by Datenail
Which, to me, would make no sense as an argument, because the position of the engineer (motorman) on the current electric cars really isn't too much different.Mr. Keller, the crash protection standards of todays equipment is are far superior to the 1950's Budd RDC. Most areas where the current MU's operate have protected crossings, unlike the 1950's diesel territory where the RDC operated. Today, the diesel territory crossings are mostly protected. Times have changed. The most important factor believe it or not is that the BLE is a far weaker union than in the 1950's. They would be unable to refuse to operate anything and get away with it like they did in the 50's.
The control position was the same on the old MU cars, too, and accidents were infrequent with them, when one considers the amount of cars in service at the time and number of trains run, passing over many, many grade crossings.
Dave Keller
P.S. This was, as far as I know, the ONLY accident that involved the Budd Cars, over a period of 12 years of service. It was extremely unfortunate that it had to be a fatal one. DK