Multi track drifting in real life!

How?

Someone must've had jumbo cajones to throw those switchpoints between cars in motion!

Or is it the modern way of 'poling'??

In any case it's the start of a bad day for someone...

@PRRick posted:

How?

Assuming nothing nefarious, I would guess a switch the wasn't quite maintained well enough and that truck assembly picked it and kicked it open. Or possible a remote switch command sent at the wrong time, but unlikely.  Imagine if it was a passenger car.

Judging by all the trash on the ROW, the points probably were fouled. How it happened mid-train is beyond me.

Without being able to examine wheel marks, tie marks, switch points, etc., I do have a few potential suspects:

1. Switch point gapped (by debris, or by having been bent).
2. Switch point out of adjustment due to switch rod bent, broken, or loose.
3. Switch stand broken or loose.
4. Track out of gauge (possibly due to missing or loose spikes).
5. Tie condition at switch.
6. Vandalism.
7. Wheel lift caused by debris object.

Considering the amount of debris on the right of way, it would not be surprising to find that it is at least a contributing factor.

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