A train derailed here last night.?

Question

i know this isn't a question or answer, but its an event that was quite interesting to me.

There was a train derailment last night in Waukesha, Wisconsin. There were three engines (Wisconsin Southern Railroad) and fourty five cars. two of the three engines derailed, along with seven cars.

the train did not hit anything, or anyone. it's listed as problems with the tracks.

this specific track had just been relaid back in June / July this year. the last of the tracks that had been relaid was two weeks ago.

there was a huge crack found along the new set of tracks in the cement.

the derailment forced a few homes to be evacuated (there was a large rail that was bent, and was feared that it could fling off and crash into the nearby homes.

the derailment really put drivers at a standstill, as the main roads in, and out of the city here, were closed off.

Just wanted to share my day from last night.

Answer 1

It certainly happens from time to time, doesn't it?  Those who visit this category regularly know that it is my practice to work a safety discussion into an answer, whenever possible.  This is an excellent opportunity.

What do you think would have happened if this derailment occurred at a grade crossing, with an impatient and foolish motorist snugged up to the crossing gate protection?  SPLUT!  One more greasy spot on the roadway.

Give trains the attention and respect that is due them.  They don't come looking for you, but they also have no qualms about killing you.  Always stop back a minimum of 50' (or more) if at all possible.  Never mind the guy behind you telling you you're "number one" via an extended middle finger.

It is no surprise that this occurred on a recently rebuilt or repaired road bed.  It takes some time, with traffic passing over it, for the structure to "consolidate."  In this application, consolidate is an engineering term meaning that all the components of the structure, ballast, cross-ties and rail, have "gelled" and at their strongest.  This type of failure is even more prevalent when hot weather is added to the mix.

I am not a big fan of concrete cross-ties.  Yes, they last longer and are more durable, but they lack one important feature that wooden ties have.  Often times, a wheel, or a pair of wheels or an entire truck can derail and travel for miles, with no more damage than cutting the wooden ties, sometimes giving the engineer or conductor time to realize the train is in trouble and get it stopped before it scatters all over the place and taking out EVERYTHING near it.  Concrete ties, on the other hand, are brittle and when a wheel hits them they pretty much explode.

It is a sad fact, that even through the efforts of "Operation Life Saver" and others who try to educate the public about the dangers involved with rail roads, grade crossing fatalities are on the rise.

So, give 'em some room, and give yourself a chance.

Answer 2

What a night.  Hope everything gets cleared up soon.

Answer 3

There are alot of homes built close to train tracks across the U.S., which can be too close when there are accidents.  Glad no one was hurt. I've had to leave my home also for floods, ect, and it's no fun.  Road crossings should also have cars stop back farther, when trains derail they take up alot of room.  I've seen several accident's since my grandfather worked on the railroad.  But I would still travel by train, I love riding on the train.

Answer 4

That's shocking!!

Answer 5

I heard about that on the news. I'm from Beaver Dam.

Answer 6

You should add that to your book