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Re: Metrolink and freight train collision - Chatsworth CA
Author: Joe
Date: 09-13-2008 - 15:49
Dmac844 Wrote:
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> Perhaps someone with more knowledge than myself
> can explain this: When the Metrolink train ran
> through the red signal at CP Topanga, wouldn't the
> switch been set against him? The Metrolink train
> would have to run through a closed switch (granted
> it would have been trailing points), why would
> that have not derailed the train at that point?
>
> Thanks in advance for anyone who can shed some
> light on this.
Sheer weight of the train vs. small switch linkage. The throw bar would have either bent or the motor shaft would have been forced out. Switch machines are quite fragile. They are designed to fail in this situation as to lessen damage to the track itself. I've run through yard switches before. You can trail through a switch all day long and nothing will happen to the equipment as long as you don't back up...
Joe Gartman
Locomotive Engineer, BNSF
Bakersfield, CA
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> Perhaps someone with more knowledge than myself
> can explain this: When the Metrolink train ran
> through the red signal at CP Topanga, wouldn't the
> switch been set against him? The Metrolink train
> would have to run through a closed switch (granted
> it would have been trailing points), why would
> that have not derailed the train at that point?
>
> Thanks in advance for anyone who can shed some
> light on this.
Sheer weight of the train vs. small switch linkage. The throw bar would have either bent or the motor shaft would have been forced out. Switch machines are quite fragile. They are designed to fail in this situation as to lessen damage to the track itself. I've run through yard switches before. You can trail through a switch all day long and nothing will happen to the equipment as long as you don't back up...
Joe Gartman
Locomotive Engineer, BNSF
Bakersfield, CA
