Remote controlled engines??

[Dr. Doom]

Yo cracked............I just heard from a switchman in BNSF territory that they are going to be laying off engineers and going to remote controlled engines?!?!? Using a massive remote control that hangs around your neck!?!?!? What's the story with this?? How's this work??

Oh and by the way..........he said "I'm sure glad that I've only got another 8 fucking months until retirement because that shit's going to be dangerous!"

Hmmmmm??

[Ski Mask]

pick up any copy of trains from the last 3 years and you'll find some mention of it. CN and CP have been using beltpack systems for years. Its not replacing engineers, its reducing crews. Its for switching mostly...now the guy who gets out the cab to switch the track and pull the lever on the cars getting switched, will also control the engine from his beltpack. If anything it will cut down on yard accidents caused by miscomunication between crew members. CN has reported drastic reductions in yard accidents since they implimented them. There may be some layoff issues (most forecasts of doom are exagerated), but for the most part its nothing worth worrying about.

[railroadjerk]

check out the new issue of trains, theres a picture of a up one that they are doing test routes with...its all gps done.

[sectorTVA]

its cool shit they use them here....supposedly if you fall down (i.e. have a heart attack) , the remote has a safety feature that automaticly engages the brakes to prevent runaways....wow!....

[TEE_rase_war]

i paint in yards with remote controlled engines...do be carefull....the switchmen and the conductors are still out..but there are more people watching the cameras inside the buildings.
(and unfortunatly, more cameras :rolleyes:)