[PRCo] Re: #1727 Accident

[John Swindler]

Yes, different circumstances at low speeds, but same results at high speeds. 
  In the earlier case, the operator's actions seem to have caused the 
accident.  In the 1987 case, the operators inaction seem to have caused the 
accident.

I have the news clippings from the circa 1917 accident, but wasn't there an 
earlier tunnel run-away?

Jim, you mentioned couple years ago that you had a map that indicated a 
number of derails on PRC.  Wonder if this was to make the operator make a 
safety stop before entering a severe downgrade??  Or were the derails part 
way down the hill??

>From the Pittsburgh Dispatch, the number of run-away cars circa 1902-1905 
was rather gruesome.  Quickly explains steel cars and air brakes.  And 
perhaps also derails.

John

>From: "James B. Holland" <PRCoPCC at P-R-Co.com>
>Reply-To: pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
>To: pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
>Subject: [PRCo] Re: #1727 Accident
>Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 13:34:59 -0700
>
>John Swindler wrote:
>
> >Guess we don't want to mention the removal of the necessary action safety
> >switches at the south end of the tunnel.  Installed by Pittsburgh 
>Railways
> >after previous 'rocket sled' experience on 6% tunnel downgrade circa 
>1917.
> >(low floor car on rt. 48 (?))
> >
>              Far different circumstances  --  wasn't the low-floor
>already into the tunnel, trolley dewired, jam packed car, motorman angry
>because he had to get out to replace trolley when this is the
>conductor's job but conductor jammed into crowd and unable to move.
>So motorman gets back in and takes out his anger on the controls and
>winds it up.
>
>
>

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