NTSB blames engineer for 2008 Metrolink crash, urges railroads to install cameras to monitor train crews

Reporting from Los Angeles and Washington - Federal safety officials called for railroads to install cameras and voice recorders in every locomotive control cab in the nation as they publicly warned Thursday that cellphone texting by engineers and conductors was a growing and lethal danger.

The call came as members of the National Transportation Safety Board publicly concluded their investigation into the deadly collision of a commuter train and a freight train in Chatsworth in 2008 -- a crash they blamed on a Metrolink engineer who passed a stop signal as he sent a message from his phone.

Read the entire story here.

Amtrak planning host of projects in 'aggressive' 2010 campaign

Replacing fleet, trimming travel times key elements

Amtrak's president and CEO announced Monday that the passenger-rail company plans to replace its entire fleet of cars and locomotives, including those on the Acela line, as part of its package of 2010 initiatives.

The company is also looking to reduce the travel time between New York and Washington and between New York and Boston by 15 minutes, Joseph Boardman said during a "2010 Preview" conference call held Monday morning.

The goals reflect an "aggressive game plan full of major projects with new initiatives," Boardman said during the 35-minute call with reporters.

You can read the entire article at this LINK.

Engineers have a way with words

I tried to send this as an email to the pghrailfans group at Yahoo but it seems to strip the pictures off. So here is what I was trying to send. You can enlarge the photos by clicking on them.


Engineers have a way with words:

We shut down the second engine because it overheated

Trains have been delayed due to a minor points failure

Bridge closed to road traffic for purposes of routine maintenance

No train service this weekend due to a major track upgrading project

Unit 8877 is unavailable for service because it is undergoing a modification program

There will be a short delay to your journey whilst we complete important earthworks

Upcoming event

Here is a nearby event that might interest rail fans with cabin fever.

NILES — Youngstown Model Railroad Association, will sponsor a winter flea market from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday at McMenamy's Banquet Hall, 325 Youngstown-Warren Road.

Featured at the event will be 180 dealer tables of merchandise and equipment for all model railroad scales and interests.

In addition, a three rail "G" gauge layout from the Riverside Railroad Club from Warren will be in operation.

Admission is $5 for adults, and children under 12 will be admitted free.

Please check out our website for more info:

Youngstown Model Railroad Association