Suicide by train: inside knowledge

[MiserableBastard1995]

Personally, I've already planned everything (including a backup location) for execution-style long drop hanging. But another option is always a good thing, so here's some tips from someone who actually works on the railways:

If you must do it via train (it really does fuck up most railway staff for life, when people jump in front of trains)..

..Go for neck on the rail. Quick, painless, and much higher chance of success than flinging yourself off a platform filled with people, who'll likely get suspicious and call the cops before you even get the chance.

Stake out a place to do it, weeks or months ahead of time. Always carry a camera with you, so you will pass as a railway enthusiast (railfan in the US). If anyone comes up and asks what you're doing, tell them you're into trains, or you're taking photos for a friend or relative who's into trains. Be careful if telling people you're the train nut, as many railway staff are enthusiasts themselves, and will likely engage you in jargon-filled train-talk, leaving you in a jam.

Stay way the fuck away from crossings, stations and wide open areas of track. These are areas where people are far more likely to see and intervene. Find somewhere there's trees, scrub, low walls, etc alongside the track to hide behind, and make certain you're not seen by train crews or track maintenance workers. Dressing camouflage certainly wouldn't hurt, either. If you can, doing this at night is also a huge help.

One thing to remember is that railways are usually private property, and being on or around tracks, or inside trackside fences is trespassing and illegal. So seriously, stay hidden.

Do it with a goods (freight) train, so there's no chance of being seen by passengers.
Wait for the train to pass, and allow the locomotive to build up a good distance from you. Even better if you can pick a spot where the line goes around a bend, facing away from you, so there's no chance the loco crew can see you once they're going round the bend.

At that point, run over to the moving train and put your neck over the rail. You'll have to be quick, to get in between the moving bogeys (the wheel assemblies). It goes without saying, that you'll need to find a slow-moving train. A good example of this, is places where trains have to slow to a crawl or even stop, at signals. Usually to wait for another train coming the other way, to pass by.

If I've missed anything, please ask and I'll fill you in to the best of my ability.
Hope this is of some use, and best of luck.

 

[Over n' Out]

We in uk call them train-spotters. They're seen as geeks and on a scale of nerdyness only beaten by japanese cartoon porn fans.

 

[Lowri]

We in uk call them train-spotters. They're seen as geeks and on a scale of nerdyness only beaten by japanese cartoon porn fans.

no these are trainspotters

 

[bigj75]

Good info.

 

[couldntthinkofaname]

honestly im considering train again

i mean i get it can be traumatic if you jump with spread arms in front of a train but this method doesnt sound that traumatic

 

[bigj75]

honestly im considering train again

i mean i get it can be traumatic if you jump with spread arms in front of a train but this method doesnt sound that traumatic

Neck first on the rail. Should be quick.

 

[couldntthinkofaname]

Neck first on the rail. Should be quick.

it will be like a long jump with a steelrope around your neck. or a guillotine. god if i had any talent id built myself a guillotine

 

[vfghjkjhilkj]

This is very bad advice. Most trains have guards in front of the wheels so the act of a clean decapitation will not occur. Jumping in front of a train or standing in front of a train will crush your head instantly, meaning instant unconsciousness and no pain (IF the train is fast).

 

[Arak]

200 kmph ... try getting that !

 

[borntodie777]

Personally, I've already planned everything (including a backup location) for execution-style long drop hanging. But another option is always a good thing, so here's some tips from someone who actually works on the railways:

If you must do it via train (it really does fuck up most railway staff for life, when people jump in front of trains)..

..Go for neck on the rail. Quick, painless, and much higher chance of success than flinging yourself off a platform filled with people, who'll likely get suspicious and call the cops before you even get the chance.

Stake out a place to do it, weeks or months ahead of time. Always carry a camera with you, so you will pass as a railway enthusiast (railfan in the US). If anyone comes up and asks what you're doing, tell them you're into trains, or you're taking photos for a friend or relative who's into trains. Be careful if telling people you're the train nut, as many railway staff are enthusiasts themselves, and will likely engage you in jargon-filled train-talk, leaving you in a jam.

Stay way the fuck away from crossings, stations and wide open areas of track. These are areas where people are far more likely to see and intervene. Find somewhere there's trees, scrub, low walls, etc alongside the track to hide behind, and make certain you're not seen by train crews or track maintenance workers. Dressing camouflage certainly wouldn't hurt, either. If you can, doing this at night is also a huge help.

One thing to remember is that railways are usually private property, and being on or around tracks, or inside trackside fences is trespassing and illegal. So seriously, stay hidden.

Do it with a goods (freight) train, so there's no chance of being seen by passengers.
Wait for the train to pass, and allow the locomotive to build up a good distance from you. Even better if you can pick a spot where the line goes around a bend, facing away from you, so there's no chance the loco crew can see you once they're going round the bend.

At that point, run over to the moving train and put your neck over the rail. You'll have to be quick, to get in between the moving bogeys (the wheel assemblies). It goes without saying, that you'll need to find a slow-moving train. A good example of this, is places where trains have to slow to a crawl or even stop, at signals. Usually to wait for another train coming the other way, to pass by.

If I've missed anything, please ask and I'll fill you in to the best of my ability.
Hope this is of some use, and best of luck.

Thank you, are rail guards, the big metal thingy infornt of the train high enough to not hit you on the head? Because I wanted to put my head on the track and wait but the guard might hit my head and just cause severe concussion/ injury but not kill me. That's what worries me.

Also if you survive/ the train driver spots you, will they actually report you to the police/ give your description so the police will be on the lookout for you or will they just move on with their work?

Are you required by law to call the police on suicidal people and make sure you lodge a police complaint against them?

Thank you so much for all this

 

[21Neberg]

I'd like to add something for my European friends.

Many trains in Europe are built with a guard-thing in front of the wheel. I don't exactly know how to describe it, since English isnt my native language but what it does is it prevents the train from chopping your head straight off. So be careful with what train you choose to CTB with.

 

[WhyWasIBorn]

This is very bad advice. Most trains have guards in front of the wheels so the act of a clean decapitation will not occur. Jumping in front of a train or standing in front of a train will crush your head instantly, meaning instant unconsciousness and no pain (IF the train is fast).

Yup unfortunately.... this is the only thing has has deterred me. I went out multiple times to look and it doesn't look like enough clearance. The trains in my area sometimes randomly don't go fast enough as well.

 

[Salvacion]

Can you find North American train schedules online.... i know there is a secret aspect to them, but surely can find some transport schedules ?

 

[MiserableBastard1995]

This is very bad advice. Most trains have guards in front of the wheels so the act of a clean decapitation will not occur. Jumping in front of a train or standing in front of a train will crush your head instantly, meaning instant unconsciousness and no pain (IF the train is fast).

I'm not talking about the front of a locomotive, with this sort of thing. I'm talking about the wagons/cars behind the loco.
You're right of course, many wagons/cars have guards/brakes/suspension gear in front of the wheels, making those particular wagons unsuitable for our purposes. It's another reason why you should stake out locations first, get an idea of what's available. I forgot to mention this, my apologies. Thanks for letting me know.

Have a look on r/watchpeopledie. Of those who jump or stand in front of even fast trains, more often than not, they get bounced off the train, or wind up underneath it getting mangled in the running gear - usually consciously, and they're in agony, anywhere from minutes to hours. Then of course, is the tiny, tiny chance one would survive it, in far worse a state than to begin with. I know that chance is damn-near irrelevant, but I can't imagine a worse fate, and personally I'd do whatever I could to further minimise it.

Of course, if you live in a country where the trains run upwards of say, 130mph, (which rules out most countries) then your claim of being knocked unconscious instantly would ring true.

 

[Arak]

@MiserableBastard1995 ,

It may look rather odd if you get very close to the locomotive to examine the front wheels ... I wasn't able to see if there was some kind of guard from a distance.

It's gruesome in any way you do it. Putting your head on the track the way you suggest ... I don't think I could do it. What about jumping/standing (difference) in front of a train that has a speed of 100 kph, 120 kph ? Not enough ?

 

[MiserableBastard1995]

Thank you, are rail guards, the big metal thingy infornt of the train high enough to not hit you on the head? Because I wanted to put my head on the track and wait but the guard might hit my head and just cause severe concussion/ injury but not kill me. That's what worries me.

Also if you survive/ the train driver spots you, will they actually report you to the police/ give your description so the police will be on the lookout for you or will they just move on with their work?

Are you required by law to call the police on suicidal people and make sure you lodge a police complaint against them?

Thank you so much for all this

Locomotives generally have guards and other obstructions in front of the wheels, so wait until any and all locomotives pass by you, and run up some distance so there's less chance of being seen by the driver.

I forgot to mention the guards/suspension/brake gear are often (but not always) found in front of the wheels on cars/wagons. You'll have to see weather your local trains are suitable, in this regard.

Yes, of course they'd report you immediately. So keep the hell out of sight when you go to actually ctb.

 

[MiserableBastard1995]

Can you find North American train schedules online.... i know there is a secret aspect to them, but surely can find some transport schedules ?

I assume you mean for freight trains. You might be able to find some schedules, but in this delusional world of post-9-11-paranoia, it'll be difficult to get any official information, unless you're friends with people who work on the local railways. Your best bet would be to spend time around the rail line, and make note of when trains pass, when/if they stop anywhere, etc.

 

[Arak]

@MiserableBastard1995 ,

So you mean we should wait till the locomotive has passed, then but our neck in front of the wheels of one of the carriages that follow ? How would one do that if the train goes by 100 or 120 kph ?

 

[MiserableBastard1995]

@MiserableBastard1995 ,

It may look rather odd if you get very close to the locomotive to examine the front wheels ... I wasn't able to see if there was some kind of guard from a distance.

It's gruesome in any way you do it. Putting your head on the track the way you suggest ... I don't think I could do it. What about jumping/standing (difference) in front of a train that has a speed of 100 kph, 120 kph ? Not enough ?

Understandable, personally I don't like the uncertainty factor of jumping in front of it, but each to their own. I'd find a faster train, if possible. Best of luck in any case.

 

[MiserableBastard1995]

@MiserableBastard1995 ,

So you mean we should wait till the locomotive has passed, then but our neck in front of the wheels of one of the carriages that follow ? How would one do that if the train goes by 100 or 120 kph ?

Yes, sorry I didn't word that too clearly. Find a slower train so you can get your head in there.

 

[throwaway123]

Personally, I've already planned everything (including a backup location) for execution-style long drop hanging. But another option is always a good thing, so here's some tips from someone who actually works on the railways:

If you must do it via train (it really does fuck up most railway staff for life, when people jump in front of trains)..

..Go for neck on the rail. Quick, painless, and much higher chance of success than flinging yourself off a platform filled with people, who'll likely get suspicious and call the cops before you even get the chance.

Stake out a place to do it, weeks or months ahead of time. Always carry a camera with you, so you will pass as a railway enthusiast (railfan in the US). If anyone comes up and asks what you're doing, tell them you're into trains, or you're taking photos for a friend or relative who's into trains. Be careful if telling people you're the train nut, as many railway staff are enthusiasts themselves, and will likely engage you in jargon-filled train-talk, leaving you in a jam.

Stay way the fuck away from crossings, stations and wide open areas of track. These are areas where people are far more likely to see and intervene. Find somewhere there's trees, scrub, low walls, etc alongside the track to hide behind, and make certain you're not seen by train crews or track maintenance workers. Dressing camouflage certainly wouldn't hurt, either. If you can, doing this at night is also a huge help.

One thing to remember is that railways are usually private property, and being on or around tracks, or inside trackside fences is trespassing and illegal. So seriously, stay hidden.

Do it with a goods (freight) train, so there's no chance of being seen by passengers.
Wait for the train to pass, and allow the locomotive to build up a good distance from you. Even better if you can pick a spot where the line goes around a bend, facing away from you, so there's no chance the loco crew can see you once they're going round the bend.

At that point, run over to the moving train and put your neck over the rail. You'll have to be quick, to get in between the moving bogeys (the wheel assemblies). It goes without saying, that you'll need to find a slow-moving train. A good example of this, is places where trains have to slow to a crawl or even stop, at signals. Usually to wait for another train coming the other way, to pass by.

If I've missed anything, please ask and I'll fill you in to the best of my ability.
Hope this is of some use, and best of luck.

Thanks man this is exactly what I needed.

 

[ManWithNoName]

Have a look on r/watchpeopledie. Of those who jump or stand in front of even fast trains, more often than not, they get bounced off the train, or wind up underneath it getting mangled in the running gear - usually consciously, and they're in agony, anywhere from minutes to hours .

But what if one stands in front of this train going full speed? Would this not be instant death? :

 

[Arak]

@ManWithNoName ,

Usually there is no practical access to high speed trains for 'our purpose'.

 

[JWL]

Personally, I've already planned everything (including a backup location) for execution-style long drop hanging. But another option is always a good thing, so here's some tips from someone who actually works on the railways:

If you must do it via train (it really does fuck up most railway staff for life, when people jump in front of trains)..

..Go for neck on the rail. Quick, painless, and much higher chance of success than flinging yourself off a platform filled with people, who'll likely get suspicious and call the cops before you even get the chance.

Stake out a place to do it, weeks or months ahead of time. Always carry a camera with you, so you will pass as a railway enthusiast (railfan in the US). If anyone comes up and asks what you're doing, tell them you're into trains, or you're taking photos for a friend or relative who's into trains. Be careful if telling people you're the train nut, as many railway staff are enthusiasts themselves, and will likely engage you in jargon-filled train-talk, leaving you in a jam.

Stay way the fuck away from crossings, stations and wide open areas of track. These are areas where people are far more likely to see and intervene. Find somewhere there's trees, scrub, low walls, etc alongside the track to hide behind, and make certain you're not seen by train crews or track maintenance workers. Dressing camouflage certainly wouldn't hurt, either. If you can, doing this at night is also a huge help.

One thing to remember is that railways are usually private property, and being on or around tracks, or inside trackside fences is trespassing and illegal. So seriously, stay hidden.

Do it with a goods (freight) train, so there's no chance of being seen by passengers.
Wait for the train to pass, and allow the locomotive to build up a good distance from you. Even better if you can pick a spot where the line goes around a bend, facing away from you, so there's no chance the loco crew can see you once they're going round the bend.

At that point, run over to the moving train and put your neck over the rail. You'll have to be quick, to get in between the moving bogeys (the wheel assemblies). It goes without saying, that you'll need to find a slow-moving train. A good example of this, is places where trains have to slow to a crawl or even stop, at signals. Usually to wait for another train coming the other way, to pass by.

If I've missed anything, please ask and I'll fill you in to the best of my ability.
Hope this is of some use, and best of luck.

I don't get this way of thinking at all. What about the poor unsuspecting driver who will likely be traumatised for life??
It's totally selfish and totally WRONG to involve other innocent people so violently in your ctb decision!

 

[ron_g]

I don't get this way of thinking at all. What about the poor unsuspecting driver who will likely be traumatised for life??
It's totally selfish and totally WRONG to involve other innocent people so violently in your ctb decision!

If only their permanent, unrelievable pain is sufficiently strong for sufficiently long a period and other methods fail for whatever reason, most people will likely consider it. Having said that, I don't plan on doing this.

 

[Elek]

I don't think it's a good idea, in some countries, like the mine, your relatives might be ordered to pay a huge compensation to the railway company.

 

[JWL]

If only their permanent, unrelievable pain is sufficiently strong for sufficiently long a period and other methods fail for whatever reason, most people will likely consider it. Having said that, I don't plan on doing this.

I wouldn't be here if I was so immune to this pain myself. But I would never dream of doing something like this, something which is quite immoral. I wouldn't want my ctb to cause harm to anyone else. It's just plain selfish!

 

[ManWithNoName]

@ManWithNoName ,

Usually there is no practical access to high speed trains for 'our purpose'.

They can't possibly guard the entire stretch of track of high speed trains, there must be some access means.

 

[ManWithNoName]

I don't get this way of thinking at all. What about the poor unsuspecting driver who will likely be traumatised for life??
It's totally selfish and totally WRONG to involve other innocent people so violently in your ctb decision!

Train conductors taught that jumpers are part and parcel of being a conductor on a rail line. He / she will not get tramatized, but rather they will get annoyed with the train delay to its stops.

 

[ManWithNoName]

I don't think it's a good idea, in some countries, like the mine, your relatives might be ordered to pay a huge compensation to the railway company.

This is the case in Japan. Do you mind if I ask you what country you hail from?