Quote:
Originally Posted by LSLAKER
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.
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I understand what your saying, but it is simply not practical to carry a derail around. The first thing is they are fairly heavy. Next thing is they need to be secured to the track by several spikes to ensure they are not removed by the public (kids, etc) and can be locked. Derails are already installed in tracks where cars are left for extended periods of time (several days or even weeks). A portable derail is only good when there is someone present all the time to make sure nobody removes it.
When there are enough handbrakes, the cars will not move, irregardless of heavy winds or grade.