Car vs. Train

Hello all...

Long time lurker, first time poster. I'm not an employee of any RR, just a big railfan. I wanted to share this story which happened near my home last evening (Tuesday, 9 Jan. at approx 7:20pm).

It's yet another story of the driver who tried to beat the train, and tied. Luckily the person escaped serious injury. Even though it was an unguarded crossing, I guess the blaring horn, main headlamps, and ditch lights weren't a big givaway.

The engine is an EMD GP-38, owned by the Maryland Midland Railway (MMID) headquartered in Union Bridge, MD.
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/display.cfm?storyid=10162

[This message has been edited by Lefty (edited 10 January 2001).]

 

wellcome to Trainboard, Lefty. Interesting story!!

[This message has been edited by wt&c (edited 10 January 2001).]

 

Another Z28 bites the DUST! EMD -vs- GM...guess who won! Sorry folks, you just can't cross-breed trains and autos, even if they come from the same stable!


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Brent Tidaback, Member #234
BNSF Railfan-to-the Max and a N-Scaler to boot!
Ship it on the Route of The Roadrunners! The Aransas Odessa & Western, a division of the BNSF

 

Thanks, everyone, for the warm welcome! Even though this was my first time posting, I have been lurking and reading for a while. I've thoroughly enjoyed all the different aspects of railroding that folks bring to the table!

Here's a follow-up article of the accident that appeared in today's edition of the Frederick Post:
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/display.cfm?storyid=10206

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Fan of the "Wild Mary"

[This message has been edited by Lefty (edited 11 January 2001).]

 

Hi, Lefty. I also new here and obviously, a Marylander. Well, they must come in threes. I was about one mile away from the truck/ locomotive dispute on Hanover pike on the old WM Dutch line this week. when I saw it, I couldn't believe
nobody got killed. Thank God.

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Trails to Rails!

 

It seems to me that people are no longer afraid of trains like we were in the 1930's and 40's. We would no more have thought of venturing out onto tracks than pull the trigger to see if a gun is loaded. People must be dumber nowdays!

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Watash #982

 

Well, watash...many folks nowadays are in such a hurry that nothing seems to stand in their way.

I recall a horrific vehicle accident a few years ago on the I-270 spur off the Capital Beltway (roadway the encircles Washington D.C). A tanker truck overturned beneath an overpass and exploded. Several other cars were involved/engulfed.

That didn't stop several people from driving their car right through the accident scene (this was before any rescue personnel or police arrived). That just goes to show now only the stupidity of some people, but just how impatient folks are.

 

Hello, there marylandrailfan. I didn't see you earlier! Welcome aboard! Glad to see a fellow Marylander on here...are you heading to the show in Timonium on the 27th / 28th?

 

With the population rising each year and the traffic levels soaring, people have no patience anymore and don't seem to care about their lives when it comes to RR crossings. The only thing on their minds is point B although some never make it.

 

I guess I have been around so long, I am like an insurance company: if the stupid idiot doesn't care any more about his life than to put himself in "self jepordy", then I see no reason to tear up good equipment by trying to stop 15,000 tons when I know it is going to take at least a couple of miles to do that? I would be so far away by then, I would have forgotten about his worthless body.
Tanker trucks, busses, and kids are the only ones I would feel bad about, but still, there is nothing an engineman can do if they are on the track.

 

That's true, but why would you want to see someone die in front of you? I have always felt somewhat responsible in those positions, no matter how stupid the person is/was. Just my opinion

Dave

 

Dave, I never said I WANTED to see anyone die in front of me. Re-read my post and note that I did not see the point of damaging a perfectly good engine by going to full emergency when I know it isn't going to save the guy's life. Say a prayer for him, look away if you wish, but go ahead and make a rather quick more normal stop and keep your engine's brakes, wheels etc. all in good order. He is going to die anyway. You learn to kill in the Marine Corps. The sight of blood makes some people chuck their beans, that is why they aren't Doctors. There are people who can look at a wounded buddy, not get sick, pick him up, or drag him out to safety. There are Policemen who can shoot someone they expect to die. You learn that: "If you can't face a man and shoot him dead, you will not make a combat Marine!". I understand you dissagree with me, and I appreciate your opinion. I know engineers, Military personel, policemen and some others, who it just grieves them to see someone die. They don't feel like working the rest of the day, or even the next day. I Would not want to be in a foxhole with one of them, I wouldn't! He will get you killed! There are some people, that are more cut out for dangerous jobs than others. You are right Dave. People Have to Learn not to play chicken with the railroad, but they wont learn if they die!

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Maxwell Plant:
Another Z28 bites the DUST!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hmmmm, you're close, it's a Berretta.



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CSX and HO Scale The Newark Branch RR
Ship it the good 'ole way, BY RAIL
http://homestead.juno.com/huntertjo

 

Watash-
I understand what your point is. Thanks for understanding mine. Why can't all people accept others opinions that easily? Talk to ya guys later!

Dave

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NS "We need more SD40s!!!" Brakeman

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nbrr2000:

Well Brent was pretty close, the Berretta is a Z26. The Camaro had the Z28 option , the Cavalier had the Z24 and the 2dr. Lumina/Monte Carlo had Z34. And to think some people think train engines models are confusing. Now does anybody know which phase it is, uh was.

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It's just a hobby!

 

I tend to agree with you Watash. No one (I hope) wants to be on the train that kills someone, but the possibility is there every time you go to work. You either have to live with it or go on home. I sure don't look forward to the day when I see it coming and know there isn't a damn thing I can do about it, and I can't say with certainty how I'll handle it till then. All I know for sure is that I'll do everything I can to save whoever's in front of me without demolishing the train or causing a catastrophe in some town and that'll have to be enough. I'll have to sort the rest of it out later.

 

This has been an interesting and informative discussion. My opinion is that, although I don't want to see anyone hurt, I have a hard time giving any sympathy to anyone foolish enough to take such fatal chances. I do sympathize with their family and friends. However, I feel most for the train crews that have to go through all that you have described.

I am a member and volunteer at the Danbury Railway Museum. My main duty is as a tour guide. There are at least two points on my tour, where I work safety into my talk. One is just before we cross the Metro North tracks as we go from the museum building to the rail yard. The other is while we are in the cab of an EMD E-9.

I am asking of you now if you have any suggestions that would help me dramatize the safety points. My audience ranges in age from young children on up.

Safety is one thing that can never be overemphasized. If I can get these people to go home remembering at least some of what I said on this subject, I would be happy.

Thanks.

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Peirce Behrendt
Southbury, CT
peirce@ibm.net