05-17-2015, 06:55 AM
We made a trip east to do some railfanning in April of 1978. Our friend was a trainmaster working out of Dover, NJ. He told us many horror stories about rock throwing and shooting at trains. He even told us how they were robbing truck trains. Remember, this was 1978.
Since that time we as taxpayers have spent millions of dollars on bullet resistant glazing and other safety features to protect crewmen and passengers on Amtrak Class ones also have this expense. Even little shortline railroads have the extra expense of installing this glazing in older equipment. In 2001 the cost to upgrade an ALCo S-1 was $2100. Waivers are available but not easily handed out.
I can see how this could have easily led to the engineer on this train being distracted, or even knocked out if a piece of debris from the windshield, or for that matter a bullet fragment had hit his head. I saw on the news they want the FBI in on this investigation.
These incidents are no less than terror attacks and I think it is time we started to spend some money arresting perpetrators and placing them in prison for long duration rather than a slap on the wrist. Trains seem to be an open target. How long would the public stand for rock throwers and shooters on the highway bridges.
Regardless whether this was a contributing factor in this instance this needs to be addressed. We should be safe traveling in any conveyance.
Up till now his engineer has a stellar record and if this accident has an underlying cause it is a shame to crucify him for it. As it is he will blame his self for the accident.
Charlie
Since that time we as taxpayers have spent millions of dollars on bullet resistant glazing and other safety features to protect crewmen and passengers on Amtrak Class ones also have this expense. Even little shortline railroads have the extra expense of installing this glazing in older equipment. In 2001 the cost to upgrade an ALCo S-1 was $2100. Waivers are available but not easily handed out.
I can see how this could have easily led to the engineer on this train being distracted, or even knocked out if a piece of debris from the windshield, or for that matter a bullet fragment had hit his head. I saw on the news they want the FBI in on this investigation.
These incidents are no less than terror attacks and I think it is time we started to spend some money arresting perpetrators and placing them in prison for long duration rather than a slap on the wrist. Trains seem to be an open target. How long would the public stand for rock throwers and shooters on the highway bridges.
Regardless whether this was a contributing factor in this instance this needs to be addressed. We should be safe traveling in any conveyance.
Up till now his engineer has a stellar record and if this accident has an underlying cause it is a shame to crucify him for it. As it is he will blame his self for the accident.
Charlie