Hello |All,
Well, here we are at the end of another year. For the LTT show, it has been eventful and we find outselves looking into a new year with a new beginning. The studio where we have been doing out show is gone and we are going to be carrying on in 'new digs' so to speak.
The first show of the new year will be done via Blog Talk Radio and we will be learning how things go with this service. EngineerRichard and Outsource Nicolas will be finding out how things operate while doing a live show.
This new platform is quite different from where the show has been for the last 6 1/2 years so please hang in there with us as we 'carry on'. If you have not already done so, please check out the current LTT Survey by clicking on the link on the web site. We will talk more about this on the show.
There is still one issue we cannot seem to get a real answer to from BTR, so be sure to check back here late Friday for the latest word on joining the live show.
Happy New Year to one and All, and once again, Thanks for listening!
EngineerRichard
Wednesday, December 31
Friday, December 26
Lets Talk Trains new era is upon us
Hello All,
OK, the time of change is here. From the way things look, it will be an evolving period.
To begin with, as of now, the show for 3 Jan 2009 will be on Blog Talk Radio. One thing I am not quite clear of is the start time of the feed. For that reason the Listen Now link on the website will not take you to the live show until 10am Pacific time opposed to 9:55am as usual.
Please hang in there with us as we figure 'things' out with BTR. This may not be the final resting place for LTT but we do hope it will provide close to what we are used to with the show for the time being.
One technical note. It would be a really good idea to make sure you have the latest web browser and Flash player (ver. 10) on your PC. If you have both of those you should be able to listen to the show live and participate in the incorporated chat room.
Also, the call in number for the show is posted on the LTT player screen on BTR, Pleae note that it is NOT a toll free number. We are working on something to fix this difference.
This is the latest as of 26 December. I am sure there will be more changes coming and as they come up, this blog will be updated.
All Aboard - for now!!
EngineerRichard
OK, the time of change is here. From the way things look, it will be an evolving period.
To begin with, as of now, the show for 3 Jan 2009 will be on Blog Talk Radio. One thing I am not quite clear of is the start time of the feed. For that reason the Listen Now link on the website will not take you to the live show until 10am Pacific time opposed to 9:55am as usual.
Please hang in there with us as we figure 'things' out with BTR. This may not be the final resting place for LTT but we do hope it will provide close to what we are used to with the show for the time being.
One technical note. It would be a really good idea to make sure you have the latest web browser and Flash player (ver. 10) on your PC. If you have both of those you should be able to listen to the show live and participate in the incorporated chat room.
Also, the call in number for the show is posted on the LTT player screen on BTR, Pleae note that it is NOT a toll free number. We are working on something to fix this difference.
This is the latest as of 26 December. I am sure there will be more changes coming and as they come up, this blog will be updated.
All Aboard - for now!!
EngineerRichard
Friday, November 14
A new day has come!
Hi everyone,
Well, it is a new day in the world of railroading. No, not from the elections here in the United States. The UTU is announcing that the CEO of Amtrak, Alex Kummant, is now out. Gee, is anyone surprised?
As you probably are aware, I am not. However, I did find the article on the UTU website informative. It has information about how Kummant got the job that I was not aware of. Seems the Amtrak Board at the time was looking for an airline industry person to run roost over Amtrak. It seems that there was noone in that catagory that was interested. And the Board actually hired an executive search firm to make it happen!
The article points out that the people who were pushing to get Kummant on board were pretty much financial kingpins to President Bush in his political life. This along with the lack of qualifications of Kummant only served to support the idea that President Bush had Amtrak in his crosshairs for closure.
So, not only are we looking at a new President on the horizon, we are also looking at a new party to rule in Washington, D.C. with the Vice Presidnet elect an avid rider of Amtrak and his son on the Board of Amtrak.
Will all of this help Amtrak? Well, only time will tell. Just as I pointed out two years ago, time will tell. And it has.
I can't wait to hear from The Official Caller Ken on tomorrows show as we gave him an assignment in the last show to come back with a list of what Kummant has acconplished. It should be an interesting list.
In the interim, Amtrak Chief Operating Officer Willian Crosbie will sit at the head of Amtrak. He is in an interesting position to say the least.
Back to time. Time will tell but I certainly hope that the new 'atmosphere' in Washington will flow over to Amtrak and it's operations. It is long overdue.
Oh yea. Don't forget the newly approved finances just approved by Congress for Amtrak. WAIT, think back to our education class. Only the first round of the funding is approved, $13Billion over 5 years. This does NOT mean Amtrak will actually get it. It still needs to be approved by Congress and the President AGAIN, for each years funding. We can only hope.
So, enjoy the new day, it is beatiful, bright, sunny and fresh smelling.
All Aboard!!
EngineerRichard
Well, it is a new day in the world of railroading. No, not from the elections here in the United States. The UTU is announcing that the CEO of Amtrak, Alex Kummant, is now out. Gee, is anyone surprised?
As you probably are aware, I am not. However, I did find the article on the UTU website informative. It has information about how Kummant got the job that I was not aware of. Seems the Amtrak Board at the time was looking for an airline industry person to run roost over Amtrak. It seems that there was noone in that catagory that was interested. And the Board actually hired an executive search firm to make it happen!
The article points out that the people who were pushing to get Kummant on board were pretty much financial kingpins to President Bush in his political life. This along with the lack of qualifications of Kummant only served to support the idea that President Bush had Amtrak in his crosshairs for closure.
So, not only are we looking at a new President on the horizon, we are also looking at a new party to rule in Washington, D.C. with the Vice Presidnet elect an avid rider of Amtrak and his son on the Board of Amtrak.
Will all of this help Amtrak? Well, only time will tell. Just as I pointed out two years ago, time will tell. And it has.
I can't wait to hear from The Official Caller Ken on tomorrows show as we gave him an assignment in the last show to come back with a list of what Kummant has acconplished. It should be an interesting list.
In the interim, Amtrak Chief Operating Officer Willian Crosbie will sit at the head of Amtrak. He is in an interesting position to say the least.
Back to time. Time will tell but I certainly hope that the new 'atmosphere' in Washington will flow over to Amtrak and it's operations. It is long overdue.
Oh yea. Don't forget the newly approved finances just approved by Congress for Amtrak. WAIT, think back to our education class. Only the first round of the funding is approved, $13Billion over 5 years. This does NOT mean Amtrak will actually get it. It still needs to be approved by Congress and the President AGAIN, for each years funding. We can only hope.
So, enjoy the new day, it is beatiful, bright, sunny and fresh smelling.
All Aboard!!
EngineerRichard
Friday, October 17
HOORAY!!! It is all signed, sealed and delivered!
Well, the President of the United States has finally done it. That is he signed the Railroad Safety Act of 2008 as well as the Amtrak Funding Bill of 2008. What more could anyone want? Well, it took long enough for both of those to happen and now we should all feel safer and happy that Amtrak now has money in their future!
Yea, fight! Remember now, this authorization for Amtrak is still dependent on the Congress doing it's part by funding the annual amounts. Remember we talked about this a while back. It all gets the freat YES botes by Congress and the President as a package and then both of those bodies need to take that 5 year bill and re-vote the money to actually be spent each year.
Bottom line, both the Congress and the President have one more chance each to change their mind and reject the actual funding that has been designated. Let's hope for everyone's sake that there is no shift in thinking opposed to this picture.
And the safety bill. There are a lot of rule changes that need to be made effective and here again there is more money available to teh railroads for safety upgrades, the main one being Positive Train Control (PTC). As of this week four of the Class I railroads have agreed on the technology to use for this. Agreement between railroads? What comes next?
The two Class I's that have rail in the greater Los Angeles ares where Metrolink runs its' passenger service, have agreed to be fully PTC functional before the 2015 deadline in this operational area.
So, the sky is blue, Amtrak has money (?) and the railroads are on their way to operating more safely in the future. I guess Santa really is coming!?
I think I better get my 'wish list' updated to reflect all these good things.
Breathe easier!
EngineerRichard
Yea, fight! Remember now, this authorization for Amtrak is still dependent on the Congress doing it's part by funding the annual amounts. Remember we talked about this a while back. It all gets the freat YES botes by Congress and the President as a package and then both of those bodies need to take that 5 year bill and re-vote the money to actually be spent each year.
Bottom line, both the Congress and the President have one more chance each to change their mind and reject the actual funding that has been designated. Let's hope for everyone's sake that there is no shift in thinking opposed to this picture.
And the safety bill. There are a lot of rule changes that need to be made effective and here again there is more money available to teh railroads for safety upgrades, the main one being Positive Train Control (PTC). As of this week four of the Class I railroads have agreed on the technology to use for this. Agreement between railroads? What comes next?
The two Class I's that have rail in the greater Los Angeles ares where Metrolink runs its' passenger service, have agreed to be fully PTC functional before the 2015 deadline in this operational area.
So, the sky is blue, Amtrak has money (?) and the railroads are on their way to operating more safely in the future. I guess Santa really is coming!?
I think I better get my 'wish list' updated to reflect all these good things.
Breathe easier!
EngineerRichard
Wednesday, September 17
Metrolink - Again!
Summary
On Friday, 12 September 2008, Metrolink became the media focus yet again. In Chatsworth, CA, in single track terriroty, in broad daylight with no weather conditions to cause inteferrance, the commuter rail service found itself heading for a Union Pacific (UP) freight train, headon.
Day / Time
This happened on a Friday afternoon with commuters heading home for the weekeend. It was about 4:15pm Pacific time when Metrolink #111 left the Chatsworth station.
Metrolink Train
Metrolink #111 originated from Los Angeles Union Station headed for Moorepark in the far west end of the San Fernando Valley, a suburb of Los Angeles to the north. The train was in double track territory heading railroad west with a switch ahead to take the train into single track territory, through very long tunnels to get to its' destination. Accounts have the passenger load at about 225. The consist was one engine and three passenger cars. The train had one engineer in the engine which was pulling the consist, and there was one Conductor in the cars.
Union Pacific Train
This was a 'local' with an unknown number of cars in the consist. It had two UP engines at the head and a crew of 3. The UP Local freight known as the "Leesdale Turn", (Leesdale is a short siding just east of Oxnard, it originates at the "Gemco" Yard in Van Nuys, CA.) luckily was using SD-70 EMD model locomotives that day, just by chance. Usually, that train is ran with whatever power is at the Gemco Yard, generally SD-40's or smaller switch engines. The well built "Comfort Cab" model protected the UP crew, >and possibly is what saved their lives. From a reliable source, the Engineer is said to have a broken ankle and will have to undergo some type of back surgery. The Brakeman has a knee injury, the Conductor has a broken arm. Of course, they are all banged up with cuts >and bruises.
The Terriroty
The terrority approaching the switch is north-south and the territory the UP was coming from is pretty much east-west. The point of contact for the accident is on the curve of these two directinos coming together. The surrounding area is pretty much desert type with high rocks and brush. Visibility is not good on the curve.
The Metrolink Engineer
This engineer began working for Metrolink in 1996. He was 46 years old. He had been working for 11 1/2hours from his start time and had a break in service mid-day time off period including a 2 hour nap.
What Happened
Basically, the UP train was just traveling along it's way in single track territory heading for a meet with the Metrolink train. They had already been through the tunnels and were within 30 seconds of making the meet at the switch. This train was traveling about 30mph.
The Metrolink left the last station, Chatsworth, and had gained speed to about 55 mph before dropping to about 42mph (heading uphill) at the time of the crash. The train passed two lights without engineer-conductor communications being recorded on the train or dispatchers recordings. The commuter train went through the switch which was set for the main to siding, which the UP train was approaching, to take the siding.
The NTSB has determined that the engineer of the Metrolink train was texting with a teenage railfan just proor to the crash. It has been reported that the teenager has a text message timestamped at 4:22pm, one minute prior to the crash.
In this specific area, visability of oncoming rail traffic from either direction is hindered by the terain, a curve in a cut in the hill.. According to the NTSB report, the Metrolink engineer never put the train in Emergency or had any kind of reaction to any oncoming traffic. The UP train, according to the NTSB, had a 4-5 second time period to react after finally making visual contact with the Metrolink, at which time the train was put into Emergency.
The leading UP engine, the Metrolink engine and the first passenger car behind the engine all ended up on their sides to the outside of the curve of the tracks. There was a fire or two hhat broke out and were quickly extinguished by the fire department upon arrival.
Behind the UP engine, the second engine was upright but not on the tracks. Behind this engine were about 6 or 7 cars accordianed into the second engine. Thr rest of the consist appeared to be upright and on the tracks.
The Metrolink engine bounced back into the first passenger car and those both ended up on their side with very littel visual sighting of the engine from the reporting helicopters views. The remaining two passenger cars were upright and on the tracks about 75 feet behind the first passenger car.
The Metrolink spokesperson came out Saturday, less than 24 hours after the accident, and stated that it was the Metrolink's engineer fault. Monday morning she had resigned her position. Later, David Solo (title unsure, something like Exec. Director) expressed surprise the spokesperson resigned because she did not say anything he did not authourize. The Board Of Directors had said the spokesperson had made a premature statement.
Other Observations
The number of deaths in this crash has been said to be 25, with one news agency saying it is 26. This number includes the engineer of the Metrolink train. It is being reported this number could increase as a result of any of the injured sucomming to their injuries.
Local politicians are now on a rant to make cellphone operations of any kind illegal while operating a train.
One local news agency is now touting the dangers of single track territory being shared by both passenger and freight traffic in the name of 'Did you know what danger exists?'
---------------------------------------
This incident is still unfolding. This blog will be updated as new information is learned. The latest information posted here is as of: 17 Sept 08 1830 Pacific time.
EngineerRichard
On Friday, 12 September 2008, Metrolink became the media focus yet again. In Chatsworth, CA, in single track terriroty, in broad daylight with no weather conditions to cause inteferrance, the commuter rail service found itself heading for a Union Pacific (UP) freight train, headon.
Day / Time
This happened on a Friday afternoon with commuters heading home for the weekeend. It was about 4:15pm Pacific time when Metrolink #111 left the Chatsworth station.
Metrolink Train
Metrolink #111 originated from Los Angeles Union Station headed for Moorepark in the far west end of the San Fernando Valley, a suburb of Los Angeles to the north. The train was in double track territory heading railroad west with a switch ahead to take the train into single track territory, through very long tunnels to get to its' destination. Accounts have the passenger load at about 225. The consist was one engine and three passenger cars. The train had one engineer in the engine which was pulling the consist, and there was one Conductor in the cars.
Union Pacific Train
This was a 'local' with an unknown number of cars in the consist. It had two UP engines at the head and a crew of 3. The UP Local freight known as the "Leesdale Turn", (Leesdale is a short siding just east of Oxnard, it originates at the "Gemco" Yard in Van Nuys, CA.) luckily was using SD-70 EMD model locomotives that day, just by chance. Usually, that train is ran with whatever power is at the Gemco Yard, generally SD-40's or smaller switch engines. The well built "Comfort Cab" model protected the UP crew, >and possibly is what saved their lives. From a reliable source, the Engineer is said to have a broken ankle and will have to undergo some type of back surgery. The Brakeman has a knee injury, the Conductor has a broken arm. Of course, they are all banged up with cuts >and bruises.
The Terriroty
The terrority approaching the switch is north-south and the territory the UP was coming from is pretty much east-west. The point of contact for the accident is on the curve of these two directinos coming together. The surrounding area is pretty much desert type with high rocks and brush. Visibility is not good on the curve.
The Metrolink Engineer
This engineer began working for Metrolink in 1996. He was 46 years old. He had been working for 11 1/2hours from his start time and had a break in service mid-day time off period including a 2 hour nap.
What Happened
Basically, the UP train was just traveling along it's way in single track territory heading for a meet with the Metrolink train. They had already been through the tunnels and were within 30 seconds of making the meet at the switch. This train was traveling about 30mph.
The Metrolink left the last station, Chatsworth, and had gained speed to about 55 mph before dropping to about 42mph (heading uphill) at the time of the crash. The train passed two lights without engineer-conductor communications being recorded on the train or dispatchers recordings. The commuter train went through the switch which was set for the main to siding, which the UP train was approaching, to take the siding.
The NTSB has determined that the engineer of the Metrolink train was texting with a teenage railfan just proor to the crash. It has been reported that the teenager has a text message timestamped at 4:22pm, one minute prior to the crash.
In this specific area, visability of oncoming rail traffic from either direction is hindered by the terain, a curve in a cut in the hill.. According to the NTSB report, the Metrolink engineer never put the train in Emergency or had any kind of reaction to any oncoming traffic. The UP train, according to the NTSB, had a 4-5 second time period to react after finally making visual contact with the Metrolink, at which time the train was put into Emergency.
The leading UP engine, the Metrolink engine and the first passenger car behind the engine all ended up on their sides to the outside of the curve of the tracks. There was a fire or two hhat broke out and were quickly extinguished by the fire department upon arrival.
Behind the UP engine, the second engine was upright but not on the tracks. Behind this engine were about 6 or 7 cars accordianed into the second engine. Thr rest of the consist appeared to be upright and on the tracks.
The Metrolink engine bounced back into the first passenger car and those both ended up on their side with very littel visual sighting of the engine from the reporting helicopters views. The remaining two passenger cars were upright and on the tracks about 75 feet behind the first passenger car.
The Metrolink spokesperson came out Saturday, less than 24 hours after the accident, and stated that it was the Metrolink's engineer fault. Monday morning she had resigned her position. Later, David Solo (title unsure, something like Exec. Director) expressed surprise the spokesperson resigned because she did not say anything he did not authourize. The Board Of Directors had said the spokesperson had made a premature statement.
Other Observations
The number of deaths in this crash has been said to be 25, with one news agency saying it is 26. This number includes the engineer of the Metrolink train. It is being reported this number could increase as a result of any of the injured sucomming to their injuries.
Local politicians are now on a rant to make cellphone operations of any kind illegal while operating a train.
One local news agency is now touting the dangers of single track territory being shared by both passenger and freight traffic in the name of 'Did you know what danger exists?'
---------------------------------------
This incident is still unfolding. This blog will be updated as new information is learned. The latest information posted here is as of: 17 Sept 08 1830 Pacific time.
EngineerRichard
Friday, August 22
Metrolink / Gloendale; DOT Observation rule on hold; new calendar
Well, the world of railroading has seemed to be on the quiet side. Well, things are changing. Here are a few items of interest.
First off, the Metrolink / Glendale disaster has had one more event in it's life. Actually, as I think about it, there will be more! Anyway, the last event was the jury convicting the man of 11 counts of murder and one count of arson. Sentencing was earlier this week and the Judge wanted to do more but ended up sentencing him to 11 consecutive life sentendces without parole. In other words, those of us in California are now sentenced to supporting this guy for his life. Whooppee!
Oh, the 'more' thing I mentioned, seems that victims and victims family are going to civil court to sue Metrolink for operating in Push mode. I am not sure of the suit just yet but the report I saw claimed they are suing because Metrolink should have been operting in the Pull mode because there is a good chance there would have been fewer deaths and injuries as a result. If that is the approach, it might just carry some weight!
Remember just a couple of weeks ago we read a release on how the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) was issuing a rule on Observation Testing for transportation employees who are subjected to a urine test to be quite lieterally watched. There are about 6 unions and at least one railroad who objected to this and filed suit to block it from coming active on August 25, 2008. Well, it has been blocked for the immediate time. The next date to watch for is November 1, 2008.
Remember one of the issues with the new rule was vagness of language. Remjember also the line I like best was, the person taking the test must remove 'his or her skirt'? That is vague? Look guys, you better raise those skirts!! For those of us in the U.S., bemember this is our government at work!
Now, there is something new on the website. It is a link on the upper navigation bar, namely Railroad Event Calendr. If you check it out you wil see a calendar that is designed to list railroad events all over the world. There are also Viewing Tips and an area that tells you how to submit an event. We want to get a few more events posted there and then have a big announcement. This calendar is quite versitle and we want to make use of it all.
OK, time to go out there and enjoy the upcoming holiday in the U.S. LTT wil be a replay on August 30 and returning live on September 6, 2008.
EngineerRichard
First off, the Metrolink / Glendale disaster has had one more event in it's life. Actually, as I think about it, there will be more! Anyway, the last event was the jury convicting the man of 11 counts of murder and one count of arson. Sentencing was earlier this week and the Judge wanted to do more but ended up sentencing him to 11 consecutive life sentendces without parole. In other words, those of us in California are now sentenced to supporting this guy for his life. Whooppee!
Oh, the 'more' thing I mentioned, seems that victims and victims family are going to civil court to sue Metrolink for operating in Push mode. I am not sure of the suit just yet but the report I saw claimed they are suing because Metrolink should have been operting in the Pull mode because there is a good chance there would have been fewer deaths and injuries as a result. If that is the approach, it might just carry some weight!
Remember just a couple of weeks ago we read a release on how the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) was issuing a rule on Observation Testing for transportation employees who are subjected to a urine test to be quite lieterally watched. There are about 6 unions and at least one railroad who objected to this and filed suit to block it from coming active on August 25, 2008. Well, it has been blocked for the immediate time. The next date to watch for is November 1, 2008.
Remember one of the issues with the new rule was vagness of language. Remjember also the line I like best was, the person taking the test must remove 'his or her skirt'? That is vague? Look guys, you better raise those skirts!! For those of us in the U.S., bemember this is our government at work!
Now, there is something new on the website. It is a link on the upper navigation bar, namely Railroad Event Calendr. If you check it out you wil see a calendar that is designed to list railroad events all over the world. There are also Viewing Tips and an area that tells you how to submit an event. We want to get a few more events posted there and then have a big announcement. This calendar is quite versitle and we want to make use of it all.
OK, time to go out there and enjoy the upcoming holiday in the U.S. LTT wil be a replay on August 30 and returning live on September 6, 2008.
EngineerRichard
Thursday, July 31
High Speed Rail, which one????
Hi All,
Well, it seems that the subject of High Speed Rail (HSR) has been 'out there' for a while and is starting to make ground - to somewhere, heaven only knows.
HSR or Bullet Trains are quite successful in various parts of the world in various forms. There is the steel-wheels-on-steel-rails (SWOSR) version, there is the Maglev version and in some cases 120mph is being called HSR.
A lot of hoopla is being thrown around in all cases. Specifically the states of California and Florida are really fledging around with the idea of HSR.
There are also some that say that HSR is more expensive than SWOSR and others that claim quite the opposite. Each situation has it's own factors but can we at least talk common ground based on the right-of-way (ROW) already beig owned by the person/agency/organization that wants to plan a HSR operation?
I have always preferred the Maglev approach based on what I see in the Southern California area. Basically train vs. pedistrian or vs. vehicle is very common, way too common for my liking. So, guess what could reduce or eliminate such activity, getting the ROW spearated from vehicle/pedistrian traffic. Why not?
There is even one forward thinking well established businessman in the San Diego area which has proposed a Maglev between the San Diego Airport and the Los Angeles Airport. The plan has fallen on deaf ears although it sure has it's merits.
So, as a country, where should we go? What should be the goal? What technology should we use?
If you happen to have some real facts on this subject, feel free to email us at: ltt {AT] letstalktrains.us. We are interested.
In the meantime, if you are reading this before the August 2, 2009 LTT show, consider joining in on the conversation. Also, if you are not already a part of our eList, just click on Free Subscription and get the weekly updates on the show content.
In the meantime, be sure to have fun 'out there' and above all, be safe!
EngineerRichard
Lets Talk Trains
Well, it seems that the subject of High Speed Rail (HSR) has been 'out there' for a while and is starting to make ground - to somewhere, heaven only knows.
HSR or Bullet Trains are quite successful in various parts of the world in various forms. There is the steel-wheels-on-steel-rails (SWOSR) version, there is the Maglev version and in some cases 120mph is being called HSR.
A lot of hoopla is being thrown around in all cases. Specifically the states of California and Florida are really fledging around with the idea of HSR.
There are also some that say that HSR is more expensive than SWOSR and others that claim quite the opposite. Each situation has it's own factors but can we at least talk common ground based on the right-of-way (ROW) already beig owned by the person/agency/organization that wants to plan a HSR operation?
I have always preferred the Maglev approach based on what I see in the Southern California area. Basically train vs. pedistrian or vs. vehicle is very common, way too common for my liking. So, guess what could reduce or eliminate such activity, getting the ROW spearated from vehicle/pedistrian traffic. Why not?
There is even one forward thinking well established businessman in the San Diego area which has proposed a Maglev between the San Diego Airport and the Los Angeles Airport. The plan has fallen on deaf ears although it sure has it's merits.
So, as a country, where should we go? What should be the goal? What technology should we use?
If you happen to have some real facts on this subject, feel free to email us at: ltt {AT] letstalktrains.us. We are interested.
In the meantime, if you are reading this before the August 2, 2009 LTT show, consider joining in on the conversation. Also, if you are not already a part of our eList, just click on Free Subscription and get the weekly updates on the show content.
In the meantime, be sure to have fun 'out there' and above all, be safe!
EngineerRichard
Lets Talk Trains
Wednesday, July 16
Metrolink / Gloendale - It Is Finally Over
Hello all,
Well after 3 1/2 hours of deliberation in the sentencing phase of the trial, the defendant was sentenced to life in prison without the possibiliry of parole. That comes from the guilty verdicts for 11 murders and the guilty verdict for special circumstances.
As you may guess from my ongoing editorial comments, I am disappointed. Murder 11 people, send over 180 to the hospital and you can stil live yourself. Bit of a stretch in my book.
Another issue on this subject came up last week. Seems Metrolink contracts to the Los Angeles County Sherrif (LASO) for providing secutity along the right-of-way. Guess who thinks the LASO is responsible for not doing its' job. Yea, Metrolink filed suit against the LASO for not carrying out its' duties.
Now since we are going nutts with lawsuites, and since LASO lost one of its' own, Why doesn't LASO sue Metrolink for operating in Push Mode with a less sturdy and safe vehicle at the point. Oh yea, no cow-catcher to help out passengers either, much less the engineer / hogger.
My only hope is that someone, somewhere will learn from this so that it is NOT repeated ever again.
As irony would have it, the episode of Law and Order depecting this tragedy rotated through TNT TV last week. Once in the evening and once the next day. The original airing of this episode was just about 6 months after the incident so most of what is in the episode is only based on the initial happening.
I want to let the families of those involved by this disaster know that every contact I have had as host of the Lets Talk Trains show is truly supportive of you and wishes you well. I realize that like me, you may be dissappointed in the final outcome and I do not know how to identify with that. I can only imagine what you must be feeling. If there is anything the show or myself can do to help out, please feel free to let us know. You are in the prayers of myself and the listeners. Go in peace.
There you have it. I had to wait a couple of hours before posting this after I read the Los Angeles Times article that is being passed around to be better calmed to write this blog. Tomorrow is another day.
Onward and Upward. All Aboard!!
EngineerRichard
Well after 3 1/2 hours of deliberation in the sentencing phase of the trial, the defendant was sentenced to life in prison without the possibiliry of parole. That comes from the guilty verdicts for 11 murders and the guilty verdict for special circumstances.
As you may guess from my ongoing editorial comments, I am disappointed. Murder 11 people, send over 180 to the hospital and you can stil live yourself. Bit of a stretch in my book.
Another issue on this subject came up last week. Seems Metrolink contracts to the Los Angeles County Sherrif (LASO) for providing secutity along the right-of-way. Guess who thinks the LASO is responsible for not doing its' job. Yea, Metrolink filed suit against the LASO for not carrying out its' duties.
Now since we are going nutts with lawsuites, and since LASO lost one of its' own, Why doesn't LASO sue Metrolink for operating in Push Mode with a less sturdy and safe vehicle at the point. Oh yea, no cow-catcher to help out passengers either, much less the engineer / hogger.
My only hope is that someone, somewhere will learn from this so that it is NOT repeated ever again.
As irony would have it, the episode of Law and Order depecting this tragedy rotated through TNT TV last week. Once in the evening and once the next day. The original airing of this episode was just about 6 months after the incident so most of what is in the episode is only based on the initial happening.
I want to let the families of those involved by this disaster know that every contact I have had as host of the Lets Talk Trains show is truly supportive of you and wishes you well. I realize that like me, you may be dissappointed in the final outcome and I do not know how to identify with that. I can only imagine what you must be feeling. If there is anything the show or myself can do to help out, please feel free to let us know. You are in the prayers of myself and the listeners. Go in peace.
There you have it. I had to wait a couple of hours before posting this after I read the Los Angeles Times article that is being passed around to be better calmed to write this blog. Tomorrow is another day.
Onward and Upward. All Aboard!!
EngineerRichard
Saturday, July 5
We start yet aother year!
Hello All,
Thanks for checking out the long lost blog for Lets Talk Trains.
Well, 6 years ago C.J. and I started what we thought would be a lot of fun and lo and behold, here we are. C.J. is 'out there' somewhere playing engineer for Amtrak and I am still hosting the show every week. Amazing how things work out.
We have seen a few co-hosts come and go and I appreciate every one that has tried to wing it! It is not easy for sure but some poeple have tried it and done pretty good. Of course there is always the listenership. Speaking of listenership, it has been a steady climb for all this time.
Some things we have accomplished over the years are:
Multiple websites / changes
Adding MP3 to the available listening modes
Adding an automated eMail list
Adding an online Chat room during show hours Thanks for Nathan!
Adding this Blog (now I need to post to it!)
Adding a (sometimes) Survey page
Having the show be International (Belfast Tom, Tim Fischer, host of The Great Train show in Australia, and others in Europe
Having guests of significant RR organizations (FRA, UP, BNSF, AAR, FRA and more)
Continuing to include RR museums and operations
With over 5,000 listeners a month checking in to listen to the show, I could not be more pleased.
I also want to acknowledge the 'regulars': Conductor Larry, Monon George, The Amazing Chris Guenzler, The Official Caller Ken, Alene (LTT MP Detecter), and the crew at World Talk Radiio (Joe, Anthony, Paul, Ruben and more). If I forgot anyone special it is not my fault, it is my aging mind which seems to be lost at times.
One of the most important achievements on the plate is to make the show totally portable. That is have the ability to take the show on the road with all of the capabilities of being in the studio. Having phone lines is one of the biggest hurdles in doing this. Getting the show streamed from a remote site is relativly easy but does need significant hardware to make it happen. Although one survey indicated that a video feed was not that big of a deal, I do want to have that ability in addition to the audio feed.
The other 'biggie' is to set up an RSS Feed / PodCast for the show. Right now we are making MP3's available in the archives and they are slowly increasing in numbers compared to the Windows Media files. The big hurdle here is how to add this and not add a significant workload to the overall scheme of things.
For those of you who are wondering what it takes to make a show happen, it takes mainly a lot of patience. Getting folks lined up and agree to a show date can be lots of fun! it is about 60 hours a month to put the show together, do the show, process and post the show. There are also monitary implications to having the show come off somewhat smoothly. Between the nice new eList and file storage (with a reliable International server) actual costs are running just shy of $200/month. The more we can do without incurring costs or added labor the better.
In the meantime, this whole effort has been a bag of fun and it is all due to the listenership to which I am greatful. Whodathunk 6 years ago we would be this far down the rails so to speak? I know I did not.
So, Thanks to one and all for sticking around and helping to make the show a huge success. I do appreciate it and look forward to at least 6 more years.
I also am making a commitment to posting a blog at least twice montth so be sure to check back now and then.
Thanks! Enjoy yourself 'out there' and be sure to stay safe!
EngineerRichard
Thanks for checking out the long lost blog for Lets Talk Trains.
Well, 6 years ago C.J. and I started what we thought would be a lot of fun and lo and behold, here we are. C.J. is 'out there' somewhere playing engineer for Amtrak and I am still hosting the show every week. Amazing how things work out.
We have seen a few co-hosts come and go and I appreciate every one that has tried to wing it! It is not easy for sure but some poeple have tried it and done pretty good. Of course there is always the listenership. Speaking of listenership, it has been a steady climb for all this time.
Some things we have accomplished over the years are:
Multiple websites / changes
Adding MP3 to the available listening modes
Adding an automated eMail list
Adding an online Chat room during show hours Thanks for Nathan!
Adding this Blog (now I need to post to it!)
Adding a (sometimes) Survey page
Having the show be International (Belfast Tom, Tim Fischer, host of The Great Train show in Australia, and others in Europe
Having guests of significant RR organizations (FRA, UP, BNSF, AAR, FRA and more)
Continuing to include RR museums and operations
With over 5,000 listeners a month checking in to listen to the show, I could not be more pleased.
I also want to acknowledge the 'regulars': Conductor Larry, Monon George, The Amazing Chris Guenzler, The Official Caller Ken, Alene (LTT MP Detecter), and the crew at World Talk Radiio (Joe, Anthony, Paul, Ruben and more). If I forgot anyone special it is not my fault, it is my aging mind which seems to be lost at times.
One of the most important achievements on the plate is to make the show totally portable. That is have the ability to take the show on the road with all of the capabilities of being in the studio. Having phone lines is one of the biggest hurdles in doing this. Getting the show streamed from a remote site is relativly easy but does need significant hardware to make it happen. Although one survey indicated that a video feed was not that big of a deal, I do want to have that ability in addition to the audio feed.
The other 'biggie' is to set up an RSS Feed / PodCast for the show. Right now we are making MP3's available in the archives and they are slowly increasing in numbers compared to the Windows Media files. The big hurdle here is how to add this and not add a significant workload to the overall scheme of things.
For those of you who are wondering what it takes to make a show happen, it takes mainly a lot of patience. Getting folks lined up and agree to a show date can be lots of fun! it is about 60 hours a month to put the show together, do the show, process and post the show. There are also monitary implications to having the show come off somewhat smoothly. Between the nice new eList and file storage (with a reliable International server) actual costs are running just shy of $200/month. The more we can do without incurring costs or added labor the better.
In the meantime, this whole effort has been a bag of fun and it is all due to the listenership to which I am greatful. Whodathunk 6 years ago we would be this far down the rails so to speak? I know I did not.
So, Thanks to one and all for sticking around and helping to make the show a huge success. I do appreciate it and look forward to at least 6 more years.
I also am making a commitment to posting a blog at least twice montth so be sure to check back now and then.
Thanks! Enjoy yourself 'out there' and be sure to stay safe!
EngineerRichard
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