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Re: Railroad "Investigator" Comments on Train 501????
Author: ex-BN
Date: 12-24-2017 - 07:30
Let's keep in mind that this is a short stretch of track (under 15 miles) and should not be that hard to learn for an experienced engineer. Especially a passenger train which takes a fraction of the skill required to operate a heavy freight on mountain grade. (Yes I've done both.) Focusing on repetitive training runs is a red herring.
There is one adage I always followed: If you don't know where you are, go slow. I was qualified on over 500 miles of track, CTC, ABS, dark mainline and branches. If you don't know exactly where the next restriction is you slow down in advance. Far better to run 30mph for an extra mile than the alternative. The two mile advance speed boards are reflectorized and are easy to see in the dark with a bright headlight and ditch lights.
Bear in mind I am not blaming the engineer in this accident. There is always the possibility of mechanical failure or a medical issue.
There is one adage I always followed: If you don't know where you are, go slow. I was qualified on over 500 miles of track, CTC, ABS, dark mainline and branches. If you don't know exactly where the next restriction is you slow down in advance. Far better to run 30mph for an extra mile than the alternative. The two mile advance speed boards are reflectorized and are easy to see in the dark with a bright headlight and ditch lights.
Bear in mind I am not blaming the engineer in this accident. There is always the possibility of mechanical failure or a medical issue.
