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
The article states that conductors will still be required albeit not on board trains. Rather, such “master conductors” will supervise their trains remotely using various devices, including drones. Sounds like an interesting development!
Drones fixing a broken knuckle or stuck brakes - interesting concept!
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.
Drones certainly are versatile, aren’t they?
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
I’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.
Why… 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.
I see lots of new business opportunities ahead as railroads fundamentally transform themselves.
Smart alec answer….Run the locomotive.[:$]
To where? Knuckle broken…
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…
“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.”
OK, the train is now immobile. You’re saying it takes two people to carry the replacement knuckle back… if they weigh that much then I can appreciate that. So engineer and conductor BOTH go back with the replacement knuckle… is that how its generally done?
Who said that? They are full of crap.
The article said that. Take your issue up with the magazine of you believe that to be false…
Whoever wrote the article said it.
They’re still full of crap.
And the piece doesn’t specify who made that statement. I hope it wasn’t some ‘official’ with the Office of Management and Budget. They probably know as much about railroading as my cat does.