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How close are we to unmanned mainline freights?

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Tree- Not to single you out, as others have made some similar comments, but, 1. It is obvious to me that you have never had to run a train as your response demonstrates a lack of understanding of the forces inherent in train handling. 2. Neither an autopilot nor a cruise control would be adequate to run a train in any form, with or without a crew. 3. A train only follows the tracks when it is properly handled, otherwise it is very quick to derail with spectacular results. 4. A computer hasn't been invented that can compensate adequately for in train forces, in time perhaps that can be done. 5. Simulators in use now can track some of the forces and risk areas, so eventually a computer capable of running a train is possible, but we are a long way from there now. 6. Even if such a computer were to be developed, what would the fail safe be? 7. They haven't yet invented a computer that can come close to duplicating the locomotive engineer's most important sensory organ. His Butt in the right hand seat. After about a year or two it is amazing how one can sense what a 150 car train is doing from some knowledge of the terrain, train composition and the feel of the train transmitted through that beat up toadstool of a chair. Over, LC
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