What is the difference between derailing and decoupling? What is involved in decoupling a train? Why are the stwitchmen so important? What is a fireman (on a train)? What was a train yard like?
CG96 Member # 1408
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Let me see. . . . . Decoupling is simply the process by which cars on a train are separated from the rest of the train. Derailing is far more serious, as derailing means that the train has left the tracks and is somewhere else other than where it should normally be. The fireman's position has been eliminated on diesel locomotives for many years now, and most freight trains in North America run with 2 person crews. the second person in the train crew is the one who frequently has to throw the switches, thus they are the switchman/conductor/etc. The switch man was important for the sole purpose that he is the one 'on the ground' throwing the switches, alinging the proper tracks, making sure the train goes to the correct track. Train yards are dangerous places & private property, and it would be best to keep out of them.
[This message has been edited by CG96 (edited 10-01-2002).]
Andybuzz2u Member # 2008
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The process of derailing a train is simple...but im not going to reveil it..second every american rail yard is a dangerous place...you can get hit, ran over, beaten, stabed, shot, or arrested for tresspassing or worse carried off in a corners van as all railroad employees carry firearms on them account of the areas we have to work and any strangers are not tollerated and will be reported i know that someone is watching my back because im watching there,s...
dilly Member # 1427
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Maybe this guy is exactly who and what he says he is. But the questions asked by "RJ Mamula" have become part of a discussion topic on the Amtrak board.
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