Kelly Anderson posted:FORMER OGR CEO - RETIRED posted:The steam locomotive fraternity is dealing with this blending of old and new tech with the advent of PTC (Positive Train Control.) The PTC rules specifically call for closing the throttle in case of a signal violation. On a modern diesel, that’s a couple lines of code in the computer program. But how do you do that on a throttle that consists of a long, ratcheted lever operating 6 big throttle valves via a bell crank 30 feet from the cab? Needless to say, the main line steam guys are working with the FRA to come up with a solution to this!
When operated by a competent crew, a steam locomotive is no more dangerous than any other big piece of machinery.
Regarding PTC, the FRA has agreed to waive the requirement for closing the throttle on steam locomotives.
If the indication is for a STOP, is a throttle reduction, "A little too little too late?"
