Train derails near Phila

[Green_Elite_Cab]

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.

Believe it or not, Conrail even made an "undercover sting" trailer, equipped with a trap door and fake freight. The outside was painted "Electronic Express" and hinted at TVs and other items. Apparently this was a serious problem. I think there was even a gang called "The Conrail Boys" that made a living doing exactly that.

Its the first trailer on the link- <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://crcyc.railfan.net/crrs/inter/intertv.html">http://crcyc.railfan.net/crrs/inter/intertv.html</a><!-- m -->

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

I wouldn't be surprised if this is a rock or debris throwing incident. A couple times I've taken NJ Transit to Philadelphia, and have heard the rocks ping and bounce off the train as it goes past. I remember seeing about 5 or 6 young kids sitting along the right of way on an embankment, tossing those stones.

I understand that a Silverliner lost its windshield and had to be taken out of service not long before this incident. I also heard about an Acela reporting issues, but I'm not as clear on that one.