The speed was reported to be 59 mph, and so was the maximum authorized speed that was reported.
We all know better than to take a news media report at face value, but if — if — those two numbers are correct, they would match the report that the signal system was out of service or suspended and that trains in that territory were operating on authority other than signal indications, i.e, “dark” territory. Freight trains may not exceed 49 mph and passenger trains may not exceed 59 mph when operating on a track where there is no block signal or cab signal system in service. Some method, other than CTC which requires signals, of authorizing trains on main tracks would be required. Track Warrant Control would be one such method, and is the most commonly used outside CTC.
If — again if — the signal system was suspended as reported, trains would be required to operate dual controlled switches in the territory by hand, i.e., the Train Dispatcher could not control any signals or switches. The position of switches operated by hand would be governed by operating rules. If Track Warrant Control was in use, the form copied by the Conductor of a train specifies if the switch is to be left lined for other than main track movement after being used by a train.
This would also be a reason for the Conductor to be riding in the cab of the Amtrak locomotive.
Lots of “ifs” here, but you should know that a lot of rules apply if a signal system is suspended. It is a big deal to suspend a signal system and run trains, not done often. They don’t just “turn off the lights” and tell trains to run.
I was not comforted that the state Governor appeared before the news cameras and said that the freight train was on the right track and Amtrak was on the wrong track. What made him an authority on railroad operating practices and rules?
We will have to wait for a summary statement by the NTSB as to the method of operation in use in this horrible accident. They will give a statement soon, but the full report of all the whys wil not be forthcoming for a long time.
