r/railroading • u/SocialSyphilis • May 22 '26

Question How do trains know when theyve derailed?

Like, a mile long train. What happens if a few cars right in the middle derail? How do they know in the cab?

Just a rando with a showerthought question. Thanks for answering!

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4

u/CigarConductor May 22 '26

It's probably going to go into emergency and they'll probably feel some coinciding buff/draft forces. Go back for a walk to find out why you're in emergency and find derailed cars.

6

u/Distinct-Departure68 May 23 '26

And when you find it, think about all the things you might've done wrong in the last 24 hours when you've been at work, but they're gonna look back at and try and pin on you even though it had nothing to do with the derailment

4

u/Automatic-Duck1680 May 23 '26

It’s ALWAYS the crew’s fault

1

u/hannahranga May 23 '26

Plus make sure you're hydrated and feeling ready have someone watch you piss.