I'm not sure we can definitley blame texting or inattention. For all we know (at this point), the guy could have had a suicide wish, stroked out, etc. There are any number of reasons why he blew through the red. That he did is a given. "Why" will be the big, hopefully answerable, question.

The article I found today said he was a Diabetic, I didn't think you could be a Train Operator (Especially solo) when you were diabetic.

I have two diabetic gentleman who work for me, when they mess up their insulin they become totally incoherent, we cannot even leave them alone at night to work for fear of them having a problem with no one around to help them

Did the Metrolink engineer radio his conductor when approaching signals showing a more restrictive indication than clear?

If he didn't, why didn't the conductor call him on it?

Here on the Maryland commuter train system (MARC), the engineer radios signal indication, regardless of aspet, the conductor respods via radio, and repeats the maximum allowable speed for that signal (when the signal is less than clear)

For instance... engineer radios "MARC P____, east two, approach signal"...the conductor will repeat the message, and add "40 mph, prepare to stop at _____"

...not doing this is a operating rules violation. Remember, the conductor is in charge of the train, and if the engineer makes an error, it is the conductor's obligation to correct the engineer.

I think people (media) are reading waaaayyyy too much into the text messaging.

wyhog please stop operating heavy equipment now before you hurt yourself and other people. I have seen enough about this Metro engineer to determine for my satisfaction that he had no business in the cab in control of any train. Who did he work for as the local news say he worked for a subcontractor for Metro? Ed

wyhog, good to hear you are better. they have any idea what caused your seizure?

take care!

wyhog seriously sorry to hear about your situation. Hope you do well. Ed

Wyhog ,I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers brother.

Our local chair has had the same thing happen almost a year ago.He still doesn't know why he had them,but since he's been on the meds his Dr.'s put him on,he's not had anymore.

He was told by the NS medical dept. he had to go (1) year seizure free to be able to return to service.He's around 36 yrs. old.

Todays medicine is great.And a little prayer makes it a whole lot better

I read today in the New York Times that the engineer on the Metrolink train was on a job that worked 15+ hours with a break of just over 4 during the day. While this is within the allowable limits of the hours of service for commuter train employees, it is pushing the limits of common sense. In my time as a commuter train engineer I certainly have worked plently of these big swing jobs, but they were typically closer to 13 hours and had a break of 5 to 7 hours during the day. Even still, adjusting your body to split its sleep time between the day and night is diffictult.

However, the Metrolink engineer had it much worse: 4 hours of rest in the day is only enough time for a short nap, and under 9 hours between shifts (he got done at 9PM and went to work before 6AM) only leaves for a couple of hours of good sleep after everything else is done. One also needs to remember that commuter runs are usually more intense than freight, so while it might be tolerable to be on duty for 12hrs. on a freight assignment (my record is 19hrs. due to outlawing) a commuter train will wear you down quickly. Unfortunately, there has been a trend at commuter railroads over the past couple of years to push productivity, and this has train crews working longer, more irregular hours, with less down time on duty. It is interesting to note that the engineer worked for Amtrak, and then a contracting agency. I wonder if Metrolink changed operators and the new one is really pushing things to the limit.

These work hours (cited above) are INSANE!

It is a wonder that more people are not killed!

WHEW!

When I operated a three-heavyweight car passenger consist with a 2-8-0 at our museum in Chattanooga back in 1984, using our two-way radio was a necessary distraction, especially with a vintage, non self-lapping brakestand! Working the throttle, power reverse, and the brakes required BOTH hands, especially going uphill on a stub leg of a wye with a spring switch!!

Railroading is a HEADS-UP business with little or NO room for distractions!

Did I miss something here concerning wyhog?

Same here, Big Jim..what's going on?

Ed

California Bans Texting by Operators of Trains

The best news to me is the last paragraph - duh!

As I recall Wyhog said he had medical problems and may no be able to go back to work. Don't know what happened to his post. Ed