SLO Boes rail hoppin' train page(San Luis Obispo, CA Hoboes Page)
Where: It's okay, we're Rail Fans!
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A quick trip to the Union Oil Crossover
Other than providing a great place to catch out on a long trip, SLO is one very few places where one can take a short scenic ride without worrying about getting home. This is ideal for new hobos not yet ready to be taken afar. It also allows a daily opportunity for die-hards to get a quick "train-fix".
Because of the steep incline of the Cuesta SP operates what is known as a helper service out of San Luis Obispo. Three helper "units" kept at the SLO station are cut-in to larger trains to give them a boost up the grade. To cover the eighteen miles of track takes just less than one hour. At the top of the grade in Santa Margarita, the helper units cut-out at the crossover track near the Union Oil facility. This gives ample opportunity to exit a train before it continues on to Oakland! By stationing a vehicle near the Union Oil crossover it is a simple feat to enjoy the scenery and tunnels of the Cuesta Grade followed by a 15 minute drive home! On many occasions an eastbound train will be "helped" back down the grade allowing a two-way trip!
How not to end up in Oakland!
Occasionally shorter or lighter trains will travel the grade without assistance from the helpers. If you hop one of these expecting a nice short ride up the hill you will discover that there is no reason for the train to stop at the crossover (and it won't). It has occurred more than once that misfortunate (and ignorant) souls have found themselves on a very long (and very very cold) ride! Always make sure the helper units are entrained if you are planning a short trip. HOWEVER -- now for the disclaimer -- the railroad operates in strange and mysterious ways...and only the powers that be really know what is supposed to happen when. Therefore, don't blame anyone if the train you hop on is the one picking up the "old" helper units to take them away to be serviced. Whenever you ride out you should be prepared for any undesirable possibilities. Note that jumping off a fast moving train to avoid a long trip is not a good option and will probably result in major injury.
Hint on avoiding the above
Watch your local trains every day. See how they operate. Watch where they stop. Notice when things happen that are unusual and try to figure out why things are done a certain way. When you develop a feel for how things should be you will mostly likely know when something unusual is about to occur. Talk to other Boes in the local "jungle" and learn from them -- especially when planning a long trip to somewhere you've never been. Learn how to act and where to hide. A scanner is a good investment since you can listen to the train crews talk to the dispatcher. When all else fails, BE PATIENT. Trains always seem to take forever to move around. Learn to enjoy the scenery and the sport and wait it out!
