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Re: The UP Loco Had A Camera -- Why Didn't The Metrolink Loco?
Author: Earl Pitts
Date: 02-14-2009 - 12:34
You might have a little more credibility if you accounted for the millions and even billions of safe, incident-free train-miles or passenger-miles that have been and continue to be operated with single-man crew up front.
You might also realize that having 2 or 3 or even 4 people in the cab does not guarantee that there will be no incidents. History is replete with rear-enders, head-ons, sideswipes, run-through switches, violations of train orders, overlooked meets, and other mayhem committed despite 2 or 3 or 4 people being in the cab and supposedly alert and attentive.
One man operation dates back to the old camelback steam engines. The engineer was alone in the cab while the fireman was busy shoveling coal back on the deck of the tender.
No matter what you do or what device is installed, there are still going to be occasional incidents and accidents. Unless you shut down everything that moves, it's going to happen.
The infrequency with which it occurs is a testament to the vigilence of those "cheap" railroads and the overwhelming majority of railroad employees who are out there every day and night doing their jobs.
You might also realize that having 2 or 3 or even 4 people in the cab does not guarantee that there will be no incidents. History is replete with rear-enders, head-ons, sideswipes, run-through switches, violations of train orders, overlooked meets, and other mayhem committed despite 2 or 3 or 4 people being in the cab and supposedly alert and attentive.
One man operation dates back to the old camelback steam engines. The engineer was alone in the cab while the fireman was busy shoveling coal back on the deck of the tender.
No matter what you do or what device is installed, there are still going to be occasional incidents and accidents. Unless you shut down everything that moves, it's going to happen.
The infrequency with which it occurs is a testament to the vigilence of those "cheap" railroads and the overwhelming majority of railroad employees who are out there every day and night doing their jobs.
