Amtrak NEC locomotives to receive inward-facing cameras
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefIn the wake of the May 12, 2015 derailment in North Philadelphia of Amtrak Northeast Regional train 188, which claimed eight lives and caused more than 200 injuries, Amtrak will install inward-facing video cameras in its fleet of new Siemens ACS-64 locomotives in service on the Northeast Corridor by the end of 2015. All locomotives yet to be delivered under the 70-unit order will have the equipment installed before they go into service.
Amtrak already has outward-facing cameras on locomotives. Installation of inward-facing cameras will first occur in the ACS-64 locomotives that will power all Northeast Regional and long-distance trains between Washington, New York and Boston, as well as Keystone Service between New York, Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pa. Amtrak says it is developing a plan for installation of inward-facing cameras in the rest of its locomotive fleet, including Acela Express power cars and diesel locomotives.
The cause of the wreck was an overspeed condition at Frankford Curve in which 188 entered the 50-mph curve at more than 100 mph. The NTSB has not yet determined why the train accelerated from the 70 mph track speed on the tangent approaching the curve to nearly 110 mph. Engineer Brandon Bostian reported that a projectile struck the locomotive’s windshield; beyond that, he so far has told investigators that he does not remember what happened. Data from the locomotive’s event recorder shows that the emergency brakes were applied when 188 entered the curve. There was no civil speed enforcement for eastbound movements on that curve; it has subsequently been installed under an FRA emergency order. Amtrak says it will have nine-aspect cab signals and ACSES (Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System, its form of PTC) fully installed and operational on the entire NEC by the end of the year.
“These systems will be another tool for Amtrak and industry regulators to monitor locomotive and engineer performance,” said Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman. “Inward-facing video cameras will help improve safety and serve as a valuable investigative tool. We have tested these cameras and will begin installation as an additional measure to enhance safety.”
For additional Railway Age stories on the derailment, see:
https://www.railwayage.com/index.php/news/amtrak-train-188-derails-in-philadelphia.html?channel=60
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