"No evidence has surfaced that a second person in the locomotive cab contributes to a more-safe operation, while evidence exists that the second person in the cab can cause a safety hazard."
C&NW, CA&E, MILW, CGW and IC fan
Ok,
Not trying to be a smart alec this time,…
Think about what has happened and what needs to be done to “fix” the problem.
The train has a broken knuckle half way back, has come apart and gone into emergency.
Both types of knuckles and spare knuckle pins are stored on the locomotive, along with a spare air hose and wrench.
Knuckles weigh between 90 and 110 lbs, each.
Now, go from there…
23 17 46 11
Smart alec answer….Run the locomotive.
I see lots of new business opportunities ahead as railroads fundamentally transform themselves.
UlrichWhy.. are engineers slower moving than conductors? Either way someone has to hoof it to fix the problem... both are on two legs. What does the engineer normally do when the conductor is fixing the problem?
First there's the issue of train securement. Then with an engineer, you can bring the knuckle to you, and not have to take it a walk for a mile.
PS. Before we start with the roving utility concept, remember there are many places that are not accessible by road.
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
UlrichI'm guessing here.. but if the engineer is the only one left on the train the task of fixing a broken knuckle would fall to him/her. That would seem reasonable to me... its probably not something that happens every 20 minutes or even everyday.
Good way to keep the mainline blocked a few hours.
Deggesty BaltACD Drones fixing a broken knuckle or stuck brakes - interesting concept! Drones certainly are versatile, aren't they?
BaltACD Drones fixing a broken knuckle or stuck brakes - interesting concept!
Drones fixing a broken knuckle or stuck brakes - interesting concept!
Just equip the drone with an on-board repair robot. Hey, if they can rig a small tracked vehicle with an arm to de-fuse IEDs, it should be able to swap out knuckles.
Alternatively, the repair robot could be carried on the train, along with a full spectrum of minor repair parts...
Chuck
Johnny
If they can have a roving conductor, they can have a roving knuckle man. Some have said that PTC is a road that ultimately leads to unmanned drone trains.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/blogs/frank-n-wilner/bnsf-smart-seek-historic-crew-consist-revision.html
I was hoping to be retired, or close to it, before they went to one person crews. Now I'm not so sure. At least working on lines equipped with PTC.
Jeff
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