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We've had two instances out my way of track inspectors getting on the line without a warrant. There wasn't any incidents, but they both got suspended. I don't understand how a guy could be in the truck and NOT get out before the train came, unless he was sleeping or maybe medically incapacitated? And wouldn't he have a warrant for that block anyway? Obviously one of these two didn't.
Kent in SD
Can't tell for sure but it doesn't even look like the drivers side air bag deployed.
Mark Strittmatter
TCA # 14-69917
Indiana PA
I was ridxing in a high rail pick up one time with a train master. We got permission to get on the track where there was a main track and siding. We got on the wrong track. It was in the mountains so neither end of the siding could be seen. Fortunately there was no train encountered. When we got to the end of the siding the switch was thrown against us. The train master had to get on the radio and admit his mistake to get the switch thrown to let us continue. I have noticed that some railroads now stencil the track ID on the side of the rail at grade crossings where hi rail vehicles get on. In another incident that I was not involved in a hi rail truck got on the wrong track on a two main line track. The truck hit a train head on. The train was going about 70 MPH. The truck was destroyed. The truck crew jumped and recovered. I believe that it was determined that there was alcohol involved in the second incident.
BNSF Hy-Rail vehicles are equipped with a device that warns the operator when he is approaching the end of his authorized limits.
