Is it possible to walk on top of a moving train?

Question

We've all seen it in countless movies, if there's a train scene then there's a 99% chance someone will walk on top of it. Now many people seem to struggle enough walking inside a train without grasping the seats as they pass, so how realistic is it to walk on top of one?
I reckon with windgust and vibration it's not as easy as Hollywood makes it out to be.

crossdressingrihno · Accepted Answer

One of Isaac Newton's laws of physics something that is in motion will remain in motion is the fundamental reason why it's so easy to walk in a plane and this same law of physics works inside the train as well

While theoretically yes at first glance it's totally possible because you know your feet are on the roof of the train so you would technically count as part of the train in some way when it comes to physics however something needs to be taken into account

Train moves really fast
A human can run fast enough that they might actually recognize the the drag of the air going against you as you run but a train is much faster than a human

All in all if on top of a train and the train is moving at top speed you will probably become a human kite or just getting knocked off the train by the sheer pressure of the wind but the reason this doesn't happen while inside a coach is simple you're in a small confined area so you're not actually experiencing the full force of the wind and even in the outer parts of the coach you're still not receiving the open air all around you because you have two walls one in front and one in back of you which means there's not actually enough wind to produce the amount of pressure required to knock you on your butt or at least I would say this but there's a much easier way of thinking about it unfortunately

In the west they used to have cargo trains and they had people on the backs of cargo trains walking about on these platforms while the train was in full speed so unfortunately everything I said earlier doesn't matter because unfortunately no a human isn't likely to become a giant kite but it would be fun though wouldn't it then again the tops of most trains are pretty smooth these days I think which might actually turn you into a giant kite anyway I don't know

ohshee · Accepted Answer

Yes it van be done it's the same as walking inside the train except wind factor I would do or try it a few day ago there were 45 mph winds with 75mph gusts you walk I. The wind no problem but when ur leaning forward walking in 45mph you gine untill bam its 75 mph it wa ts to spin you every way but forward.. the other thing was walking un 45mph. And with in 5 seconds ot would just stop and you stand up straight and you would get hit with 45 to 75 mph you almost have to fall to the ground. If you are off balance at all and it spins you around if you go with the wind your going to run untill you and roll lol it is crazy mother nature is bad ass

Yucy_Gluttony · Accepted Answer

Yes it is just brace yourself for that tunnel over there! ;)

douride2 · Accepted Answer

I suppose it's possible. I would never try it though.

MTC29 · Answer

Yes, it is possible. Back in the days before pneumatic brakes, a team of brakemen might be assigned to several cars and be required to operate the manual brakes (in the forum on a large wheel) from atop the train while the train was moving. After setting one cars brake (wagons for the Euros) they walked across the top of the car to the next one.

There is plenty of modern-day video of Indians riding on trains and moving from car to car as well as so called "train surfers" who do it for sport.

Dangerous? Hell yes!

NathanDavis · Answer

given the optimal conditions, yes... it is is very possible

I remember watching something on TV about South African train surfers... and personally, I have seen a lot of people running on top of trains lmfao... however, it was a slowing down, moving train, not a speeding one

Luggit · Answer

I been on many trains, plains, etc. I easily walk the aisle without hanging onto anything. This means I could walk the top of a train as well right? But probably not. This is because my mind already knows one mistake, and my life could be over with. Your balance becomes unstable at that point.

Anonymous · Answer

Have you seen Swearnet yet? There's a hilarious scene where the guy is tripping on acid and riding around town while standing on the top of a van. It's so unbelievable, it's hilarious. by the way, I just finished filing federal taxes so thanks for the not-tax question.

Phoenix98 · Answer

Tom Cruise in one of his movies was filming on top of an actual moving train at full speed so I’m inclined to believe it’s possible just not smart or safe.

plus if I’m not mistaken you used to have to be on top of a train to use the brakes before modern brakes for trains were invented:

Fireguy17 · Answer

Yes, back in the day, before air brakes were mandated there were brakeman that rode on top of the cars.
Not sure how many cars they were responsible for, so they had to walk to each car.
Trains were slower then.
Most freight trains depending on the track run about 45mph because it is more economical than 70mph.
Out west speeds can be faster.
Many passenger trains can run 70 or higher, again, depending on track.
There it would be harder due to the wind.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

Possible.

AviatorTom · Answer

Yes, it's possible to walk on a moving train that's not moving too fast, though it's dangerous. Most freight trains only travel at 35-40 mph (56-64 kph), which makes walking on the roofs of the cars (wagons) possible.

mobiusforniner · Answer

From a physics perspective, yes. Top or inside doesn't matter. The challenge with air resistance and negotiating hard turns, or that dreaded tunnel perhaps, will make it less than worthwhile.

kinggeorge007 · Answer

On a perfect track without jerks, yes. In the real world possibly not. Haven't ridden trains in the Western countries though. They are said to be pretty smooth. But the wind caused by the wind will be a problem anyways

libsaretards · Answer

If you have strong legs, core and balance and there are not too many bumps or turns it might be easy. The average person would struggle probably and probably could not do so for long.

DJB72 · Answer

My dear Poppy! A simple Google search ànd you'll have photos from India and so7th Africa of people doing just that. Essentially, yes - but not on Eurostar. Their security's too good...

Jay3344 · Answer

Yes you can, depending on speed it could be very easy or very hard. Also, if the train is moving at an inconsistent speed and the slack of the cars is running in and out it could be harder. But just hang on and maybe wear some eye protection.

Anonymous · Answer

Does the resistance of the on coming air make it easier? The train is presumably going at a constant speed so you would have a reliable and predictable force to work with to help you balance.

exitseven · Answer

I have ridden on top of a moving car before and it is difficult. I cannot imagine doing it on a moving train.

CuriousMufuxka · Answer

Walk? Yes. Fall off after taking a couple steps? Absolutely!

SpaceGalaxy · Answer

They've even shown us clips of us traveling to the moon in the 1960's!!! while we can barely leave our own atmosphere these days in the 21st Century... yet we were going to the moon as often as Scotts visit England back in the 60's!!! Go figure

EssenceOfLight · Answer

Yes. If it drives slowly and there is no high voltage line. As long as we are talking about walking not creeping

OddBeMe · Answer

It’s not that hard walking inside a train. I love the ones with bars in them. I would imagine walking on top would be similar just with a shit ton of wind.

Likes2drive · Answer

Yeah I’m sure they’re doing it but they probably have a safety harness attached that we don’t see in the movies

Surely · Answer

Never walked on top while moving. But have walked on plenty of moving locomotives. On smooth track, it wouldn’t be impossible!

Andres77 · Answer

It's possible but it ain't easy. And those guys have safety wires. We didn't.

anton_dee · Answer

Yes it is very much possible. You are traveling relative to the moving train, much like walking in the aisle of a flying plane.

Iron_Man · Answer

Would you like to try it how do you think you would fair?

Baylist1000 · Answer

You can walk but jumping from one coach to another is not possible

James899 · Answer

No. It's very hard nd dangerous to walk on the top of a train

Sketti2021 · Answer

Idunno, have you ever watched the TV show called Fear factor? They do things like that

gabby100 · Answer

Yes, but i would not advise it..

Wise4myage · Answer

Better bring the duct tape.

msc545 · Answer

Only if you are truly stupid.

Jerre · Answer

Depends on the train and how fast is going

UniquelyBasic · Answer

Find out

Anonymous · Answer

No idea I’m not poor so I don’t go on trains

SignedAutographs · Answer

Probably

Fuentes · Answer

Try it

TrillXHippy · Answer

Not possible

jimmy2 · Answer

Yes you can

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