. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ever since freeways and (toll) turnpikes with
> grade separations were invented, there have been
> "bombings" from sidewalks. The solution was chain
> link fences the full lengths of the sidewalks; and
> sometimes the non-sidewalk sides. Suggest watching
> for them.
>
> Bombing from overcrossings of railroads in the
> Northeastern United States was common starting
> with the invention of diesels with front or
> near-front cabs. The missiles were sometimes
> kitchen or laundry appliances. Most commuter units
> have prison-grade bars over the cab windows. More
> recently bullet-proof glass, such as a certain
> limousine. Some overpasses have guards during rush
> hours
>
> Some crossings over railroads outside the
> Northeast may already be protected by chain link
> fencing. A lot more will be.
>
> Railroads and highways in trenches are
> particularly vulnerable. The miscreants disappear
> much more quickly than on overcrossings.


I am aware of all of the problems that vandals can cause with railroads, I am going into my 34 year in the industry. Your statement seemed to imply that the derailment was caused by a tree stump and if that cause was stated in one of the previous posts, I missed it.