Comcast News reports the Vermonter derailed 10 miles from Montpelier due to a rock ledge breaking and faiiling on the tracks.
The simple solution would be to ban rocks but I'm sure another poster will be along soon with a more complicated idea.
Norm
You mean like mandating PRC? (Positive Rock Control)
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"A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner
Maybe we could get a gov't agency to spend a bunch of money on studying what effect passing trains, over the past 100 years, have on the rocks and ledges in the area. That way they could justify some new hair-brained regulation, like "Rock Free Zones".
Excellent !! Looks like no one was killed and maybe only one with serious injuries. Hope everyone recovers quickly.
The obvious answer is to ship those illegal rocks back to the moon where they came from. Derailing trains is work for honest, law-abiding earth rocks!
Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.
Nope. We need a RTWL. (Rock Terrorist Watch List) That way we can prevent these Terroristic rocks from being able to travel to other locations and continue this dangerous terroristic activity.
These home grown wacko terrorist rocks are dangerous!
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.
You guys are really rocking now.
Here out West through Colorado there are slide warning fences. Rock Slide hits the fence, trips the signal system to show red and I belive a radio signal is broadcast as is done at a Hot Box Detector. Im sure a dispatcher in Omaha get a alarm.
Steve
Paul of Covington You mean like mandating PRC? (Positive Rock Control)
For goodness sake - don't give them any ideas. Next thing you know it'll be trees.
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...
tree68For goodness sake - don't give them any ideas. Next thing you know it'll be trees.
How about, for Adirondack Scenic, PLC; Positive Leaf Control (available only in the Fall.)
tree68 For goodness sake - don't give them any ideas. Next thing you know it'll be trees.
I believe that the part of the former Central Vermont is "dark"
territory which is not signaled.
Where I am in Western Colorado, the North Fork Branch is "Dark Territory" but there are slide detectors that when activated will start a radio alarm. I am making an assumption due to the radio antenna I see on the track side equipment.
The area where the Vermonter derailed was opened by the Vermont Central in 1848. The tilted strata in the region is pretty stable, but does split on occasion, usually sliding vertically down the slope of the cut. It appears in this case the section that split tipped onto the track instead. The line has been affected by washouts a couple of times in the last 35 years, but this is the first time I can remember a problem with rocks on the rails. I-89 is cut through similar rock.
BOB WITHORNMust have been "OLD" rocks. When the joints go bad look out!!!
All rocks are old, in human terms and even dog years!
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Steve (from Hotchkiss, Co):My wife and I vacationed in Colorado this summer and spent the night in your area. How often does UP run coal trains or locals on the North Fork Branch? It seems the coal industry is shrinking on that branch.
BTW, Black Bridge Winery is outstanding. We also had a great meal at Hightower Cafe in Paonia.
I did chase a coal train form Paonia to Hotchkiss but really couldnt get in front of it to get a decent photo.
Ed
Ed-
The 2 mines run 6 to 8 trains a week. Some days there are no trains, other days one or two trains a day. The Railroad is putting money into upgrade on the line. The Railroad bridge over the Gunnison River is being replaced. And they are building a highway overpass over the RR to eliminate a grade crossing west of Hotchkiss. That project is basicly all highway work, no change to the track except removal of the crossing gates when finished. Also I see the UP has new ribbon rail laid out along portion of the track. So the UP must be planning for the mines to keep the railroad busy moving coal for a while.
In other safety related news, a Metrolink (SCRRA) spokespuppet announced today:
"The efforts to prevent train collisions (PTC) and passenger coach damage resulting from collisions (Rotem cab cars) has not been enough.
Today we have embarked on a program to cover 100% of all sharp edges within our coaches with rounded corners and/or high impact absorbing rubber. In addition, seat backs will be equipped with full width air bags and Gideon Bibles. Optionally, comfort pets of your choice are available for hourly rental. We're really, really sorry about the continuing hazards and we strive to make travel risk free to all patrons."
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! ***
MikeF90 tree68 Too late! In other safety related news, a Metrolink (SCRRA) spokespuppet announced today: "The efforts to prevent train collisions (PTC) and passenger coach damage resulting from collisions (Rotem cab cars) has not been enough. Today we have embarked on a program to cover 100% of all sharp edges within our coaches with rounded corners and/or high impact absorbing rubber. In addition, seat backs will be equipped with full width air bags and Gideon Bibles. Optionally, comfort pets of your choice are available for hourly rental. We're really, really sorry about the continuing hazards and we strive to make travel risk free to all patrons."
tree68
Too late!
Who handles the doo doo from the comfort pets?
BaltACDWho handles the doo doo from the comfort pets?
Two words: Doggie Diapers
56 returns tomorrow 10/8, 55 Fiday 10/9. The cleanup contractors have left the track area and are working to remove the locomotive via a nearby road.
http://www.amtrak.com/service-alerts-and-notices
Interesting way to move Amtrak loco # 102. Taken to Northfield to be loaded on a special flatcar to be shipped to Beech Grove. ( maybe a schanpell ? ) Notice how it is laid on its side so it could clear low clearance bridges. ( 10'6" + mover height )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEXsaDZc53Y
Will post a link to mover in a few minutes. Here is link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5S_aq4h73Q
The modular design only limits it to the surface it runs over and the number of modules. Check this out. Makes one wonder if it would be useful in moving some steam locos.
blue streak 1 Will post a link to mover in a few minutes. Here is link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5S_aq4h73Q The modular design only limits it to the surface it runs over and the number of modules. Check this out. Makes one wonder if it would be useful in moving some steam locos.
This kind of specialized equipment has been used in heavy industrial construction, such as chemical plants, refineries, etc. It is very interesting to see in operation!
from the Far East of the Sunset Route
(In the shadow of the Huey P Long bridge)
Why did the rock divorce her husband? He always took her for granite.
that's the only rock joke I know. Ain't we lucky?
JC UPTON blue streak 1 Will post a link to mover in a few minutes. Here is link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5S_aq4h73Q The modular design only limits it to the surface it runs over and the number of modules. Check this out. Makes one wonder if it would be useful in moving some steam locos. This kind of specialized equipment has been used in heavy industrial construction, such as chemical plants, refineries, etc. It is very interesting to see in operation!
Johnny
Here is link to video that at end shows damage to the Amfleet cars.
http://www.necn.com/news/new-england/Amtrak-Vermonter-Resumes-Southbound-Runs-More-Cleanup-to-Do-at-Derailment-Site-331827081.html
Aerial Picture of readying 102 to load on flat car.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=549807&nseq=0
Other pictures
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=549418&nseq=2
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