This is a better than average explanation of what they know and will be looking for. The chairman is a careful and precise speaker. It sounds possible the CSX folks forgot to unlock the switch after backing into the siding.
millieo Robert Sumwalt is excellent. He and Mike Hiller led the investigation into the 2015 Valhalla, NY grade crossing collision. His briefings are on point and clearly delivered.
I am always amazed at the cluelessness of the reporters questions. PTC seems to be the only term they know (because it is political) and therefore the only question they ask multiple times. They don't even bother to listen to the presentation. The questions I would of asked were: 1. Is it normal procedure to lock a manual switch in any position or should it always be default locked to the main line and only switched off the main line (and left unlocked) when in use? 2. Is the manual switched state automatically displayed to the dispatchers or is its state only communicated via voice radio? 3. Based on how the freight train got to the siding there is another switch south on the main line that branches off to the yard where the freight train's cars were unloaded and through which the freight train returned to the main line and hence to the siding. In what position was that switch locked (assuming another manual switch)?
1. In general, hand-operated switches are supposed to be lined and locked in their normal position (for straight movements on the main line) - except when in use. They are never supposed to be left unlocked while unattended, and there are specific rules that govern the use of switches. 2. In signaled territory, the position of a hand-operated switch is usually indicated by the signal position, wherein it shows red for a hand-operated switch if not lined and locked for main line movement. Depending on the type of signal system, the switch's condition may or may not be displayed to the dispatcher as a track occupancy light. In certain types of signal systems, switches can be set up so the dispatcher must electrically unlock it before it can be moved. If the signal system were suspended for engineering work as reported but not verified, there are protocols and procedures that are designed to protect train movements in that type of scenario. The NTSB chairman wasn't willing to speculate on that without confirmation, and I won't either. If the signal system was indeed suspended, what was supposed to happen and what actually did happen are will be a key part of the investigation. 3. I have no doubt that more information about the switch south of the accident scene will be documented in subsequent briefings. I'm sure it was omitted because of the preliminary nature of this first briefing, and the fact that it doesn't have a lot of bearing on the unexpected diversion of the train farther north.
mentatphilosopher I hear you it drives me up the wall also however reporters know nothing about this topic. They show up at work or they get a phone call and are told to report on anything and everything.
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This is a better than average explanation of what they know and will be looking for. The chairman is a careful and precise speaker.
It sounds possible the CSX folks forgot to unlock the switch after backing into the siding.
millieo Robert Sumwalt is excellent. He and Mike Hiller led the investigation into the 2015 Valhalla, NY grade crossing collision. His briefings are on point and clearly delivered.
There was no crew on the CSX train. Train had been parked and crew departed. Brakeman left the switch locked in wrong position.
I am always amazed at the cluelessness of the reporters questions. PTC seems to be the only term they know (because it is political) and therefore the only question they ask multiple times. They don't even bother to listen to the presentation.
The questions I would of asked were:
1. Is it normal procedure to lock a manual switch in any position or should it always be default locked to the main line and only switched off the main line (and left unlocked) when in use?
2. Is the manual switched state automatically displayed to the dispatchers or is its state only communicated via voice radio?
3. Based on how the freight train got to the siding there is another switch south on the main line that branches off to the yard where the freight train's cars were unloaded and through which the freight train returned to the main line and hence to the siding. In what position was that switch locked (assuming another manual switch)?
1. In general, hand-operated switches are supposed to be lined and locked in their normal position (for straight movements on the main line) - except when in use. They are never supposed to be left unlocked while unattended, and there are specific rules that govern the use of switches.
2. In signaled territory, the position of a hand-operated switch is usually indicated by the signal position, wherein it shows red for a hand-operated switch if not lined and locked for main line movement. Depending on the type of signal system, the switch's condition may or may not be displayed to the dispatcher as a track occupancy light. In certain types of signal systems, switches can be set up so the dispatcher must electrically unlock it before it can be moved.
If the signal system were suspended for engineering work as reported but not verified, there are protocols and procedures that are designed to protect train movements in that type of scenario. The NTSB chairman wasn't willing to speculate on that without confirmation, and I won't either. If the signal system was indeed suspended, what was supposed to happen and what actually did happen are will be a key part of the investigation.
3. I have no doubt that more information about the switch south of the accident scene will be documented in subsequent briefings. I'm sure it was omitted because of the preliminary nature of this first briefing, and the fact that it doesn't have a lot of bearing on the unexpected diversion of the train farther north.
mentatphilosopher I hear you it drives me up the wall also however reporters know nothing about this topic. They show up at work or they get a phone call and are told to report on anything and everything.
WACH 57 (FOX)
WHNS 21 (FOX)
WSPA 7 (CBS)
WLTX 19 (CBS)
WIS 10 (NBC)
WOLO 25 (ABC)