Can multiple rocks derail a train?

Question

i live near rail road tracks and i always see kids put rocks on the tracks and they never do anything but spark. but i always wonder if too many can derail one. what if they put like 10 right next to each other or even more? could that send freight right into my living room?

Answer 1

Only if they are a part of a landslide.

We used to run out of sand often with local power and some pool power on the Siskiyou Sub.  We would have to put rocks on the tracks ourselves and when the locomotive wheel ran over them --- Bingo!  Instant sand.

But, harder rocks (as well as spikes, tie plates and rail anchors --- the usual favorites for vandals or idiots) will be knocked out of the way or "squirted" out sideways when the wheel makes contact.  They are at times ejected with lethal force and they will certainly ruin your day or end your life if struck. But as stated above, unless there is a tremendous amount of rocks and debris, the train will keep chuggin' right along.

Answer 2

Not likely with just rocks, but anything can happen.

What's scary is if they get bolder ... shopping carts, refrigerators, until eventually they find something that does derail it.  You wouldn't want to be around for that, no.  It'll involve whole kinds of police you didn't even know existed.

Answer 3

Like Albert said the biggest danger is the item becoming a launched missile.Rocks just get pulverized to dust

Answer 4

maybe.  

Answer 5

I put 4 quarters on the track once and when the train cleared there was a dollar bill in their place.

Answer 6

nope...those cars are 5 or more tons! rocks wont stop them....unless its a bolder..lol

Answer 7

Any obstruction on the rail can derial a train. If you see those kids again, report them to the police, as they are putting their own and other people's lives in danger.