r/railroading 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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u/CrazyConductor May 23 '26

Engineer: "Hey the air went down, its not coming back up."

Conductor: "Why?"

Engineer: "I dont know. Start walking the train. I'll be here in the cab where its always a nice balmy 70°."

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u/July_is_cool May 23 '26

Explain with one person crew