Quote:
Originally Posted by LSLAKER
Setting brakes is NOT the only way to secure train cars on a railway siding. There is always the possiblity of railway cars left on a railway siding to start moving onto an active track if the brakes are not holding because of the grade of the siding and in the case of empty box cars by strong winds.
It is good practice and if not mandatory for the railway line to install derailers at both ends of parked and unattended train cars.
A derailer is portable and is locked to the track a short distance from the train at both ends and will do exactly as it is named. A derailer will kick the rail car or locomotive's wheel off of the track and so by stopping it immediately.
Just why wasn't a derailer used when the train was to be left unattended? Was it to great of an effort for the single crew member? Since the train had some length to it this may have been quite possibly the reason.
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Of course the practice of installing derailers apply to any train cars whether on a siding or on a mainline. Unattended trains have to be secured and protected from moving on rail tracks because of possible brake failure. A slight grade or strong winds can cause rail cars to move. A derailer is a very positive method of stopping uncontrolled movement of train cars before momentum can be obtained.
Also when you have a steep grade on the rail line like this one had, someone should have thought thinks through better.