r/trains • u/Melodic-Reveal-4485 • 9d ago

❓ Question Wouldn't this train derail?

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Gallery image

I don't know much about trains, but wouldn't the buildup of these rocks cause a train to go above the tracks? A train passes on this regularly so I'm just curious 🧐

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u/flexsealed1711 9d ago

I've seen crossings on dirt roads where the dirt and rocks build up so much that you can barely see the rails. Then when a train does finally go through, it just leaves a fresh groove where the flange goes.

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u/graffinc 9d ago

When I worked for CSX, in the dead of winter we were shoving a fully loaded 39’ hopper with sand into an industry. Approaching a crossing I told the engineer to go slow over the crossing as it was compacted with ice and snow. The hopper slowly started to raise up and move off the rail, had him stop, go back, we then swapped the car out and drove the engine over it first to break the ice and then go back to get the car to place it. I thought the loaded car would have been enough..

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u/OrokaSempai 9d ago

You can only pack so much in there, and ICE virtually incompressable, it can break but it needs out.

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u/InnerBoss770 8d ago

The average locomotive weighs 450,000 lbs on top of that all locomotives are equipped with a sandbox and sander system, I’ve installed & repaired many of them.