Robert Paniagua wrote:amtrakhogger wrote:Portable electronic items in use in cabs are forbidden. One exception
are cell phones. They can be used by the engineer provided the
train is stopped, the call is for RR use only, and the conductor has
been briefed that the phone will be used in accordance with RR duties.
(Amtrak Gen. Road Foreman Notice)
Boom Boxes, Xm Radio? Cut me a break!
Wow, do they interfere with navigation of the engine? Then they shouldn't be banned, since a locomotiva cab is not the ssame as an aircraft cockpit, and cell hpones should be allowed 24/7/365 in case a crew memeber has to call home in an emergency.
The railroad I work for does allow cell phones on duty provided that we are stopped or on clear signals.
Cell phones are a vital tool in the modern era of railroading and do provide a means of contact for an emergency of any sorts including family. I have no problem with that.
True, we are not navigating an airplane but IMO we are ''navigating'' a train via signal indications. We are constantly crossing from one track to another, stopping, flagging signals, restricted speed, getting around passenger trains etc.. A missed signal can have catastrophic consequences.
I have seen first hand the results of a missed signal by two former co-workers. They blew a red block at 50 mph, put the train into emergency, and hit a commuter train at 20-25 mph, killing two on scene and a third who later died of his injuries. Many others were seriously injured. The train had over 150 passengers.
I'm not trying to sound or be a hard a-- but I expect my conductor to do his/her job just as I did when I was a conductor. For me nothing is more frustrating than being dead tired at three in the morning, spashing cold water on my face, proceeding at restricted speed in the fog looking for the first sign of FRED while my cond'r is sound asleep or watching movies on his/her laptop. I let it happen once when I first became an engineer but once was enough. Not only did it almost cost me my job but it almost cost me my life.
Google search Placentia Train Wreck.