Remember when kids just took cars for joyrides?

Some more info after talking with the conductor again today. While the kids researched how to start and run the locomotive, they did not know how to operate the service brake for it (as said, two separate braking systems). Seems they would notch up and down to get it to move and slow down enough that they could throw the reverser lever to change direction. The reverser was hanging from a chain (kind of a big no no) while the engines were tied down on the shop service track next to the yard tracks. As they moved the locomotives (all EMD GP38-2s) onto the yard tracks, they moved through the switches even though they were not lined for that movement. This ended up breaking the turnout rails where they connected to the moveable ties as the switch posts are locked and could not be thrown (lined) properly even if they tried. None of the C&P rails are signal or dispatch controlled and track warrants are only needed for CSX to operate into the Carolina Piedmont yard for interchange. CSX communicates with Jacksonville dispatch when they do this. Carolina Piedmont is a short line operated by Genesee and Wyoming, a large short-line owner/operator. Since only C&P trains are operated on the main line/yard, it is considered "dark territory" where no trackside signals operate train movements since only one train at one time is on any part of the 32 miles of their rails. All communication is done by two-way radio on a dedicated AAR channel, but only C&P communicates on it and there is no regional dispatch center they need to advise their movements with or seek permission (warrant/EC-1) to use their tracks.
 
If the engineer left the reverser on the engine that will not end well for them. The FRA is going to have a field day…
 
skyactiv said:
One for the engine and the other for the cars. Than you have dynamic braking. Just going by what I know from Microsoft Train Simulator long ago.
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They are VFD - IGBT … regen brakes … dumping to resistors etc …
 
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4WD said:
What would that do to phase modules ?
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The reverser is just like a key. It slides into the control stand and allows the engineer to choose forward, reverse, or neutral. You can’t move the reverser if the throttle is left in notches 1-8. When tying down a locomotive one of the main safety procedures is to remove the reverser and store it away from the engine. The 3 phase motors wouldn’t be affected after shutdown. But if you leave the engine under power with the brakes applied(fully stopped) you can burn up the traction motors.
 
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If the kids didn't know how the brakes worked, that means the hand brake may not have been set either. If it was parked with the brake on, they would not have been able to move it.
 
Hard to believe they actually got it moving just from watching YouTube videos. If anyone's curious about how these things are usually kept secure, most locomotives don't even have "keys" like cars do, they just use a universal reverser handle that's supposed to be removed by the crew.
 
Chris142 said:
In my nearly 57 years on this planet I have driven quite a few things. I wouldn't even know how to start a train much less make it move.
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Same. but I'm working on getting Glenda W.'s phone number ;)

For research purposes only.....
 
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