This series began with multiple versions of a White Paper titled “Management of In-Train Forces.” The conclusions regarding the factors underlying the problem may have been controversial, but the theme was not. Likely
The June 2022 White Paper supplemented here was devoted to “management of in-train forces.” This is an issue for trains of virtually all lengths and tonnages, but longer trains present special challenges.
My principal responsibilities during my working life were focused directly on railroad safety, including work at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) from initial employment as a research assistant (legal clerk), attorney working
I present this white paper (downloadable below) from the viewpoint of an observer and generalist, albeit one with more than 46 years of involvement in rail safety and policy issues, 36 years of which were “in the trenches” at the Federal Railroad Administration. The views and issues discussed should be tested against the seasoned judgments of qualified engineers, technologists, managers, line employees and data analysts. They are not native to any individual area of specialization. Only a dialogue involving transparency and rigor will yield clarifications and real progress.
