3
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
no edit summary
Freight trains can be found in most European Countries and often carry rideable cars. Auto Racks (automobile carriers), Boxcars, Coil Cars, Flat Cars, Grainers, Gondolas, Tanker Cars, and Well Cars can all be found. Passenger trains are usually less rideable, because a lot of them haven't any handles and steps that allows you to ride between carriages safely or climb onto the roof, but it's possible to ride on them too. Most are electric, traveling far and fast. Which is fortunate since very long tunnels are found in Europe, and diesel trains going through tunnels require a 'skank' or piece of material which you must dampen and tie around your mouth and nose to avoid asphyxiation.
Big part of European railways are electrified, so be very careful if you want to ride on the roof, especially under AC power lines (riding under a DC power line is much more safe). Don't don't go climbing up on the roofs of electric multiple units (you can do that only if the emplacement of electric current collectors and busbars on the roof allows to keep a safe distance from it during climbing and riding) or on the roofs of high railway cars (such as high boxcars, enclosed auto racks, double-decker passenger cars), even when they don't have visible power racks or railroad you're traveling is not electrified, because railroad might have wires on later parts. In upper parts you'd also be more visible and if people spot you, they might call police.
Conductors, controllers and engineers or rail workers have no concept of 'hoboing' in Europe, so be prepared to have a good explanation if you get caught. All yard workers wear bright vests, so you can see them from a distance, however this also means a moving body without a vest is likely to raise attention. Keep low, stay safe. 'Bulls' or railroad police don't exist on many countries in Europe so you're off the hook there. Guards around stations can be found. Fines for train hopping in Europe can be very different, but usually they have a big size: for example, in the United Kingdom you can be fined up to £1000.
