As long as it's not a firey explosion or bulk load (log truck), this video is pointless as evidence for reasons to run a locomotive long hood forward. The benefits of visibility BY FAR outrank that of the occasional "chance" of hitting something like this at grade.
Fatheads, as overwhelming they are in today's Class I railroad scene, have reinforced steel beams in the nose to assist in the "safety" aspect. But I'd still rather have a well-maintained SD40-2 or SD50 as power on any given Sunday.
They only look better when the short hood (nose) is ALSO high. When the nose is chopped, it's worthless...blah.
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Originally Posted by tomt
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In reference to the viewer comments, how does the halfwit who made such a remark know anything about the location where this happened? The train could have been on a curve where the trailer wasn't visible. It just goes to show the ignorance of the general public about railroad education. It would be even scarier if that person was a buffie.
The comment about "there's trains around weighing 20,000 tons" was just as stupid. I can't think of the last time I handled a train over 18,200...and that was a 130-car loaded coal drag. Most freights, at their largest, I've seen, are in the neighborhood of 12-15k tons.
FWIW, the FEC handles some of the largest trains on the east coast. Their rock trains weigh in at over 20,000 tons. But it's more the exception than the rule.
By far, the bigger danger would have been to dump the train. I see what looks to be tanks of chlorine & other chemicals in the head 10 cars.
long hood forward
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