For those who didn't read all the posts here:

I go to the pickup site. In daylight, I position the vehicle for a fast getaway, preferably where I can see the switch. At night, I aim the headlights where the crew member will be working. I scan the area for movement. The conductor gets off the train, goes to the switch mechanisms, operates them, the train slowly moves onto the spur. The conductor remains on the ground. He or she waits until all three engines and 115-125 cars go past at low speed. Then he/she realigns the switches for main-line passage. The conductor gets in my Suburban and we go find the head of the train and get the engineer.

I am not afraid for myself, I can leave, and pretty darn fast, too!

The conductor is not armed. It takes at least 5 minutes for the train to pass at 5+- mph. One switch is very near a popular water source for wildlife. The thought of driving away while someone's head is in a cougar/bear's mouth just doesn't appeal to me.

You don't think that a lit flare stuck in your face would discourage you?

This is a trashy, slave-labor job. I can't afford car insurance, much less a gun.

"Optimum" is not an issue here.

Flares seemed to be the safest, most convenient, most useful make-do weapon that could be thrust into the face of a predator with a reasonable amount of accuracy without injuring the conductor (much). A flare might also discourage a predator from coming closer.

Thank you all for the recommendations.

Sue

Susan,

How would a taser or a good stun stick work?

no fire hazzard, no chance of the wind blowing it back in your face, hopefully no harm to the friendly in the area.

Well that certainly explains the situation a bit better. Wouldn't the train passing by tend to scare off any predators?

A handheld flare just isn't a weapon, it's not safe for the person trying to use it as such. You're much more likely to start a fire than scare off an animal.

What part of the country is this taking place in?

It's gets curiouser and curiouser...

John E

"Wouldn't the train passing by tend to scare off any predators?"

You would think so, wouldn't you? But my crews are always telling me about the animals the trains kill. Most of them don't like it, but there isn't anything they can do about it.

Sometimes I take the utility guy out to a switch, and it's quiet there as we wait for the train. A train that is approaching a spur switch is moving at a slow walk. Creeping. Not quiet, but it isn't making the noise that a highballing one does.

"What part of the country is this taking place in?"

Central (N-S) western WA.

Sue