Aliquippa & Southern posted:I haven't worked for a railroad but wouldn't it be dangerous to leave a running engine unattended for any length of time?
Doug
If the reverse lever is removed, all units are isolated, air brakes fully applied, hand brake applied to each unit of the locomotive consist, all cab doors locked, then it would be safe from most unauthorized operation. There is always the very small chance that some rogue railroad employee or former employee could figure a way to get around all that, but the average vandal would not be able to do much. Normally, locomotives, when left unattended, are placed on a track that has derail protection. If left unattended on a main track, rules typically require that the locomotive be coupled to a train with air brakes and hand brakes applied, and couplers stretched tight to prevent the locomotive from being uncoupled from the train.
