This is the worst part about the whole event. A misinformed public, stampeded by a media system that can be either illiterate, or dishonest, (or both), about their work. It's all show biz. Get viewers/listeners. Up ratings. Bring in the advertising dollars. Pick up a paycheck. And don't let facts get in the way of this process. Boxcab E50
I've faound articles in tabloids like the National Enquirer to be more informatiove and honest than newspapers.
I have one question since I am apparently one of these ignorant hicks who know nothing about how railroads are run. Besides the locked door, is there anything that would have prevented a vandal (regardless of knowledge of how to operate a locomotive) from moving the train? I know steam engines had a throttle handle which belonged to the engineer and was kept with him. Is the same situation still in place with modern locomotives? While it is stupid of adults who have somehow landed themselves in uniform to not follow proper procedure, not everyone who is unaware of railroad procedures is an ignorant hick. Please have the ability to look at situations from both sides of the fence.
Our steamer has a receptacle for a paddle lock welded right on the throttle. I can't see otherwise how it can be easily removed without disassymbly. Otherwise, kill the fire; block the wheels with chains or a skate to keep it from being moved by gravity. For diesels, the reverser lever is removed and either taken with the crew, or placed in a secure place within the cab; throw the field switch to the off position; place chain, or a skate on at least one set of wheels; then lock the cab door and window(s). I believe this is all required by the FRA anyway.
I remember! It was loco # 8888 According to what I just read yesterday in the CSX roster book, this unit was CR # 6410 and was supposed to become NS #3358 in the asset distribution, however it ended up going to CSX instead. What luck! Harold
I know those peopel going into news...they are all "Communications" majors...I'm still trying to comprehend what it is that they are studying.
Railroads are covered under Federal laws and the property is federal property that railraods run on.And like Mitch stated the engines don't move far without a reverser.They must be pulled when the engine is unoccupied.Most engines are equipped with locks,And I dont understand how the police got on that one if it was locked.This is a huge rule violation if left unlocked and unoccupied. As far as the media.Give them a little negetivity and they can stretch it about 20 miles long.I for one am not a big fan of media people.They are busybodies that use the "freedom of the press" for everything.We had a derailment a few years back on another RR that goes through town.The police had the entire scene taped off so people wouldn't get near it.the news people just walked right under the tape and started a live broadcast.The lady was real close to derailed hoppers the could have fell on her.And all she could report is that the Railroads are just not safe anymore.Did she know anything about them? NO! She had to ask what the cars were called from onlookers.She didn't know what caused the wreck either.It had just happened and the news crew wanted to be the "first to report it".I swear they have scanners on just waiting for bad news to exploit.
Wait, how is the railroad federal property? I thought it was private property? Which, if we're going to get technical is not the case in this instance, the Surfline is now owned by the state of California (or is it San Diego county, I don't remember) and BNSF pays to use it.
NPR did a recent story about people (especially Railfans) being harassed for photgraphing trains.... I am sure this will get worse due to the heightned state of alert resulting from recent bombings,,,, Harold
Yes. Railroads are private property. However, they are Federally regulated. Even the little steam musem operations have guidelines set by the Feds. Boxcab E50
