MythBusters Wednesday the 8th Train Myth

"Kari, Grant and Tori go to amazing lengths to find out just how dangerous it is to stand too close to the edge of a train platform".

I thought this episode was suppose to air a few weeks ago, but it looks like it will air tomorrow. What are your predictions?

http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/mythb ... main_feat4

Episode 66

SpaceBiscuit-thanks for posting the timely reminder...

The previews showed a baby carriage being moved in the wake of a passing train.

I think they'll find that there is an essence of truth in this "myth".

In fact, back in September, my 6'4", 250 LB. stepson was waiting for me at the New Carrollton (MD) Amtrak station when the preceeding Acela express came hurtling through the station at probably 100MPH. My stepson claims he was almost knocked off the platform by the wind that accompanied the train as it passed.

This is not an Amtrak-exclusive topic... Sounds like good fodder for the Railroads in Media Forum.

-otto-

Otto Vondrak wrote:This is not an Amtrak-exclusive topic... Sounds like good fodder for the Railroads in Media Forum.

-otto-

Otto-I'm confused-this is the Railroads In Media forum. Yes, I mentioned Amtrak, but I do believe the subject is where it's supposed to be.

Worse than the wind knocking one over is the vacuum or suction at track level which can actually suck a person or object under the train! No myth there.

Well it appears that the Myth was busted, there is no suction caused by a passing train, and a person could not be sucked into the train.

What is interesting in that statement is that PRR used to claim such things happening as did a few other roads who operated at very high speeds.

Wanna see somtin' scary along these lines, check this out:

http://www.funpic.hu/funplayer_detectio ... flv&lang=2

Just watching it sucks the breath out of me!

Do I see torn clothing fly in the air... It didn't nip one of those kids did it?

Well, better not leave your kid in a stroller on the Platform.

Now, what comany is NMRX? Also, the equipment that was used looked pretty nice, 2 Bomarders, and what looked like 2 F59's.....

New Mexico Rail Runner.
http://www.nmrailrunner.com/

Looks like a pretty good operation.....

Engineer James wrote:Well, better not leave your kid in a stroller on the Platform.

Now, what comany is NMRX? Also, the equipment that was used looked pretty nice, 2 Bomarders, and what looked like 2 F59's.....

Not F59PHI units but MP36PH-3C.
Manufacturer: Motive Power
Horespower: 3600
Type: Passenger
HEP equipped
-3: microprocessor control
C: Caterpillar engine for HEP

Tidbit kopecks ...

I will never forget at the Southern Pines station in N.C. the passing Amtrak F40 while it was not moving fast I'd say it was moving around 25mph at the time I could the suction of the wake of the train.

I saw a vid a whileback on CNN, and it hand one of those Locos running the passenger train through a branch of a wildfire out in that region. I remember seeing the markings and paint scheme.