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Re: Where Berg got his 79.99999 speed limit from.
Author: Espee99
Date: 01-02-2018 - 18:45
We are all RR fans and have varing knowledge of the operation of a given service. As such it seems we all may have an interest in what, why and how to avoid a simillar incident in the future.
Lets look at what we know, what we need to know and what needs to be reviewed. It might help keep the discussion focused on the facts, and factors that the NTSB needs to review.
So what do we know as fact.
1. Train derailed at 78 MPH
2. Crew did not notice or react to the reduced speed board 2 miles before the restriction
3. Crew were not using electronic devices before the incident
4. Crew noted an overspeed condition which set the brakes
5. Train did not hit any object
6. Engineer was qualified on the equipment and route
This should not lead to speculation about the cause of the incident. However, the we know some other facts which may have contributed.
1. Line opened on a set date by a public offical, based upon a construction schedule and perhaps an election schedule??
2. Some crew training took place in advance of the opening (quality and amount of training not withstanding)
3. Crew was operating late due to earlier congestion on the line
4. Engineer was conducting training on the first revenue trip over the line
5. PTC was not operating (not that it matters, PTC may have eliminated or reduced the impact of the accident)
6. Conductor was not aware of the trains position or of the need to reduce speed
I would think the only things to be eliminated or examined are.
1. Was there any mechanical failures
2. Was the engineer distracted by trainee
3. Was the engineer operationg with proper route documentation (RR timetables, etc)
4. Was training given to crews sufficent to ensure working knowledge of the route w/o a pilot in the cab.
5. Did the service migrate too soon to meet a policial promise made to voters to establish service on a specific date.
Lets look at what we know, what we need to know and what needs to be reviewed. It might help keep the discussion focused on the facts, and factors that the NTSB needs to review.
So what do we know as fact.
1. Train derailed at 78 MPH
2. Crew did not notice or react to the reduced speed board 2 miles before the restriction
3. Crew were not using electronic devices before the incident
4. Crew noted an overspeed condition which set the brakes
5. Train did not hit any object
6. Engineer was qualified on the equipment and route
This should not lead to speculation about the cause of the incident. However, the we know some other facts which may have contributed.
1. Line opened on a set date by a public offical, based upon a construction schedule and perhaps an election schedule??
2. Some crew training took place in advance of the opening (quality and amount of training not withstanding)
3. Crew was operating late due to earlier congestion on the line
4. Engineer was conducting training on the first revenue trip over the line
5. PTC was not operating (not that it matters, PTC may have eliminated or reduced the impact of the accident)
6. Conductor was not aware of the trains position or of the need to reduce speed
I would think the only things to be eliminated or examined are.
1. Was there any mechanical failures
2. Was the engineer distracted by trainee
3. Was the engineer operationg with proper route documentation (RR timetables, etc)
4. Was training given to crews sufficent to ensure working knowledge of the route w/o a pilot in the cab.
5. Did the service migrate too soon to meet a policial promise made to voters to establish service on a specific date.
