I don't believe that is correct. Or if they do have that ability, then it's broken on most doors. I've had more than one close right on me, some on my mother, and I've watched plenty of other people get caught too and the door has never rebounded upon touching the victim. I've always had to hit the button to get it to reopen and stop trying to close.

I've had them close on me, too. My experience is that if you muscle them back they will rebound, but you have to shove back on them. Not a good situation for children and elderly.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

I recommend no one should even consider riding a train without these:

I've been riding Amtrak for three decades and never once considered wearing anything like that. Most of the time people seem to see and hear the metal plates hopping around and use their own better judgement to avoid getting their feet stuck where they don't belong. That being said, I've often wondered why we still have a passenger car design that leaves us with big metal plates jumping all over the place. Seems like there should be something that can be done to make it a little safer by now. Then again what do I know.

Also, the door won't shut on you and trap you. They're like an elevator door with a thick rubber edge. If they sense pressure against them, they'll open again. They do close pretty quickly, though, so if you see one closing, just wait a second and then push the button to re-open it.

I don't believe that is correct. Or if they do have that ability, then it's broken on most doors. I've had more than one close right on me, some on my mother, and I've watched plenty of other people get caught too and the door has never rebounded upon touching the victim. I've always had to hit the button to get it to reopen and stop trying to close.

I've had them close on me, too. My experience is that if you muscle them back they will rebound, but you have to shove back on them. Not a good situation for children and elderly.

I've never seen the doors act as Sorcha described. I always have to push them back or hit the button as well.

 

[VentureForth]

My image WAS sarcastic, folks.

 

[SarahZ]

Okay, well, maybe I just lucked out with a door or something once. I usually let it close without trying to push through. There were a couple times I didn't realize it was about to shut, and it opened right back up with it hit my shoulder. Maybe I shoved without realizing it? I have pretty good reflexes.

Sorry for the incorrect information, OP.

 

[Swadian Hardcore]

Mama - Sneakers, loafers, flats, and the like are fine. You don't need industrial, steel-toe boots. I usually wear comfortable flats that I can slip on and off since I hate wearing shoes. I just keep them near my foot rest so I can slip them on when I decide to walk around.

I'm sorry, I do not know what "flats" are, and I was unable to find any information on them except that they have flat soles, but why did you call them flats seperatly from sneakers when most sneakers are also flat-soled? Am I missing something?

Also, the door won't shut on you and trap you. They're like an elevator door with a thick rubber edge. If they sense pressure against them, they'll open again. They do close pretty quickly, though, so if you see one closing, just wait a second and then push the button to re-open it.

I don't believe that is correct. Or if they do have that ability, then it's broken on most doors. I've had more than one close right on me, some on my mother, and I've watched plenty of other people get caught too and the door has never rebounded upon touching the victim. I've always had to hit the button to get it to reopen and stop trying to close.

I've had them close on me, too. My experience is that if you muscle them back they will rebound, but you have to shove back on them. Not a good situation for children and elderly.

I've never seen the doors act as Sorcha described. I always have to push them back or hit the button as well.

As you can see, the doors will close on you unexpectedly unless you're careful enough to wait for the doors to close (after someone passed) then open it again.

 

[TimePeace]

Yeah it takes a little muscle to hold the door open... it can be done, but it's easier to let it close and then hit the button again. I suppose different types of cars vary...

 

[Swadian Hardcore]

Yeah it takes a little muscle to hold the door open... it can be done, but it's easier to let it close and then hit the button again. I suppose different types of cars vary...

It closes unexpectedly on Superliners, Viewliners, Amfleets, and Heritage diners. Don't know about Horizon, haven't ridden those in years.

 

[Trainmans daughter]

I'm sorry, I do not know what "flats" are, and I was unable to find any information on them except that they have flat soles, but why did you call them flats seperatly from sneakers when most sneakers are also flat-soled? Am I missing something?

Yes. But that's OK, you're a guy. Flats have flat soles. Sneakers also have flat soles, but they are not flats. Trust me on this one!

 

[Swadian Hardcore]

I'm sorry, I do not know what "flats" are, and I was unable to find any information on them except that they have flat soles, but why did you call them flats seperatly from sneakers when most sneakers are also flat-soled? Am I missing something?

Yes. But that's OK, you're a guy. Flats have flat soles. Sneakers also have flat soles, but they are not flats. Trust me on this one!

You seem to know about flats, so can you please tell me what they are and why they are called flats when other shoes also have flat soles?

 

[jb64]

I'm sorry, I do not know what "flats" are, and I was unable to find any information on them except that they have flat soles, but why did you call them flats seperatly from sneakers when most sneakers are also flat-soled? Am I missing something?

Yes. But that's OK, you're a guy. Flats have flat soles. Sneakers also have flat soles, but they are not flats. Trust me on this one!

Yyou seem to know about flats, so can you please tell me what they are and why they are called flats when other shoes also have flat soles?

It is a ladies fashion thing. Basically, pumps without the heel. Unless you are into Ladies fashion, they are just ladies shoes to you.