Latest Metrolink tragedy

[al-in-chgo]

First, Trains newswire carried a story about railfans witnessing a green signal. What struck me was that one of the news photos showed an apparent lone worker or inspector at a signal shortly after the accident. A tragic grade crossing accident on the Chicago-St Louis line was caused by a signal maintainer not properly restoring the crossing signals to working order and returning to the scene to cover up his malfeasance.

Second, while the train crew may be a good source of information; railfans need to refrain from direct telephone or text communication that distracts attention from operation. The only exception would be to converse during a stop at a station or signal.

Finally, I skimmed an article in Railway Gazette ('05?) about aluminum car welds “un-zipping” in a British train collision and causing the car to split open. It seems that the welds were not adequate for the necessary strength. I was struck by the relative lack of damage to the freight cars jack-knifed across the tracks that had little to do with buff strength.

I believe either this thread or a similar one mentioned that use of cell-phones is prohibited on USA railways. If not, it should be, or NORAC or the [other side of USA’s] rules book.

TM’ing too IMHO, which was the actual cause of the tragedy it seems. Perhaps the technology has gotten ahead of the rules, regs and/or legislation? If so, I’d think the company would prohibit it if at all possible.

I don’t know of a single recent cell phone that hasn’t got a voice mailbox. You’re there in the cab until you reach your destination or are relieved, so what’s the point in getting messages in real time anyway??

It would be cool if kids were in the vanguard NOT to TM or phone. Perhaps BNSF’s CRS program should think about getting people on board with the notion. After all, you wou