Riding a bike is a great way to stay healthy, help the environment, and explore the great outdoors. But when your route takes you near train tracks or crossings, it’s time to shift gears…
If you’ve ever been out riding your ATV and come across a pair of railroad tracks, you might have felt that urge: This would be a…
In an age where capturing the perfect photo can earn you likes, followers, and a fleeting moment of fame, it’s easy to forget one simple truth: no photo is worth your life. Among the most dangerous trends in photography …
🚨 See Something, Say Something: A Simple Action That Could Save Lives Near Railroad Tracks 🚨
If you spend any time outdoors — hiking, biking, running, or just enjoying nature — chances are you’ve crossed paths with a railroad track. Maybe it’s a quiet stretch near a river, a hidden trestle …
🚫 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 …
Planning an event is a complex process, especially when your designated route includes railroad tracks or crossings. Whether it’s a parade, marathon, charity run, or other community event, ensuring the safety of participants and m…
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…
If you are out in nature and see a railroad emergency but are unable to find a crossing nearby with a Blue ENS sign, there is another place to get information that will help the railroad in understanding your location. A…
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…
In light of the recent accident in Florida, where a fire truck bypassed the crossing gates after a freight had passed and was subsequently struck by an oncoming train from the opposite direction, the Rail Auxiliary Team of Washoe County…
With the tragic news from Pecos, TX this week, the Washoe County, NV Rail Auxiliary Team will keep the two UP employees and their families in our thoughts and prayers. Such an accident might have been avoided by making just one call. One c…
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…
Washoe County Rail Auxiliary Team supports the Reno Tahoe Odyssey. The team ensured that 230 runners and their support vehicles safely crossed two railroad crossings in Nevada and California. Having trained personnel at these crossings ensured the runners safety and because Rail Auxiliary Team m…