These are some items that might seem obvious to those of you who have been around trains before. For many people, these might not be things they have thought about. Please stick with these general rules so that everyone can enjoy their day! IF IT SEEMS UNSAFE, IT PROBABLY IS!

Never Walk On the Rails.

Why, well because after years of having trains run over and over them, they become very very smooth. Just a little oil or water on them and a person will fall. When you do fall, the odds are very good that you will hit your head on the steel rail or perhaps rocks. Real railroaders know that they should NEVER walk on the rails OR the tracks at all in order to stay safe!

Never Put Anything On The Tracks!

While it may be fun to put a penny on the tracks to see it flattened, the Day Out With Thomas is not the time or place! Not only are we concerned that a person could get caught under a wheel or hit by part of the train, but sometimes these items are flipped up and out towards the crowd. Rocks put on the track will break up and shatter, the pieces can cause serious injuries to the waiting children. Other items may lift a wheel and damage the train or possibly the track.

Don’t Walk Between or Under Train Engines and Cars.

The train might seem to be stopped but may roll when brakes are released. You must never be in the path of the cars or engines. If you drop a toy or something you need rolls under the train, ask a train crew volunteer for assistance. He or she can call the engineer to make sure nothing moves while they get the item for you. If you need to get to the other side of the train, either wait for it to leave, or in an emergency, ask a train crew member to assist you by walking through the steps of the cars. Generally only cross the tracks in designated areas. Always be prepared for train movement at ANY time!

Never Get On or OFF the Train Until It Has Made a Complete Stop.

Train crew members will tell you when it is safe to get on and off the train. Even when the train does stop, it might not be in the right place and the crew might make it move again. The whistle signals tell the crew what the engine is going to do. Ask them what those whistle signals mean if you’d like to know. Always be prepared for train movement at ANY time!

Always Look Both Directions When Crossing Tracks.

Trains can sometimes be quiet when moving. Be sure to look both ways and make sure the train is not moving. If you are unsure if it safe to cross look for a train crew member to wave you across.

Trains Cannot Stop Quickly, You Can!

Trains are very heavy and when the get moving, they can be slow to stop. If you are not in the way you have nothing to fear. Just stay out from between the rails and at least five feet from the track and you will be fine. Don’t try to beat the train by running in front. If you fall, you might not have enough time to get away. Even cars who cross in front of trains learn that if it is a tie and the railroad crossing, the train wins.

Special Rules for Taking Pictures in Front of Thomas the Tank Engine ™ or the Caboose Train.

We certainly would like everyone to get a picture with Thomas the Tank Engine and our Caboose Train. This will only be possible between runs and during a break in the middle of the day. Before getting people posed in front of or on our railroad equipment, please check with a train crew member to make sure that it is safe to do so. They will call to the engineer and make sure that nothing is going to move. If you want a picture on a caboose of on the steps of our engines, please ask a crew member for permission first. If they can’t let you do it then, ask them when is a better time. Usually this will be at the end of a run.