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Are their Qualifications to operate a Railroad?

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Are their Qualifications to operate a Railroad?
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 8:21 PM
I am curious as to if there are any rules or procedures that a shortline or railroad has to go by to operate a section of track, not industrial but actual track used to deliver cars to numerous customers.

I ask because a new carrier in our town tried to use a trackmobile to move 2 cars (loaded) one a centerbeam, the other a box car up a rather steep grade. The crew lost control of the cars and the trackmobile and the 2 cars ended up flying (doing about 30-40 mph) threw 7 unprotected crossings in an area with heavily traveled streets to end up smashing into 3 parked train cars parked at the end, the result was derailment of 3 cars, twisting the rail and ultimately taking this section of rail out for not sure for how long, 1 customer is now captive with cars as well as the 5 cars to be delivered.

So if any of you guys know what the requirements are to operate I would be thankful. As a side note, this railroad does have a switcher but for some reason isn't using it.

Heres a recreation of what that little trackmobile looked like flying by [;)]



I do have actual pictures of this derailment

Thanks
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Posted by adrianspeeder on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 8:35 PM
I would think it would have to follow all FRA rules?

Adrianspeeder

USAF TSgt C-17 Aircraft Maintenance Flying Crew Chief & Flightline Avionics Craftsman

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 8:43 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by adrianspeeder

I would think it would have to follow all FRA rules?

Adrianspeeder


Is there a place I could look at or see those rules, but I imagine it's a lot of legalize type talk? I was hoping someone might have a cliff notes version.
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 9:34 PM
Let me get this straight. You want us to explain all the rules of railroading to you because you observed a derailment that you think violates some rule?!? So you can play Deputy Dawg and turn those guys in???

You MUST be kidding.

LC
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 9:45 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Limitedclear

Let me get this straight. You want us to explain all the rules of railroading to you because you observed a derailment that you think violates some rule?!? So you can play Deputy Dawg and turn those guys in???

You MUST be kidding.

LC


No I am not playing deputy dawg, nor am I looking to turn someone in or want YOU TO EXPLAIN RAILROADING to me, I would like to know if there is some type of regulations that don't just allow anyone to grab an engine and think they can run a railroad. Not sure why you feel the need to belittle a person with a valid question. I would think your mother taught you better. I haven't quite figured out why some here are so quick to get in a hussy over some of peoples questions. If you don't like the post skip it and have a better day. [V]

I am asking for anytype of place I could research it, or maybe get a better understanding.
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Posted by mudchicken on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 10:25 PM
You need to consult the FRA and STB websites and look at the statute regulations as well as consult the 49CFR's...I had the same reaction reading your post as LC did and I am just as annoyed/dismayed as LC is. (If it talks like a troll and smells like a troll, most likely it's a troll....and you gave away your intentions in an earlier post, RE: Peoria)
There most certainly are rules and having seen some non-railroaders on this forum and others interpret -to- suit their own agendas (usually a little warped). I leave the rest of the work to you.[V][V][V] there is some well written documentation out there that spell out the basics if you would just look.

Hardly the first time that a start-up has had similar problems due to unfamiliarity, equipment and experience issues. Won't be the last and wondering if disenfranchised & brooding Brand X RR contributed to the incident.
Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 10:35 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by mudchicken

You need to consult the FRA and STB websites and look at the statute regulations as well as consult the 49CFR's...I had the same reaction reading your post as LC did and I am just as annoyed/dismayed as LC is. (If it talks like a troll and smells like a troll, most likely it's a troll....and you gave away your intentions in an earlier post, RE: Peoria)
There most certainly are rules and having seen some non-railroaders on this forum and others interpret -to- suit their own agendas (usually a little warped). I leave the rest of the work to you.[V][V][V] there is some well written documentation out there that spell out the basics if you would just look.

Hardly the first time that a start-up has had similar problems due to unfamiliarity, equipment and experience issues. Won't be the last and wondering if disenfranchised & brooding Brand X RR contributed to the incident.


You are correct Mudchicken on what this all relates to, though I am sure PRY didn't cause the incedent, nor am I here to get PRY back on the tracks, I see a city government that is doing odd things along with a local paper that is on a one sided story. Sorry but when I see or feel an injustice is happening, I don't sit around and go boo-hoo, I like to know more facts so I can make an informed decision. What happened over the weekend is what some others have stated might happen. I did find the FRA site and am reading to see what is considered the "rules" and found some interesting items already. What is "49CFR", though a Google will provide that answer. As for being a troll, I think that is a little har***o label me as. I do have an agenda, and that's to know the truth and see the right thing happens. I live in this town, plan to the rest of my life and have a vested interest in seeing again the "right thing" done.

I appriciate your directions to look, that was all I was asking for unless someone had some personal information or experience. Sometimes shortcuts save time.

Some folks here need to relax and either help or just pass on to the next topic of interest.

Thanks

Okay end of [soapbox]
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Posted by bobwilcox on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 7:28 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by dthurman
What is "49CFR...


These are the Code of Federal Regulations. 49 covers transportation. They are available at a good public liabrary if not on the intenet. If you need information suggest you see a attorney.
Bob
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 9:09 PM
try www.fra.gov. that website has all of the most up to date laws that all railroads must comply with
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Posted by waltersrails on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 9:22 PM
Thanks for the topic I have wondered the same thing myself.
I like NS but CSX has the B&O.

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