Just curious, we all know that many locomotives today carry cameras looking out the font windows.
Does anyone know if the crew can watch this video or download it? What happens to that video on a normal run when nothing is needed to be retained, is it like a security camera that gets erased over after a certain time has gone by unless you stop it?
Just wondering, a co-worker asked if crews watch and swap video of foamers taking shots or video trackside.
Good question, I had no answer...

Some (A&M?) feed a display monitor as well as a "black box" type recorder. I don't think the tape can be pulled and used in the manner you are asking.

I think most railroads record 6 or 7 day periods, unless the tape is pulled for review by legal or safety; it is just recorded over.

At least some railroads have it set up with a camera on the long hood and a monitor so the engineer has a clear view, in addition to cameras above the couplers, and above the front headlight. This helps in switching and is very handy for legal departments in the unfortunate event of a grade crossing accident.

Thanks for the info. I had no idea how that worked. It was so easy to imagine crews downloading 'dash cam' stuff of foamers or people trackside to laugh at later with their pals...