Railroad Forums
Moderators: Komachi, David Benton
David Benton wrote:http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/ar ... d=10902971It's still too soon to say what the real cause of this crash was. BBC is reporting 50 deaths already. I suspect the track was not up to standard for the speed of the train.
Certainly a bad month worldwide for train accidents.
3rdrail wrote:Just visually, it appears as if the rails are very light, especially for a curve like that, particularly if it's as reported that the train was travelling at a good clip.Remember its Spanish broad gauge, so the rails will look lower compared to the width.
David Benton wrote:Apparently on that curve, not part of the new high speed line, the proper speed was 88kph (about 55 mph) but the driver was going at least twice that, possibly to catch up on earlier delays. It seems to me that computer software ought to be able to slow a train exceeding the speed limit by so much. If software does not yet reduce speed perhaps it is time new software was written.3rdrail wrote:Just visually, it appears as if the rails are very light, especially for a curve like that, particularly if it's as reported that the train was travelling at a good clip.Remember its Spanish broad gauge, so the rails will look lower compared to the width.
David Benton wrote:Initial reports seemed to indicate there were two drivers. That now seems to be changed to there was the first driver, who handed over to the 2nd driver.It suggests a rail culture lacking discipline. He appears not to have understood the physical reason for speed limits. I don't have any plans to visit Spain but if I did I would feel wary about travelling in any train.
The question remains, was there a automatic speed control system, was it functioning correctly, or was the driver able to override it.
the other question in my mind, the driver obviously thought he could get away with over twice the speed limit, and had done so in the past. I wonder what sort of safety margin there is. Normally, I would have thought, 25 % or so over the speed limit and you would derail, over twice the speed limit is just mind boggling.
David Benton wrote:Actually , it is not clear to me, if the train was on Standard or broad gauge tracks at the time of the accident.3rdrail wrote:Just visually, it appears as if the rails are very light, especially for a curve like that, particularly if it's as reported that the train was travelling at a good clip.Remember its Spanish broad gauge, so the rails will look lower compared to the width.
David Benton wrote:I think all the high speed tracks are standard gauge but the other tracks are mostly broad gauge. This would mean that the wheels are adjusted at the changeover points. I believe the long term plan is to eliminate broad gauge on all routes.David Benton wrote:Actually , it is not clear to me, if the train was on Standard or broad gauge tracks at the time of the accident.3rdrail wrote:Just visually, it appears as if the rails are very light, especially for a curve like that, particularly if it's as reported that the train was travelling at a good clip.Remember its Spanish broad gauge, so the rails will look lower compared to the width.
The "Trains" news wire article mentions it had changed gauge 3 times on its journey. it also mentions a third, Broad gauge track, (non electrified), which would tend to suggest it was on standard gauge track.
