Doug,
Modern locomotives have a computer style hard drive which can be removed. In most cases, they can record several days worth of data. They monitor a number of different functions and activities. The hard drive can be downloaded or removed, which usually occurs after an incident. Man locomotives also have forward facing cameras that run continuously with the data also stored on a drive. In addition, GPS is available on most locomotives so that train location and progress can be monitored. Finally, some locomotives are equipped with system that offload locomotive health data while en route. This data often goes back to the mechanical department and the locomotive manufacturer for analysis.
Bill Barber
Gravois Mills, MO
Thu Nov 22, 2012 11:04 am (PST) . Posted by:
And on the subject of Big Brother, do they still have speed recorders? Something electronic? Or do they use GPS?
And, as Steve and others well know, there were rarely any secrets from dispatchers. Funny how we would get further down the line for meets with some engineers rather than others ;)
Doug