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Has there ever been a BASE jump made from a moving train? I know it's kind of a funky question, but I saw something on the tv this weekend that got me thinking about it.

Yes!!! It was done first in the early 1980's by some hardcore forefathers of BASE.

 

Small rounds with the apex pulled down, using 52 inch parainnovator pilot chutes, and an 8 foot round reserve held in the left hand. Jumps were from grain cars moving 40 to 50mph into a 300 foot gorge and a still river at the bottom.

Rick (BASE 38), can you elaborate?

Since the jumps were made from a moving object, they don't qualify as BASE jumps. They should be logged as skydives.

Phil Smith (BASE 1) has a nice photo of him hopping from the top of the train.

The train jumps were inspired by Jimmy Tyler (BASE 13) who did a jump from the top of a moving truck for a show called "That's Impossible."

Close . . . It was, "That's Incredible" and it was a pick-up truck, a Piglet round, and local So Cal bridge.

Some years later, and from the same bridge, stuntman/BASE jumper, David N. rigged up a pneumatic plate he stood on that launched him out of the bed of a moving pick-up truck.

NickD
BASE 194

I've heard tales that long ago in Texas they did the same thing. They had to drive quite a ways to get on the train, but there was a huge bridge that it crossed partway through its journey and they'd hop off there!

W

Eric Ryde has a copy of the Train jump Video. He said he would bring it to Twin this weekend.

eric also has a pilot chute and some knee pads that im missing...

That was a hell of a night!

The First five train jumps were great fun and an adventure. Phil Smith (BASE1)and Kevin Vennl scoped it out for a couple months ans went to see the train, find oput schedules, etc.. We found that freight's don';t stick to schedules, We waited sometmins before a tarain would come. First, Carl Boesnish and a helicwoptor pilot came to film Phil Smith and Kevin Venbnnell. We would sneak on the train in Del Rio, ride the train about 35 miles, get up on top, get the gear rady and when you began to cess the bridge at 45 mph, yuu hd veryu little time to jump or sit down. After Phil and Kevin went on 24;rounds that opened a bit slow, my broghher Randyu and Andy Smity went next. Aslo They had slow opeinings with the sidewase 45 mph moviement made the rounds squib a bit. A few weeks later Me and Smitty decided to use 2 of Carl's old 16' diameter parachute with inverted centers for quicker openings. We did this jump in 1983 and they were alredy using the CFR fprpowerlesss Flight then like the did in Yesemite, but is really doesnt apply at Canyon Pecos River. Anyway they dismissed the chagre at that time. Even the old local sherrif who was a nice guy had to come out since the RR automatically reports people pm tje bridge. ANyway, Smitty actullyu planned the jump and Kevin and Andy helped . Me and Smitty got to do it later for the TV program, usinlg miniture, 1`6 foot inverted cdenter ruonds,. Fast openings and land soft in the water. These were 2 old Carl Boenish rounds. Jump went great, picked up by the NPS rangers which
hit us witih
Best part about sneaking on a ariding a train to jume is the fun and excitement. You can't delay. When it's time to exit, you must go in a very short 3 second window or sit down. Anyway, SMitty, Kevin Vennil, Andy Smith, Randy Harrisoj and Rick Harrison are thje 5 first HOBO BASE.


did give uw our gear

Joy.
You type like me....

Was it a bottle of Merlot, or jager?

just kidding, or as the kids say... J/K.

-smd7

I know a lot about the train jumps from Rick and Joy. This has to be one of the most cryptic Magot-like posts I've read in years.

Now I remember. I had that footage of Jimmy's flatbed truck jump. From what I recall, he had a smoke can attached to his feet for show. I also had footage of Jimmy jumping from a plane without a rig. The rig was thrown out first. He dove down, climbed into it, and dumped. No magic tricks, just a really fargin dangerous and scary jump in my opinion. Brave to the point of suicidal if you ask me.

I actually watched the footage again last night.

Rick, I'll have it edited for you soon; now that I have the correct format

The train jumps are insane though...those dudes are hardcore.

Me and Brit just couldn't help notice the containers being used (canyon jump), nor the fact that on the B (460 - you know which one i'm talking about) that they went hand held! good gawd!



*Edited to add: Mr. Rick, I want my HOBO base

Sorry guys, this is Rick not Joy. I apologize for the "typing" in my train jump story last night. I was having a bit too much fun. If you can read between my ramblings, the train jumps were a blast.
Rick
BASE 38

in reply to "Has there ever been a BASE jump made from a moving train? "
..................................

There was a story did the rounds in Oz in the 80's about the last guy to jump from a train . The train doors used to be easy to open not like now.

The jumper has to time the exit to go between posts lining the bridge. The bridge itself is not high but is over water. The non vertical opening providing 'extra height".
Said 'last' jumper had a badly timed exit from the moving train , with PCA which resulted in part of his opening canopy striking a post. From memory the bridle got a bit caught.
This flung the jumper further in the direction of the trains travel causing him to miss the water but hit the road under the bridge on the far side.
The story went that he was then struck by a vehichle driving on the road.

Apparently the guy survived his injuries to get dead later.

Any-one myth bust this or otherwise ??

wow..... un be leivable

HOBO BASE that is so fuckin cool i can picture you crazy people............

tellem large marge sent ya

member

Congrats big time. Sounds like you guys had a great time. How can you not. It's a pretty neat jump isn't it??
Rick
Hobo BASE 5
BASE 38

YES!!! It was quite the BASE adventure!!
It is a beautiful thing, jumping from a train as it goes 50 mph over a canyon.
I qualified for BASE the next day with a 260' E, but i can barley remember it yet. I cant stop thinking about the train...
You guys had cojones to do that 26 years ago!!
WHAT AN INSPIRATION!!!

Def. a HUGE congrats.


You guys had cajones to do it 26 years later! I'm still in ah about 460's close mishap.

And kiddo....that E you got...*deep breath*...glad ya had fun.

I am now HOBO BASE #7. That was the most interesting hardcare BASE jump I have ever made. And on a Wonderhog skydiving rig with a round packed into the reserve. I cut off the belly band and the main container flaps. Yikes!

Check out the picture of Randy Harrison jumping the train back in 1983:

http://www.basejumper.com/.../Train_Jump_372.html

Signed,
HOBO BASE #7.

hobo base 7?

you fuckin bum... get a job. idiot.

Dont be sorry brother! I just loved it, you made my day. Thx!

PerFlare
Swedish BASE Team

We were successfull finally.
Train was going 50 over this bridge
460 jumped first.
I was 10 cars back
i didnt get as nice of an exit shot, but my opening pic is pretty cool
the next day i qualified for BASE, and TX BASE off of a 260' E

it was a fun trip

-lane

Nice Lane, congrat's on the jump and getting TX BASE.

looks like a high energy week..

nice one guys

Congrats, cool pics, thanks for sharing.

Hey L,
I am sure greeen. Dave kept me updated and
I am glad to know ya.
Hope to see you guys in May after Idaho and moab.
Great Job!!!!!
tom

Congrats Laner. Nice launch off the E. Sorry we missed you this weekend.

What is HOBO base?