How many miles a loaded train need to stop?

Question

please answer fast :)

Answer 1

Too many variables.

What type of train is it? How heavy is it? How long is it? How fast is it travelling? What type of braking system does it use? Is it on a rising or falling gradient? What are the railhead conditions like?

In the UK we would expect that any type of train travelling at any speed should be able to stop within 1.25 miles, though some will do so in a significantly shorter distance. If we are required to carry out full protection of the line in the event of an emergency, this would be the distance that the protection should be from the obstruction in order to cover any eventuality and prevent a further collision.

Answer 2

At LEAST one mile if it's a 100 car train traveling at 50 MPH

Answer 3

There are a lot af variables, so lets create our own theoretical parameters using what could be considered 'typical'.

We are on a train of 10,000 tons moving at 50 mph on level, tangent (straight) track that is rated for 70 mph or more including signal spacing consistent with the track speed:

On high speed roadbed "blocks" (the length of track between governing signals) are usually around 2 miles long.  If you are going to stop the first signal you'll likely see is a "flashing yellow," two miles distant.  Two miles beyond that you'll likely see a "yellow" signal.  Two miles beyond that you'll see your "red" stop signal.

So in this instance you'll have six miles to make a nice, smooth, controlled stop.

The same train placed into emergency braking will keep rolling for a mile or so before coming to a stop.

Beyond that, all the variables mentioned above are in play.  No two trains handle the same as each one is different, just as a snow flake.

All of which means, if the engineer can see you, it is already too late to stop for you.  Trains don't go looking for people but they have no qualms about killing or maiming someone, so, it is up to motorists and pedestrians to stay out of the train's way.

A good safety question gets a star...

Keee-reist, Ziggie...  I just recently made "old head" and now you're tryin' to make me an "old timer?"

Answer 4

Too many things affect that to really give you an answer.Terrain,weather,weight of the train,speed,types of cars all make a difference in how fast you can stop.But usually a mile to a mile and a half.Double stack and auto rack cars don't stop as fast as other types of cars so extra care needs to be used with them.Loaded coal trains can be almost 2 miles to bring to a stop.

I should add that i'm talking about a nice easy stop with what the railroad calls consistent with good train handling which means using a minimum service reduction followed by more small brake pipe reductions if needed.Myself i like to use dynamic brake and no air til i actually stop.I was taught to run a train using the principle that air is like gold,only spend it when you really need too.A large brake pipe reduction is red flagged on a download and you will hear from an officer as to why you needed to do that.

Answer 5

Well this is that we as normal people can relate too. Rango, and Andy, and lets not forget Albert....They are real life Railroad Engineers. So if they tell you something, believe i!!.They are smart,  exited to tell you the truth. Remember don't bullshit a old timer or that rail will bite you!