BOB2 Wrote:
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> As I noted, if there were no block signals
> operating to give any indication of the break in
> the track circuit, why weren't they operating this
> train at restricted speed?

Because in non-block territory, the Maximum Authorized Speed for passenger trains is 59 MPH.

>
> If the signals were out of service and you have
> hand-lined mainline switches, that could be reset,
> or left in improper position, why would, or how
> could they be, or were they, authorized to operate
> at any higher speed? .

Because the Maximum Authorized Speed is 59 MPH.

>
> This one is going to be interesting, because we
> haven't hear anything about the assumptions or
> instructions they were operating on, or if, if
> there were human factors involved. So there is
> still a ton we don't know.
>
> But, what seems clear from the impact and damage
> is that they probably weren't traveling at
> restricted speed, "prepared to stop short of a
> switch not properly lined......."

Because Restricted Speed doesn't apply.