If they aren't disciplined, they should be. Every rule book with which I am familiar states basically the same thing as GCOR Rule 6.29.2:
While their train is moving, crew members must inspect it frequently and look for defects in the train, especially rounding curves.
It is simply foolish, in my opinion, to rely solely on an electronic/mechanical device to replace the work that a crew should be doing to ensure their own safety. At the very least, looking back once you are by a detector supplements the action of that device. Had the crew noticed such things as extra drag and a jump in the amperage required to move the locomotives, which would have been caused by a sliding wheel or traction motor siezing up, or looked back just once beyond the previous detector, they probably would have seen the problem, and prevented further and possibly more substantial damage to the offending locomotive, track and averted a potential derailment.
P.S. Something interesting about us Engineers...we all have necks that swivel and upper torsos that do the same thing. No mirror is no excuse.
....Mirrors in that kind of shape sounds kinda like specs. should be updated a bit. I'd think it would be important to observe how the "rest of the train" is doing back from the engine consists....I'd think the Railroad would want that item in place to do some good.
Guess it's like a lot of things....not tended to as needed.
And I agree, from what I saw on the video, the Engineer was in no position to see it. But the conductor...?
Quentin
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
....I don't know about the issue getting the crew fired, but....surely it should have been visible on any slight curve in the rearview mirrors with as much visible flame, sparks, etc....shooting out from that last engine truck.
Chris30 wrote: A couple of things from the video...1. The person who shot the video claims it was a traction motor that failed on the fourth axle. With this being a light power set was that last unit on-line or dead-in-tow?2. The person who shot the video did indicate that they called it in and the train (light engines)stopped.3. Why was there an EOT on the last unit / unit on fire? No power / electrical issues? This could be anybodys guess.4. Why is the crew "so fired"? The person who shot the video said that the light engines passed a defect detector with no defects. I'm not sure if that was before or after the issue was corrected.CC
A couple of things from the video...
1. The person who shot the video claims it was a traction motor that failed on the fourth axle. With this being a light power set was that last unit on-line or dead-in-tow?
2. The person who shot the video did indicate that they called it in and the train (light engines)stopped.
3. Why was there an EOT on the last unit / unit on fire? No power / electrical issues? This could be anybodys guess.
4. Why is the crew "so fired"? The person who shot the video said that the light engines passed a defect detector with no defects. I'm not sure if that was before or after the issue was corrected.
CC
Let me see if i can make this clear for some. I didnt look at the video this time if there is a eot that is ok it just marks end of train. if he had more than 1 engine on line that would get himm wrote up. just because that engine is throwing sparks doesnt mean it on line. Ive left hand brakes on before and seen them go by on a hand brake on a engine will not throw sparks. that had to be a pinoin on the traction motor. and no you wont always see this from the head end. and the engineer wont see it from his side as its happening on the conductors side. Ive had axels lock up or attempt to this is what happens the locked axel alarm didnt go off and same thing with me it happened on conductor side, and he was sleeping as usual. Ed they dont fire us for that Yet. it may be comming. detectors dont always catch these things in fact i had a itermodel train i was called for as it approached the spot we were to swap out i saw heat. comming back from a car 4 behind the power. walked back and the brakes was on grease running out of the bearing cups and the wheel blue. this train just come by a detector 2 miles back and a hot wheel detector 10 miles back. no defects... we set the car out. all i can say is this wheel was just letting loose, why because it had material to burn up, if this had been happening for 45 min it would not spark near as bad. nothing to burn up.
The accompanying story fills in some details.
He says that this occurred in Richland. What state?
I think the average person would not call the 800 number if you dialed it for them. And the crew could have been told to run to a certain spot then set out the offending unit. God only knows and he aint telling.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
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....Yes, I believe that video has been on here previously....Impressive though...I can't understand how a group of engines can continue on without the crew seeing what is going on behind them....Don't those engines have rear view mirrors too....!!
Sure looks like a bearing seizing or brake stuck on....traction motor problem....But that's just from this fan, not an expert.
Welcome to the forum, RedStone31.
didn't know if you guys/girls had seen this video of a few norfolk southern loco's lashed together with the rear one throwing some major sparks...pretty neat short vid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQAGWo3PbZk
first post for me btw...
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