Metrolink to place locos in front of Rotem cab cars for now

[Backshophoss]

This was not a typical grade crossing wreck,this was a HD service truck and a trailer rigged as a fuel /oil/grease
dispenser for farm equipment,stradling 1 rail and driving on the ties in the pre-dawn hours.
The driver thought he was on a field service road.
The leasing of the BNSF power is a "CYA" reaction by SCAX to a possible design defect to the Rotem's cab car pilot plow,
and a large stack of lawsuits at the Metrolink's legal dept. in box!

[jt42cwr]

5610*
5613
5620
5621
5624
5627
5641
5642
5650
5655
5668

*newly reported

[Fan Railer]

5668 was not part of the originally reported roster; does it replace a unit on that list? If it were an addition, there would be 41 locomotives instead of 40.

[Backshophoss]

These were stored after service on unit coal trains,with some general road service afterwards.
1 of the original units picked may have some sort of major componet failure,5668 was the replacement unit picked.

[lensovet]

This is a very unusual decision that MetroLink made to use BNSF locomotives instead of the ROTEM cab cars. I'm from the east coast, and in the NY area, both the LIRR, MNR, and NJ Transit use Electric MUs and cab cars over several grade crossings in some very densely populated areas. Accidents have happened, such as the MNR collision in Vallhalla, NY involving the MUs, but I don't see any of these RRs even contemplating putting Locomotives on the front end of these trains. Go Transit and Tri Rail all opted for new collision enforced cab cars, but none of them have gone the route that MetroLink has gone. It sounds a little bit overkill at the moment. Makes a nice sight to see a BNSF loco at the point of a commuter train, but is it really necessary?

i suggest you look at the number of fatalities that have come out of SCAX's operations over the last decade compared to any of the northeast railroads in absolute. Then adjust for the number of passenger miles traveled and perhaps you can understand why this is done.

[Backshophoss]

The "car-centric" culture of southern Ca doesn't help,both the Commuter Rail and Light Rail operations have
"run-ins" with autos on a daily basis.
The LA based media outlets barely run any "Operation Lifesaver" PSA's

[Fan Railer]

5649 is in service.

[Fan Railer]

5613 Chronicles (91 line / OC line) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq1b_TeQxAY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Fan Railer]

5655 + 5668:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ4btgp5Swg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Fan Railer]

5622 is in service (as is 5644, but that video is coming later):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqoOGE86U1A" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Fan Railer]

5644:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAJjnZhAx-k" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Fan Railer]

All BNSF on Metrolink action that I got last week:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px7JWROpeug" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[talltim]

Is there any interlock between the doors and taking power? i.e. can the train move with the doors open? If so how do they manage when driving the train from AC4400 end?

[jt42cwr]

Latest

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5668

[Fan Railer]

Is there any interlock between the doors and taking power? i.e. can the train move with the doors open? If so how do they manage when driving the train from AC4400 end?

I don't think there is. Conductor leaves his door open until the train has left the platform so that he can observe.