Western Railroad Discussion > visability in snow

Are trains ever held in place on the main line in a case of zero visability?

In zero visibility fog, we keep moving. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, and it mentally wears you out, a lot faster. You are always looking for that split-second view of the next signal! In very bad, fog-prone areas, guys have made "Fog Maps". They use footage between signals and other landmarks to crossings, next signal, etc. Ice and snow can also cause switch problems, and depending on how the snow is hitting the signal lens, can cause a problem in seeing the color. (I've had ice/snow/fog experience in the Tehachapi's. And plenty of fog around the Los Angeles area and the coast run to San Luis Obispo.

When it comes down to it, you run at what your entire crew agree is a safe speed for the conditions.

Take Care, Stay Safe, Have Fun!

Larry

Reminds me of the story a retired ATSF engineer likes to tell. He had a management trainee in his cab on a westbound out of Argentine. Winter fog in Kansas can be thick and it was that day, but they were still running at 70. The trainee appeared nervous and pretty soon asked how the crew knew where they were. The engineer told the trainee that in about thirty seconds they would pass some trackside landmark, I forget what, and sure enough they did just that. The engineer then proceeded to call out, along with his conductor, more upcoming signals and the like. They knew their railroad!

A deadly collision between two passenger trains caused by zero visibility, Wyuta, Wyoming. 1951

http://ntl1.specialcollection.net/scripts/ws.dll?file&fn=6&name=S%3A%5CDOT_56GB%5CRailroad%5CWEBSEARCH%5C3443.PDF

what lead UP to go for cab signals

the wreck what lead UP to go for cab signals

GCOR 6.21 When conditions restrict visibility, regulate speed to ensure that crew members can observe and comply with signal indications. re: restricted speed.