Well if you want to see something really strange grade crossing wise. This is the former Milwaukee Road Branch to Monroe, WI. Now WSOR in combination with the state has done a good job pulling the track up from the weeds and increasing weight limits and speed. During Milwaukees time this line could only have a lightweight GP9 on it and then it was crawling 10 mph through the weeds.
Anyways look at the difference in crossing signals in the first three minutes. Focus in on the crossing signals at 1:25 in the below clip. Note the heavy duty tubular steel that blocks the entire roadway. This is a line that might see 2-3 trains a day MAX, slow freights with no Amtrak trains. Now contrast that Heavy Duty Crossing with some of the crossings that Amtrak traverses at a much higher speed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnzjJQP7s38
The answers are not difficult. Stop acting as the world's policeman. It makes us less secure and costs trillions (Iraq alone =$4-6 trillion over time). End the subsidies to carbon producers. The IMF estimates the world total for 2015 will be $5.3 trillion. Focus on broad infrastructure, the essential foundation for future economic strength. But the political will is lacking
C&NW, CA&E, MILW, CGW and IC fan
ACY's is a better answer than mine. Personally, I wouldn't favor spending the money it would take for all-separated grade crossings even if we had it. There are better uses, for infrastructure that would be an actual investment in the future.
But it's all academic, because we would rather spend the money on ourselves -- entitlements all around, for the middle class and wealthy, too! -- and borrow more when that's gone. On top of bearing the cost of being the world's policeman.
Inadequate highways, bridges, railroads and airports are only the beginning of it. You can kind of ease into that kind of Third World-ism, like the frog in the pot of heating water. But wait until failure of our 200-year-old big-city water and sewer systems start becoming a monthly event. There won't be a check that will cover the social dislocations and upheavals.
dakotafredThere's not the money to pay for them. Every one is a struggle. One more example, if it were needed, of how infrastructure in this country is starved in favor of spending for other priorities.
Ending money-hole, pointless 'adventures' such as Iraq might be a start, as its total costs may reach $4-5 trillion. A fraction of that spent on infrastructure here could do far more for our security than foreign ops.
Yes, grade crossing elimination would be helpful, but some folks are foolish enough to get hit by trains whether there's a designated crossing or not. They walk. They run, often with ear buds. They lie down in the gauge to take a nap. They make movies. They make exercise videos. They drive bicycles, cars, and trucks, often where there's no road. They have no clue. I have no idea what will stop them. Maybe more grade crossings will help, but with or without the crossing closures, I see no end to this idiocy.
Tom
The problem with reduction and elimination of grade crossings is obvious: There's not the money to pay for them. Every one is a struggle.
One more example, if it were needed, of how infrastructure in this country is starved in favor of spending for other priorities.
Phoebe Vet This thread is focused on Amtrak, but trust me, just as many vehicles are being hit by freight trains. Nothing will stop it but grade separation. People are too stupid to be allowed to drive across train tracks.
This thread is focused on Amtrak, but trust me, just as many vehicles are being hit by freight trains. Nothing will stop it but grade separation. People are too stupid to be allowed to drive across train tracks.
And they don't know how to park next to the tracks either - One of our trains took out 1/2 dozen at 'watering hole'.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Quite a few Amtrak train-vehicle collisions have been noted during the short, three-month life of this thread. Putting to one side the damages/injuries to vehicles and their passengers, isn't it clear that the trains are also at risk? Isn't it obvious that the only solution is level crossing reduction (separated, upgraded or eliminated) on lines where passenger train operate?
Removal of passengers from the train implies significant damage to track and/or equipment. Anybody have any more details?
San Joaquin line got another van 1 kiled.
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2015/06/10/3673508_1-killed-after-train-hits-car.html?rh=1
ACY Amtrak 98 got a Lincoln Navigator yesterday in Satsuma, FL. Driver drove around the lowered gates & was seriously injured. Tom
Amtrak 98 got a Lincoln Navigator yesterday in Satsuma, FL. Driver drove around the lowered gates & was seriously injured.
Proposed headline: Train Bites Into 35 Tons of Bacon
Another link to 22 collision.
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/amtrak-crash-306324891.html?_osource=SocialFlowFB_CHBrand
http://abcnews.go.com/US/amtrak-train-collides-truck-illinois/story?id=31564976
More bad luck - Amtrak #22 collides with truck driver in Wilmington, IL:
http://abc7chicago.com/news/amtrak-train-collides-with-truck-near-wilmington/768798/
This is just south of the UP Global IV intermodal yard on the Joliet sub.
Links to my Google Maps ---> Sunset Route overview, SoCal metro, Yuma sub, Gila sub, SR east of Tucson, BNSF Northern Transcon and Southern Transcon *** Why you should support Ukraine! ***
Motorcyclist tried to beat Sounder train but lucky was hit by lowering gate knocking him off cycle and saving life . Cycle not so lucky.
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Police-Very-lucky-motorcyclist-OK-after-riding-into-path-of-train-306142941.html
Meteor $98/01 hit vehicle going around gates near Jacksonville. Unbelievable that no one killed.
http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2015-06-02/story/amtrak-train-shears-car-half-jacksonville-crash-police-say-driver-went
Also report of # 280 killing someone but no details.
Back on April 27th the CZ hit a car in northern Nevada. Local sheriff believes this was suicide by train.
Incident happened at 2:30 AM. A little earlier or later the Darwin enforcer would have been a freight.
Chuck
Amtrak hits another vehicle not near a grade crossing. Appears to be another Piedmont. NCDOT cannot get a break.
http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150511/News/305119984
My Guess would be this: Issues with HEP after vehicle strike.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
Why evacuate the City of New Orleans? Anybody know?
City New Orleans collided with car. Appears to have CN leader ?
http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/local/northshore/2015/05/10/1-dead-after-amtrak-train-hits-vehicle-on-tracks/27091691/
School bus almost became another stat. In this case close did count as a save.
http://patch.com/new-york/chappaqua/school-bus-trapped-metro-north-crossing-driver-arrested-new-castle-police
Palmetto got one April 27th
http://abc11.com/news/amtrak-train-hits-car-in-four-oaks/683829/
ACY I think my point was that the locomotive held together pretty well at Big Bayou Canot. I've been told (not sure whether this can be confirmed) that the cab remained intact, and the three crew members of the crew did not die as a result of impact. I'm told they drowned. Cold comfort, I guess. Tom
I think my point was that the locomotive held together pretty well at Big Bayou Canot. I've been told (not sure whether this can be confirmed) that the cab remained intact, and the three crew members of the crew did not die as a result of impact. I'm told they drowned.
Cold comfort, I guess.
On that note, if you do find yourself in a sinking vehicle of some sort...
What happens is the water comming in exerts a kind of suction along with the downward sinking vehicle that does not allow escape until the water has completely filled the submerged space and the vehicle's rapid sink rate has diminished or stopped......then the pressure is equalized and one can escape. Most untrained folks panic and gasp for air and drown in that type of environment.
Best approach if your conscious is to hold your breath until the pressure equalizes making use of the time to plan your escape route and ensure your not tangled up in anything. Once the vehicle fills with water and levels off it has a tendency to kind of exhale as the rush in of water is suddenly stops.....that will help eject you if your near an open door or window.
BaltACDThere is a difference between what 'outsiders' consider serious locomotive damage and what those in the industry consider serious locomotive damage. Outsiders see cosmetic damage - those in the industry look for structural damage. Cosmetic damage is easily repairable, structural damage is harder to see and more critcal when it occurrs.
I haven't actually seen a picture of the damaged unit in question, so my point was that Amtrak (or their insurer) will check the locomotive and determine the cheapest option to get a 629 back to usable condition. I am aware of the kind of damage that results in a retirement, but I can't see a collision with a car bending the frame or bending collision posts.
Your point is valid. I've seen locomotives with the long hood ripped completely off returned to service, and those with little cosmetic damage scrapped due to frame bowing.
NorthWest I guess it depends whether or not it is cheaper to rebuild it, or build a new 629. That's the nice thing about having the assembly line still open.
I guess it depends whether or not it is cheaper to rebuild it, or build a new 629. That's the nice thing about having the assembly line still open.
There is a difference between what 'outsiders' consider serious locomotive damage and what those in the industry consider serious locomotive damage.
Outsiders see cosmetic damage - those in the industry look for structural damage. Cosmetic damage is easily repairable, structural damage is harder to see and more critcal when it occurrs.
Pictures of Crescent tr #20 / 22 that hit vehicle near Tuscaloosa.
http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2015/04/authorities_are_on_the_scene_o.html
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