Posted by Mitch Goldman on August 13, 2009 
Obviously en route to a Hunts ketchup factory... had it been Hienz, the driver would have had the patience. Glad no one was hurt - a lesson learned and one that will obviously be shared.
Posted by Chris Wilson on August 13, 2009 
Well, they didnt get dinged for dragging equipment atleast! Cool shot
Posted by Nscalemike on August 13, 2009 
Nice to see your work now Elrond, here on RP.net!
Posted by on August 13, 2009 
Notice that the train stopped just inches short of the dragging equipment detector!
Posted by Ray Peacock heartlandrails.com on August 13, 2009 
Elrond, great to see you posting here. Nice debut!
Posted by Christophus on August 13, 2009 
The crossing was protected by crossbucks as seen in the distance. The crossing nearest to you even has a stop sign.
Posted by Scott Spicer on August 13, 2009 
I would guess that the dragging equipment detector would probably have been activated for that.
Posted by Bill Grenchik on August 13, 2009 
Check out the left window with the embedded plank though it. yikes!
Posted by Elrond Lawrence on August 13, 2009 
Hey all, thanks for the comments! Glad that people noticed the dragging equipment detector... so ironic. Chris is right about the crossing; I should have clarified that there were stop signs but no gates or flashers. This was a fun way to kick things off at RP.
Posted by Ky.CatFan on August 13, 2009 
The right front window looks broken, so stopping with your vision blocked and knowing the window is broken would be a heart stopping experience ! I would guess that running a high speed train and hitting something is like being thrown from a horse, you have to get back on and do it again, or walk away and look for another type of work. My father inlaw spent 52 years in engine service for the Chesepeake and Ohio, and did hit a few, but running trains was his life and he loved doing it.
Posted by Mike Goodwin on August 14, 2009 
Where's the spaghetti? We have the sauce now! Sorry couldn't resist.
Posted by bicycle_railfan on August 14, 2009 
I'm definitely glad the driver and his son were okay. But no one's said anything about the train crew or passengers. I'm assuming they were all okay as well?
Posted by Craig Walker on August 14, 2009 
Welcome to RP.net, "L" (for short)! Was that a "Pacific Surfliner" or "Cascade" service F59PHI in the consist? (It doesn't appear to be an Amtrak California unit.)
Posted by Steven Kakoczki on August 14, 2009 
Oh wow! its an interesting way to make that Beached whale paint job look a little better..the tomato truck wrap, great idea!
Posted by Pete Reynolds on August 14, 2009 
Hit the emergency button and hit the floor is about all they can do for self preservation when impact is imminent. Hopefully all in the cab are OK and all on the ground are a little wiser.
Posted by Nick George on August 14, 2009 
Nice, almost tripped the detector!!
Posted by Jim Thias on August 15, 2009 
You're right, Mitch, a Heinz driver would have been waiting with "anticipation" for that train. ;-)
Posted by Steve Carter on August 16, 2009 
Welcome aboard Elrond! Nice catch and a great entry for the Salinas Valley annual demolition derby. Mitch: Wouldn't count on "a lesson learned and one that will obviously be shared." This has been going on for years and there's always some new to come along with an urgent load of produce that has to get across the tracks before the train they always know is coming.
Posted by rtchugg614 on August 16, 2009 
Both windows look broken
Posted by Elrond Lawrence on August 16, 2009 
I finally had time to "ketchup" with the latest questions (sorry, couldn't resist!). Happily the crew was OK, as were the passengers. Many on the train didn't feel the impact and initially had no idea what happened. Good catch, Craig-- that's an Amtrak Cascades unit in the consist, heading to LA for work. Thanks again for the kind welcome to RP.net.
Posted by Matt Wiles on August 22, 2009 
This happened to me in the same area! In 2002, I on N #14 & we hit a semi w/ cabbages (heads everywhere).
Posted by Coast Sub Photography on November 19, 2009 
D'oh! Welcome to the beautiful Salinas Valley, Elrond!
- Post a Comment -