Chapter One
HOW TO CONTROLA RUNAWAY CAMEL
[1] Hang on to the reins—but do not pull them backhard in an attempt to stop the camel.
A camel's head, unlike that of a wayward horse, cannotalways be pulled to the side to slow it down.Camels are usually harnessed with a head halter ornose reins, and pulling on the nose reins can tear thecamel's nose—or break the reins.
[2] If the camel has sturdy reins and a head halter,pull the reins to one side to make the camel runin a circle.
Do not fight the camel; pull the reins in the directionthe camel attempts to turn its head. The camel maychange direction several times during the incident—letit do so.
[3] If the camel has nose reins, just hang on tight.
Use the reins for balance, and grip with your legs. Ifthere is a saddle, hold on to the horn.
[4] Hold on until the camel stops.
Whether the camel is running in circles or in astraight path, it will not run very far. The camel willsit down when it grows tired.
[5] When the camel sits, jump off.
Hold on to the reins to keep it from running off.
HOW TO STOPA RUNAWAYPASSENGER TRAIN
[1] Locate the emergency brake.
There is an emergency brake valve just inside eachend of every passenger car. These valves are generallyred and should be clearly marked.
[2] Pull the handle.
This opens a valve that vents brake pipe air pressureto the atmosphere, applying the brakes for an emergencystop. There is a possibility of derailment,depending upon track curvature and grade, trainweight, and the number of coaches.
If the Brake Does Not Work
[1] Call for help.
Locate a crew member's radio. Depress the "talk" buttonbetween the earpiece and the microphone. Do notchange the channel, even if you do not hear ananswer. Transmit an emergency distress call: Give anyinformation that may help the listener understand thelocation of the train (for example, train number anddestination). The Train Dispatcher should hear youand may clear traffic without responding. If you cannotfind anyone on the radio, you will have to attemptto stop the train yourself.
[2] Make your way to the front of the train.
Pull all emergency brake valves as you proceed, orinstruct other passengers to apply handbrakes. Thesebrakes are different from the red valves describedearlier, and are located on each end of the passengercoach, inside the vestibule. They are applied by turninga wheel or pumping a lever. Tighten these valves asmuch as possible, and leave them applied.
[3] Enter the locomotive.
The locomotive is usually right after the baggage car,just in front of the passenger coaches. Exercise extremecaution when stepping over and across the car couplersthat connect the locomotive and baggage car.
There may be several locomotives on the train—notjust one. Repeat the following steps in each locomotive.However, there is a chance that the trailinglocomotive cab will be reversed, and that you will notbe able to proceed any farther forward. If this is thecase, retreat to the last car of the train and follow theinstructions on page 26: "If the Train is Not Slowingor a Crash is Imminent."
[4] Open all emergency valves located in the engineroom on or near the dash (at the left side of the cab).
The emergency valves will be clearly marked. Place thehandles in the farthest position forward.
[5] Move all levers and handles forward, toward thewindshield.
Be certain to move the brake valves forward (they willhave the word "brake" at the base of the handles).Quickly push or move down all white sliding switcheson and around the control stand to shut off electricityto the engine(s).
[6] If the train is still not slowing down, enter theengine room, which will be behind you to your right.
A very loud engine room will indicate that the locomotiveis "under load," or still operating.
[7] Move rapidly through the engine room, along theengine block.
The engine block stands about four or five feet talland looks like a large automobile engine.
[8] Shut down the engine by pulling the layshaft lever.
This is a two-foot-long handle at shoulder heightnear the end of the engine block. It may be difficultto find, as it is not painted a different color fromthe engine itself. Push the handle all the way in, andthe engine will run too fast and shut down. This leveris mechanical and will shut down the engine withoutfail.
[9] Return to the cab and sound the whistle to warnothers of your approach—it may take several milesto stop the train completely.
The whistle is either a handle the size of your handthat points upward, or a button located on the controlpanel marked "horn."
If the Train Is Not Slowing or a CrashIs Imminent
[1] Proceed as calmly and quietly as possible to the rearof the train.
This is the safest place to be in the event of a crash.Instruct the other passengers to move to the back ofthe train with you.
[2] Prepare for a crash.
Sleeping cars are usually placed on the tail end of thetrain and have mattresses and pillows that can be usedfor protection. Sit or lay against a wall that is towardthe leading end of the train, so you will not fly forwardin the event of a crash. The farther you are fromthe locomotive the better.
HOW TO STOP A CARWITH NO BRAKES
[1] Begin pumping the brake pedal and keeppumping it.
You may be able to build up enough pressure in thebraking system to slow down a bit, or even stop completely.If you have anti-lock brakes, you do notnormally pump them—but if your brakes have failed,this may work.
[2] Do not panic—relax and steer the car smoothly.
Cars will often safely corner at speeds much higherthan you realize or are used to driving. The rear of thecar may slip; steer evenly, being careful not to overcorrect.
[3] Shift the car into the lowest gear possible and letthe engine and transmission slow you down.
[4] Pull the emergency brake—but not too hard.
Pulling too hard on the emergency brake will causethe rear wheels to lock, and the car to spin around.Use even, constant pressure. In most cars, the emergencybrake (also known as the hand brake or parkingbrake) is cable operated and serves as a fail-safe brakethat should still work even when the rest of thebraking system has failed. The car should slow downand, in combination with the lower gear, will eventuallystop.
[5] If you are running out of room, try a"bootlegger's turn."
Yank the emergency brake hard while turning thewheel a quarter turn in either direction—whichever issafer. This will make the car spin 180 degrees. If youwere heading downhill, this spin will head you backuphill, allowing you to slow down.
[6] If you have room, swerve the car back and forthacross the road.
Making hard turns at each side of the road willdecrease your speed even more.
[7] If you come up behind another car, use it to helpyou stop.
Blow your horn, flash your lights, and try to get thedriver's attention. If you hit the car, be sure to hit itsquare, bumper to bumper, so you do not knock theother car off the road. This is an extremely dangerousmaneuver: It works best if the vehicle in front of youis larger than yours—a bus or truck is ideal—and ifboth vehicles are traveling at similar speeds. You donot want to crash into a much slower-moving orstopped vehicle, however.
[8] Look for something to help stop you.
A flat or uphill road that intersects with the road youare on, a field, or a fence will slow you further but notstop you suddenly. Scraping the side of your caragainst a guardrail is another option. Avoid treesand wooden telephone poles: They do not yield asreadily.
[9] Do not attempt to sideswipe oncoming cars.
[10] If none of the above steps has enabled you to stopand you are about to go over a cliff, try to hit somethingthat will slow you down before you go over.
This strategy will also leave a clue to others thatsomeone has gone over the edge. But since very fewcliffs are sheer drops, you may fall just several feet andthen stop.
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