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Oregon teen struck, killed by train while taking school senior photos, officials say Locked

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Posted by zugmann on Monday, November 11, 2019 2:01 PM

Almost as absurd as to think that zardoz is lying.

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by SD70Dude on Monday, November 11, 2019 2:04 PM

zugmann

Almost as absurd as to think that zardoz is lying.

Thumbs Up

 

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Posted by Murphy Siding on Monday, November 11, 2019 2:15 PM

charlie hebdo

 

As to Amtrak Joe: He's a feisty guy,  but questioning the truth of his experience as an engineer with the NH through Penn Central,  Conrail and Amtrak is absurd. 

 

On an anonymous message board where very few use their real names, how can we determine who is telling the truth? Wouldn't it boil down to the cedibility of the poster?

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Posted by Euclid on Monday, November 11, 2019 2:27 PM

Murphy Siding
 
charlie hebdo

 

As to Amtrak Joe: He's a feisty guy,  but questioning the truth of his experience as an engineer with the NH through Penn Central,  Conrail and Amtrak is absurd. 

 

 

 

On an anonymous message board where very few use their real names, how can we determine who is telling the truth? Wouldn't it boil down to the cedibility of the poster?

 

 

The credibility of the poster plus the plausibility of the story.  If one does not think the story is plausible, that may overrule their assessment of the poster's credibility.  In this case, plausibility seems like good method to judge, considering all of the details that were given.  The story is quite clear.

One would compare this to what they would have done under the same circumstances if they were anxious to get the train moving.  One may also wonder whether the emergency crews would want or allow train crews to engage in such work.

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Posted by charlie hebdo on Monday, November 11, 2019 2:27 PM

Seriously, Murphy ?  We actually know Joe's full name as printed in his local newspaper,  the New Haven Register in an article or letter he submitted.  The Darwin sneer was not started by an engineer.  It was started by BaltACD. Another retired engineer, Zardoz, related his story to justify his anger, which he expressed directly at a victim In another post. 

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Posted by SD70Dude on Monday, November 11, 2019 2:36 PM

But how do we know that cs.trains.com user "243129" really is Joe McMahon? 

I believe that he is, but then again I also believe Zardoz's story, and that user "Charlie Hebdo" really is a medical professional and was formerly known as "Schlimm" on this site, and I also believe that Zugmann works for Norfolk Southern.

Where will my madness end?

Greetings from Alberta

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Posted by Deggesty on Monday, November 11, 2019 2:47 PM

Has any one of us seen everything that is possible? Is there no new combinstion of events impossible?

Why one anyone of us express disbelief when one of us reports an event of a sort that we never heard of before?

Johnny

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Posted by charlie hebdo on Monday, November 11, 2019 2:49 PM

SD70Dude

But how do we know that cs.trains.com user "243129" really is Joe McMahon? 

I believe that he is, but then again I also believe Zardoz's story, and that user "Charlie Hebdo" really is a medical professional and was formerly known as "Schlimm" on this site, and I also believe that Zugmann works for Norfolk Southern.

Where will my madness end?

 

A nasty play by an unknown EMD locomotive. 

I notice you ignored the factual content about the real instigator of the nastiness,  a guy who never operated a locomotive. 

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Posted by zardoz on Monday, November 11, 2019 2:49 PM

Gosh, I sure am tired of this. I am partially quoting myself below in an attempt to put an end to all this crap. So since so much of this arguing seems to revolve around my 'story', I hereby withdraw my previous tale (see below). Most of you guys seem to be quite nice, and the furthest thing from my intentions was to cause such acrimony. 

So please read below, and lets move on--nobody wins, nobody loses; we just get on with our lives. 

zardoz
Ok. I give up. In order to put an end to this silly arguing, I have decided on a full disclosure. You busted me. It never happened. I was just looking for some sympathy when I wrote this story.......and I should have known better than to try to pull a fast one .......My humblest apologies for leading you down such a difficult path......

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Posted by tree68 on Monday, November 11, 2019 3:03 PM

This thread has only gone on as long as it has because a few folks took offense with the whole Darwin thing and made a big deal of it.

Don't like it, don't read it.  Don't comment on it.  It will soon fall from sight.

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Posted by zugmann on Monday, November 11, 2019 3:05 PM

charlie hebdo
A nasty play by an unknown EMD locomotive.

I have, in fact, run SD70s.  So I know they exist.  Now am I who I think I am?

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by SD70Dude on Monday, November 11, 2019 3:07 PM

zugmann
charlie hebdo
A nasty play by an unknown EMD locomotive.

I have, in fact, run SD70s.  So I know they exist.  Now am I who I think I am?

We wish you would stop skidding our wheels.

Greetings from Alberta

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Posted by zugmann on Monday, November 11, 2019 3:07 PM

SD70Dude
We wish you would stop skidding our wheels.

sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss...........thunkthunkthunk

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by SD70Dude on Monday, November 11, 2019 3:12 PM

zugmann
SD70Dude
We wish you would stop skidding our wheels.

sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss...........thunkthunkthunk

Ouch!  Time for a visit to the lathe!

It will take some time, we are discerning about which backshop we visit, much as you humans often prefer one particular barber or hairdresser.

Greetings from Alberta

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Posted by SD70Dude on Monday, November 11, 2019 3:18 PM

charlie hebdo
SD70Dude

But how do we know that cs.trains.com user "243129" really is Joe McMahon? 

I believe that he is, but then again I also believe Zardoz's story, and that user "Charlie Hebdo" really is a medical professional and was formerly known as "Schlimm" on this site, and I also believe that Zugmann works for Norfolk Southern.

Where will my madness end?

A nasty play by an unknown EMD locomotive. 

I notice you ignored the factual content about the real instigator of the nastiness,  a guy who never operated a locomotive. 

When I played hockey I did enjoy that side of the game.  Gotta clear the crease and protect your goalie!

You don't have to operate a locomotive to be a railroader, and you don't have to hit people at crossings to deal with the aftermath. 

If you really are a psychologist/psychiatrist (I honestly can't remember which one, no offense meant) then you will know that people who are hurting inside will sometimes put up a tough front to try and hide it.  I'm not saying that is the right thing to do, but it is human behaviour.  Probably stems from our evolutionary history as wild animals, where showing weakness will get you killed quickly.

Greetings from Alberta

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Posted by SD70Dude on Monday, November 11, 2019 3:20 PM

To be honest I'm just using this thread to up my post count and waste time at the AFHT.  Feel free to ignore me.

Greetings from Alberta

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Posted by Murphy Siding on Monday, November 11, 2019 4:56 PM

SD70Dude

To be honest I'm just using this thread to up my post count and waste time at the AFHT.  Feel free to ignore me.

 

Well I could, but now I'm curious what AFHT means. Away from home terminal?

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Posted by Murphy Siding on Monday, November 11, 2019 5:01 PM

zugmann

 

 
charlie hebdo
A nasty play by an unknown EMD locomotive.

 

I have, in fact, run SD70s.  So I know they exist.  Now am I who I think I am?

 

Depends. Are you a pony?

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Posted by SD70Dude on Monday, November 11, 2019 5:03 PM

Murphy Siding
SD70Dude

To be honest I'm just using this thread to up my post count and waste time at the AFHT.  Feel free to ignore me.

Well I could, but now I'm curious what AFHT means. Away from home terminal?

Yes.

Greetings from Alberta

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Posted by Murphy Siding on Monday, November 11, 2019 5:10 PM

SD70Dude

 

 
charlie hebdo
SD70Dude

But how do we know that cs.trains.com user "243129" really is Joe McMahon? 

I believe that he is, but then again I also believe Zardoz's story, and that user "Charlie Hebdo" really is a medical professional and was formerly known as "Schlimm" on this site, and I also believe that Zugmann works for Norfolk Southern.

Where will my madness end?

A nasty play by an unknown EMD locomotive. 

I notice you ignored the factual content about the real instigator of the nastiness,  a guy who never operated a locomotive. 

 

 

When I played minor hockey I did enjoy that side of the game.  Gotta clear the crease and protect your goalie!

You don't have to operate a locomotive to be a railroader, and you don't have to hit people at crossings to deal with the aftermath. 

If you really are a psychologist/psychiatrist (I honestly can't remember which one, no offense meant) then you will know that people who are hurting inside will sometimes put up a tough front to try and hide it.  I'm not saying that is the right thing to do, but it is human behaviour.  Probably stems from our evolutionary history as wild animals, where showing weakness will get you killed quickly.

 

charlie hebdo- I think SD70Dude answered your question to me better than I could. I understand the disdain for the Darwin references. They're not in good taste. I get it. What I don't get is the almost pathological need for engineer 90210 (or whatever) to be "right" and for zardoz to be "wrong". 

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Posted by Murphy Siding on Monday, November 11, 2019 5:11 PM

SD70Dude

 

 
Murphy Siding
SD70Dude

To be honest I'm just using this thread to up my post count and waste time at the AFHT.  Feel free to ignore me.

Well I could, but now I'm curious what AFHT means. Away from home terminal?

 

 

Yes.

 

Ha!  I got my posts mixed up and I thought you were saying yes you were a pony. Laugh

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Posted by SD70Dude on Monday, November 11, 2019 5:22 PM

Murphy Siding
SD70Dude
Murphy Siding
SD70Dude

To be honest I'm just using this thread to up my post count and waste time at the AFHT.  Feel free to ignore me.

Well I could, but now I'm curious what AFHT means. Away from home terminal?

Yes.

Ha!  I got my posts mixed up and I thought you were saying yes you were a pony. Laugh

How do you know I am not?

I could be a flesh/blood horse that wished a little too hard that it was made of iron!

Greetings from Alberta

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Posted by SD70Dude on Monday, November 11, 2019 5:26 PM

Murphy Siding
SD70Dude
charlie hebdo
SD70Dude

But how do we know that cs.trains.com user "243129" really is Joe McMahon? 

I believe that he is, but then again I also believe Zardoz's story, and that user "Charlie Hebdo" really is a medical professional and was formerly known as "Schlimm" on this site, and I also believe that Zugmann works for Norfolk Southern.

Where will my madness end?

A nasty play by an unknown EMD locomotive. 

I notice you ignored the factual content about the real instigator of the nastiness,  a guy who never operated a locomotive.

When I played minor hockey I did enjoy that side of the game.  Gotta clear the crease and protect your goalie!

You don't have to operate a locomotive to be a railroader, and you don't have to hit people at crossings to deal with the aftermath. 

If you really are a psychologist/psychiatrist (I honestly can't remember which one, no offense meant) then you will know that people who are hurting inside will sometimes put up a tough front to try and hide it.  I'm not saying that is the right thing to do, but it is human behaviour.  Probably stems from our evolutionary history as wild animals, where showing weakness will get you killed quickly.

charlie hebdo- I think SD70Dude answered your question to me better than I could. I understand the disdain for the Darwin references. They're not in good taste. I get it. What I don't get is the almost pathological need for engineer 90210 (or whatever) to be "right" and for zardoz to be "wrong".

1234567890 thinks that something is correct automatically because he said so.  He cannot admit that he could be wrong.  It is physically impossible in his mind.  That is my highly unprofessional psychoanalysis of this situation.

I have some co-workers who act in the same manner.  They are the crowd of Engineers who like to 'switch from the seat' while working yard jobs, but do not bother to read the lists. 

Greetings from Alberta

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Posted by zugmann on Monday, November 11, 2019 8:13 PM

Murphy Siding
Depends. Are you a pony?

Looks around nervoulsy.  Umm...no. 

 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by ELRobby on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 12:19 AM

I haven't seen it mentioned yet in this long string, but it is the other thing that makes one cynical about this subject.  I've written up my share of these accident reports and been a little affected when I had to do one.  And I realize that's nothing in comparison to the crewmen there and the people that have to clean it up.  What used to bother me about these tragedies is the 10 to 20 page legal interrogatories on legal size paper that I had to answer from the victim family's inevitable lawsuit.  They were all after the same thing - looking for any minor discrepancy that the railroad or crew had or did or did not do that had no bearing on the fact that the driver or pedestrian tresspasser had no business being on the crossing or the right-of-way.  I would bet that the lawsuit from this boy's family is already in the works and their legal team will do their due legal diligence in trying to put the blame on anything and everything else.  Or the one I vividly remember are the five kids in Michgian about 10 years ago who sped around a line of stopped cars and the gates that were down directly into the path of an Amtrak.    A tragedy sure, but a couple of weeks later we had the mother of one of the victims outside the dispatching office picketing for the TV cameras.  And of course, they sued every party they could think of.  I can't fault BALTACD for his initial comment.  These things always turn into a big cash grab for the lawyers and the family.       

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Posted by Convicted One on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 12:50 AM

Where any actual wrongdoing always takes a back seat to the lawyers ability to arouse the emotions of the jury.

At least we have the comfort of knowing that the jury will be made up of the same type people who have kept this thread going strong.  Dots - Sign

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Posted by aegrotatio on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 12:51 AM

Flintlock76

The thing is, it happens so often on NJ Transit tracks hardly anyone raises an eyebrow over it anymore.  

If I felt like posting NJT tresspasser strikes I'd be doing it once or twice a month.

 

Yep, that's also why rural Oregon train incidents are notable for the local news media.

 

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Posted by MMLDelete on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 8:29 AM

With all due respect, I don't think these incidents "always" result in a cash grab by the families.

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Posted by Murphy Siding on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 8:35 AM

ELRobby

I haven't seen it mentioned yet in this long string, but it is the other thing that makes one cynical about this subject.  I've written up my share of these accident reports and been a little affected when I had to do one.  And I realize that's nothing in comparison to the crewmen there and the people that have to clean it up.  What used to bother me about these tragedies is the 10 to 20 page legal interrogatories on legal size paper that I had to answer from the victim family's inevitable lawsuit.  They were all after the same thing - looking for any minor discrepancy that the railroad or crew had or did or did not do that had no bearing on the fact that the driver or pedestrian tresspasser had no business being on the crossing or the right-of-way.  I would bet that the lawsuit from this boy's family is already in the works and their legal team will do their due legal diligence in trying to put the blame on anything and everything else.  Or the one I vividly remember are the five kids in Michgian about 10 years ago who sped around a line of stopped cars and the gates that were down directly into the path of an Amtrak.    A tragedy sure, but a couple of weeks later we had the mother of one of the victims outside the dispatching office picketing for the TV cameras.  And of course, they sued every party they could think of.  I can't fault BALTACD for his initial comment.  These things always turn into a big cash grab for the lawyers and the family.       

 

Why does this not happen if someone was taking photos in the middle of an interstate highway and got run over by a truck?

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 9:00 AM

Murphy Siding

 

 
ELRobby

I haven't seen it mentioned yet in this long string, but it is the other thing that makes one cynical about this subject.  I've written up my share of these accident reports and been a little affected when I had to do one.  And I realize that's nothing in comparison to the crewmen there and the people that have to clean it up.  What used to bother me about these tragedies is the 10 to 20 page legal interrogatories on legal size paper that I had to answer from the victim family's inevitable lawsuit.  They were all after the same thing - looking for any minor discrepancy that the railroad or crew had or did or did not do that had no bearing on the fact that the driver or pedestrian tresspasser had no business being on the crossing or the right-of-way.  I would bet that the lawsuit from this boy's family is already in the works and their legal team will do their due legal diligence in trying to put the blame on anything and everything else.  Or the one I vividly remember are the five kids in Michgian about 10 years ago who sped around a line of stopped cars and the gates that were down directly into the path of an Amtrak.    A tragedy sure, but a couple of weeks later we had the mother of one of the victims outside the dispatching office picketing for the TV cameras.  And of course, they sued every party they could think of.  I can't fault BALTACD for his initial comment.  These things always turn into a big cash grab for the lawyers and the family.       

 

 

 

Why does this not happen if someone was taking photos in the middle of an interstate highway and got run over by a truck?

 

 

OK, I'm back, I didn't want to come back not having anything more to say, but I think I can answer Murphy Siding's question.

It's all about familiarity.  Everyone doesn't "drive" a train, but nearly everyone drives a car.  As such, even the dimmest of us know it's suicidally stupid to stand in the middle of a highway taking photos and if you get nailed it's your own fault.  There's little to no sympathy from anyone to anyone who's that foolish.  And no lawyer's going to take a case from the victim's survivors in a case like this, no jury's going to find for the victim.

And it goes without saying there are plenty of incidents nationally where someone tries to "short cut" across a highway without using a pedestrian overpass or tunnel and gets hit by a car or truck.  If the driver stays on site not turning it into a "hit-and-run" situation the police come, do the investigation, and that's the end of it.  Except of course for the poor driver who's going to replay the situation in their head for years. 

Railroads and trains are another matter, although they shouldn't be.  In this day and age trains aren't a part of everyday life as they once were, and for the average person something that isn't part of his or her's daily life becomes something mysterious and possibly a little bit frightening.  Playing on the ignorance of the public is what makes a court win a good possibility.

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