Train wreck at Valhalla

[spdrun]

What happened was tragic and is a sign that more driver's education is needed. If a level crossing barrier comes down on your car, don't go outside and ponder it, MOVE OFF THE TRACKS! NOW! The barriers are designed to break off. (Unless of course the lady was trying to commit suicide.)

I'm also hearing nonsense like "the first car of a train is dangerous." Well, it's not and the view out the front in cars that have windows next to the driver is interesting. You're more likely to be killed driving home from the station than in a freak train accident of that type. I hope that they don't knee-jerk respond in a stupid fashion by closing the first cars of trains, making them even more crowded!

What did happen and is of concern is that the third rail powering the train was hit by the car end on, came loose from its mountings, and sliced through the car and first train coaches.

Obviously, the third rail has to end before and intersection and re-start afterwards. But why not anchor the ends with heavy triangular concrete pieces? The slope of the concrete anchors would direct any vehicle or debris up and over the end of the rail, vs allowing it to punch through and be ripped off.

[SwampYankee]

Originally Posted by spdrun

I hope that they don't knee-jerk respond in a stupid fashion...

That's almost a guarantee. Led by Sen. Blumenthal (Media Whore-CT).

[spdrun]

Originally Posted by SwampYankee

That's almost a guarantee. Led by Sen. Blumenthal (Media Whore-CT).

Fortunately, Dummycows are outvoted this time around.

[engatwork]

Never seen a center rail on rr track. Does it look like the outer rails?

[kerry]

Third rail is usually off to one side or the other I think.

[ramonajim]

Originally Posted by engatwork

Never seen a center rail on rr track. Does it look like the outer rails?

[spdrun]

Yep, off to the side. Looks like the "bottom contact" system is used:

[engatwork]

Thx