🚫 Why You Should Never Go Into Train Tunnels (Even if the They Look Cool)
Hey hikers, railfans, explorers, and curious adventurers —
We get it. There’s something mysterious and enticing about train tunnels. They’re dark, dramatic, and are often in some of the most scenic parts of the out…
Could this be your story?
How a quiet morning hike turned into a moment I'll never forget.
There’s something sacred about early mornings in the woods. That in-between time when the mist still hugs the ground, birds are barely stretching their wings, and you feel like the only person alive. Tha…
Talking to Your Kids About Train Track Safety: Walking on the Tracks
As parents, we strive to teach our children about safety in all aspects of their lives—whether it’s looking both ways before crossing the street, wearing helmets when riding bikes, or avoiding strangers. One crucial yet often ov…
The mission of the Rail Auxiliary Team of Washoe County, NV is to help ensure trains move safely and securely through communities; we provide trained volunteers that efficiently and effectively act on all situations that affect this mission. One of the services that we provide is Railway Monitoring …
Fishing is a popular hobby that combines relaxation with the thrill of the catch. Fishermen often want secluded spots near water bodies, in hopes of finding the perfect fishing hole. However, one location that should NEVER be considered for fishing is a railroad bridge. Though looking convenient…
Railroad crossings can present unique challenges for drivers, especially when dealing with vehicles that have low ground clearance. Low-slung sports cars, long trailers, buses, and other vehicles with minimal ground clearance are par…
What’s A Rail Team To Do?
First off, KUDOS to the Reno Area Dirt Bike Group (RADs) for their excellent cleanup of the offroad area along Peavine Mountain on September 7, 2024. Their herculean efforts brought out at least 7 vehicles, trailers filled with discarded tires and tons of other t…
The Situation
On Sunday evening, around 6:30 PM, a couple of Rail Auxiliary Team members were monitoring the scanner and highway cameras along I80 when a fire near Verdi, NV was spotted. After communicating with one another, it was determined that a call needed to be made to Union Pacific…
Last month the Rail Auxiliary Team received a two-hour briefing on the homeless from two experts in the homeless population. Our mission during that day was to “first seek to understand, then seek to be understood.” We learned about the homeless and the “revolving door” where a sweep goes through …
The world's largest steam engine, the UP Big Boy 4014, began its trek from Roseville, CA to Sparks, NV. The Rail Auxiliary Team positioned itself at various locations between Verdi and Sparks, NV, with the sole purpose of keeping people safe as the Big Boy steamed on by. Unfortunately, the Big B…
The old saying, A Picture is Worth a 1000 Words, communicates the truth in this instance.
Coffee Tracks and AMTRAK Support
On Saturday, March 23, 2024 the Rail Auxiliary Team held its field training, affectionately known as Coffee Tracks at two locations in the Reno area. Our first stop was Crossing#833583P at Socrates Drive. While observing the crossing, we matched the current cr…
PRESS RELEASE
HELPING DURING THE WORST OF TIMES
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a group of volunteers who dedicate themselves to help the community during the worst of times such as wildfires, earthquakes, or floods. The CERT program offers a consistent, nationwide …
Union Pacific Senior Special Agent Danny Castaneda in Eagle Pass, Texas.
At the start of every workday – typically around 5 a.m. – Union Pacific Senior Special Agent Danny Castaneda packs up his gear and head…
Do you know what to do if you see someone walking on railroad tracks with a train barreling down in the distance? Or if your car gets stuck on the …
On Friday afternoon June 23, 2023 our Rail Auxiliary Team initially met in Verdi at the local fishing hotspot. Upon arriving, a team member noticed a fisherman walking along the tracks to get to his favorite fishing hole. A call to RMCC notified the railroad of a …
What does a NO TRESPASSING Sign Mean?
Railroad tracks and crossings are very dangerous places if warnings are not heeded. Railroad companies spend time and money to make a person’s time at a crossing or around trains as safe as possible. Warning signs, flashing lights, crossing gates, bells, pave…
On Saturday morning March 18, 2023 our Rail Auxiliary Team met at crossing 833573J .
In preparation for our Rail Auxiliary Team field exercise, team members always set up an orange traffic warning sign to warn drivers that people are present in the area and to…
Railway Auxiliary Team in Nevada
Help Keep Rail Roads Safe in Nevada
