Laidoffsick posted:Not always true Jack. All 3 types of locks we have can have the key removed with the lock unlocked. In fact one of them remains in the unlocked position with the key removed, and you can not lock it back up without first inserting the key.
Sounds to me that the conductor reported the switch "lined and locked" to the dispatcher, but it was lined the wrong way. The dispatcher had no way of knowing that with the signal system suspended. He was relying on the info provided by the conductor.....but once again he shoulda briefed with his entire crew before reporting that to the dispatcher.
It might be a good idea to tell the dispatchers if the signals are going to be out, so they have a track warrant backup?
This might be something Number 90 knows about. Was there not a terrible head on on the ATSF between two passenger trains, none moving and one in the siding because somebody threw a switch into the siding right in front of the moving train? I think this happened in New Mexico.
