Re: Riggs Creek Smash

[Chris Gordon <cmgord@VICSIG.alphalink.com.au>]

I totally agree on all the rationalisation and stuff, driver doing other
things when he should be driving etc..

But the only problem I have is the crew stopped the train short, got out
into another train and then crashed into the train they stopped short
(so they must have known it was hanging out the end of the loop).

Lesson number 1 from this accident would be to stop the train in the
loop and not short so it is hanging out the end (unless of course the
train is longer than the loop).

I find that stopping short a little bit of a worry to me.  

Does Riggs Creek have the TAILS stuff? 


> about 0120 today 9358 whilst crossing 9357 on the Single BG line at
> unattended Riggs Creek Loop, collided with the rear of  9358 whilst
> attempting to re-enter the single line! 9358 had not yet continued on its
> way, and had stooped short to affect the changeover of crews.
> A71 0n point was severely damaged, and the Wodonga Crew ex 9358 were not
> injured [apart from their pride, I guess] Reports indicate that the Dynon
> Crew were also OK, although not having time to brace against the collision
> were shaken up.
> End of special report.
> Having only just retired from Wodonga I can assure you, that Riggs Creek at
> midnight, with a tired crew, who not only make up their trains, but shunt
> the individual sidings along the way, at unmanned stations, is a very
> dangerous place. Privatisation and cost cutting were the real cause of this
> accident. I think that at the time of the accident, both radios might have
> been operated. The crews exchanging orders, etc, and remarking on the
> condition of each others trains. The second person concentrating on the
> shunt at Benalla only 25 mins away. THe Driver on the Train to base with
> details of the cross and reading back his order [verify].The cab light would
> be on, as the train order is read back on the move! I never worked out, why
> the phone was not placed in a position where the 2nd man could use it, with
> a desk light, to allow the Driver to do what he is paid for..Drive.
> The Railways will cover up, like they always do, and some clown-burocrat
> will fix the problem, by ordering all phonework to take place whilst the
> trains are still standing. My last night shiftr on this train, saw me
> verifying the order at Glenrowan, after pushing the call through to train
> control at Riggs Creek loop. In my oppinion that would be a "going nowhere"
> answer.
> cheers
> Rod [comtrain]

-- 

C.

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