CSX dodged the bullet on this one.

[Bob Bufkin]

http://www.nbcchicago.com/traffic/transit/CHI-COPYTrain-Headed-to-Chicago-Derails-on-Bridge-Over-Schuylkill-River-241126061.html

[Robbman]

Wonder if that was the front or rear of the train (the buffer car is why I ask)

[Ike the BN Freak]

Anyone else noticed that the article called the buffer Airslide a boxcar?  But then again, reporters don't care.

[central.vermont]

Wonder if that was the front or rear of the train (the buffer car is why I ask)

I kinda think it was trailing. I think this because of the misplaced truck under the "so called boxcar"   

Jon

[jagged ben]

Interesting.  I was in Philly for the first time last August and I believe they were doing trackwork at this very location.  (Not that that means anything.)

[lock4244]

Is there always a buffer on the rear of these in the US? There seems to be no requirement here (Canada) as I've seen far more without one at each end than with.

[trainforfun]

 From the article : 


Seven cars of the 101-car freight train derailed on the Schuylkill Arsenal Railroad Bridge where it crosses over the Schuylkill River, according to CSX spokesman Gary Sease. Six cars carried crude oil, but no leaking was reported. Another car contained sand, he said

Maybe they carry sand now in a car to suck any future spill ...

[GaryHinshaw]

Interesting.  My guess is that it makes a better buffer car: the sand helps to take up kinetic energy in the event of a (low speed) collision.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I think they often end up with buffers at both ends on NS to account for helpers. I'm not sure about CSX.

I also think there's probably something to having a car a ready at both ends to facilitate quick turnarounds at loading and unloading facilities.

[Smike]

Just the other month I made a comment about how the crude oil traffice has greatly increased through Phila and the increased risk. At this rate it's only a matter of time, before a signifigant event happens here in the US, or major regulation changes get forced upon the railroad, or both.

The NTSB is already on the hunt, (not suprising) and crap like this gives them more momentum:

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Oil-Train-Crash-Risks-Major-Loss-of-Life-NTSB-241671071.html

[Ike the BN Freak]

Went railfanning yesterday with the boy while the wife was at a doctor's appointment.  Saw an oil can train roll through town, quite a few of the tanks were retrofitted with "armor" plates, its what I'm calling them, on the ends of the tanks.  Probably part of the "fix" for the cars in case of derailment.