Radio and Dispatcher from Altoona Derailment

[Ed Kapuscinski]

There was a derailment at Cove Junction in Altoona PA a few days ago.

Pretty interesting visualization here.

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[dem34]

Hmm, whats up with NS's Coal porters?

[ai5629]

This is located just east of CP Altoona (Alto Tower) behind the former Station Mall.  That is the Altoona Railroaders Museum located in the upper left of this photo.  This is a popular rail fan spot.  I have sat and watched trains when I have been in Altoona many times in those parking spaces against that fence going back to Conrail in the early 90’s.  Thanks.

Jeff

[ai5629]

I just listened to the audio while walking my dog.  While modern railroading bores me to tears, I really enjoyed listening to the audio.  I am very familiar with the area, so I could visualize what was going on based on what was being said.  Wherever did you find this auditory gem? 

Jeff

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I just listened to the audio while walking my dog.  While modern railroading bores me to tears, I really enjoyed listening to the audio.  I am very familiar with the area, so I could visualize what was going on based on what was being said.  Wherever did you find this auditory gem? 

Jeff

The Youtube recommendation algorithm!

[davefoxx]

The Youtube recommendation algorithm!

Haha!  That algorithm brought this to my attention this past weekend, too!  Although sometimes, it acts in mysterious ways.

DFF

[John]

I got the impression the road foreman was behind the power curve .. but then again .. I don't know crap about this stuff

[muktown128]

Like probably many folks here on TRW, I've been there a few times over the years and taken pics from that pedestrian bridge. 

[RockGp40]

If I were a betting man, a broken rail is to blame here.

[dougnelson]

The Y90 crew did mention rough track, but this is also at the bottom of the East Slope and improper brake application is a common cause of derailments on the mountain.  Maybe less likely for a brake application to cause derailment of loaded coal hoppers.  For the crew's sake, I hope it was bad track, but then someone else will be blamed for that.  Tough work environment when something goes wrong.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Sounds like a broken rail: https://www.facebook.com/altoonaworks/photos/42021-late-on-the-friday-night-ns-y90-broke-a-rail-causing-a-derailment-of-5-coa/10165186258005637/

[C855B]

I had the time to listen to it this morning. Okay... evidently I've been away from the business for way too long... what's a "3-step"?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I had the time to listen to it this morning. Okay... evidently I've been away from the business for way too long... what's a "3-step"?

From: https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?2,268835

Three step protection is a procedure used to provide positive protection for groundmen before they go between, behind or under equipment. The three steps the engineer must perform are:
1. Apply the brakes.
2. Center the reverser in the control stand (This prevents the loco. from being propelled in either direction, much like shifting your car into neutral.)
3. Open the Generator field switch on the control stand. (This prevents the main generator from receiving excitation, hus preventing the generator from making electricity that could be transmitted to the traction motors, causing the loco and train to move)

[C855B]

Ah. Thanks!

Same as "set and centered" on BNSF. "3-step" is apparently Eastern lingo, maybe?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Ah. Thanks!

Same as "set and centered" on BNSF. "3-step" is apparently Eastern lingo, maybe?

It's slightly different: it requires flipping off the generator switch as well.

But functionally the same thing.