General Discussion

I don't think they need to increase the number of buffer cars on the off chance that the intervening cars are going to be blown away by the weather. But I'm pretty sure that train makeup rules on the UP were changed after this incident (I doubt whether it was the cause of the change). Under current rules, a block of empties might not have been able to be placed directly behind the locomotives. I wonder if the outcome would have been different had any of those covered hoppers been loads.

Keep in mind, too, that this tank car was specifically designed to handle the particular commodity, and was of fairly recent construction. The news reports say that this car did not leak--pretty good evidence of the way they're building them these days. I would like to see a photograph of the wreckage--perhaps an aerial view--that shows the locomotives and this tank car. It isn't obvious from this footage exactly how things finally landed.

 According to one article, the dispatcher knew but did not alert the engineer. I understand the dispatcher was fired.

Rich

Just to clarify the action of PCS on Union Pacific locomotives.  When CNW was merged I issued the project to modify CNW locomotive air brakes to UPRR standards.  PCS opens and locomotive consist power is immediately reduced to idle at the initiation of a penalty application, brake handle placed in emergency position, or the conductor's emergency brake valve is opened.  On an emergency brake application from the train PCS open is delayed 20 seconds.  The 20 seond delay is intended to permit the engineer to bail off the locomotive brake and use the throttle to keep the locomotive moving away from a train separation.  If the engineer places the brake handle in emergency position PCS will open instantly. 

All UPRR locomotives retain dynamic brake during penalty or emergency from any source, PCS will open but has not effect on dynamic brake.  There are two reasons, keep train slack from running out and permit the engineer to retain dynamic brake on decending grades when all available braking is needed.