Note see thread below concerning the urgency of the problem which has seen two (now three) derailments in two days and seven (now eight) in four weeks.

Third Derailment in Australia in Two Days will delay passengers

Passengers on the Prospector and the Indian Pacific trains will experience delays, following a train derailment at Kellerberrin, 200 kilometres east of Perth.

One of the wagons on a Westrail freight train derailed early this morning, and the line is expected to be closed for most of the day.

Westrail spokesman, Len Douglas, says alternative transport is being arranged for passengers.

"What we will do is operate road coaches between Perth and Merredin and pick up the Prospector at Merredin and that'll apply in both directions."

Link to story:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/state/sa/metsa-20jan2000-19.htm

Link to earlier thread two (now three) derailments in two days and seven (now eight) in four weeks:

http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=002MNs

-- Carl Jenkins (Somewherepress@aol.com), January 20, 2000

Answers

Some quotes from FRA pulled forward from yesterday's thread incase anyone interested missed it:

============================================

http://www.fra.dot.gov/doc/y2k/rr/index.htm

"Canadian National:

Control Systems

Have you investigated the imbedded chip problem, where real-time clock circuits imbedded in electronic hardware may cause a Y2K failure?

Have you identified any Y2K problems concerning:

-Yes, our experts in systems such as process control have been involved quite heavily. Basically CN's Engineering department, as well as our Mechanical department and all district offices have been involved in identifying and remediating Y2K issues. "

"Burlington Northern:

Control Systems

12. Have you investigated the imbedded chip problem, where real-time clock circuits imbedded in electronic hardware may cause a Y2K failure?

Yes. An inventory assessment was completed in June 1998."

"CSX:

Control Systems

12. Have you investigated the imbedded chip problem, where real-time clock circuits imbedded in electronic hardware may cause a Y2K failure: Yes, an inventory of embedded has been conducted.

Have you identified any Y2K problems concerning:

Signaling systems: No operational issues; Y2K issues with logging and 2/29/00 dates detected; remediation is underway; operability not effected.

b. Interlocking plants: No

c. Dispatching office systems: Y2K issues detected, remediation complete, unit testing complete; end-to-end testing underway.

d. Telecommunications systems, both fixed and mobile, internal and commercial: Yes, assessment complete, remediation/replacement underway, some unit testing completed. End-to-end testing noted above includes communications systems.

e. Grade crossing signals and grade crossing signal event recorders: No operational Y2K issues; date resets necessary on some recorders."

"Illinois Central:

Control Systems

12. Have you investigated the imbedded chip problem, where real-time clock circuits imbedded in electronic hardware may cause a Y2K failure?

ICR Response: Yes

13. Have you identified any Y2K problems concerning:

a. Signaling systems?

b. Interlocking plants?

c. Dispatching office systems?

d. Telecommunications systems, both fixed and mobile, internal and commercial?

e. Grade crossing signals and grade crossing signal event recorders?

f. Tunnel ventilation fans?

g. Draw bridges?

h. Wayside failed-equipment detectors?

i. Automatic equipment identification system readers?

ICR Response: This category represents the greatest risk to ICR based on our analysis of core business processes and the impacts of Year 2000 failures. ICR policy is to test mission- and safety-critical hardware, software and embedded systems regardless of whether they have been certified Year 2000 ready by the vendor. ICR tests indicate that signals and highway grade crossing devices do not employ date calculations. This finding is consistent with rail industry research.

ICR is dependent on third party vendors for Year 2000 readiness of key systems and equipment. The vendor of the dispatching system provided ICR with a written Year 2000 readiness statement. ICR completed its own Year 2000 tests of the hardware and software in May 1998. ICR will continue to test this system during 1999 to confirm that vendor maintenance and software upgrades have not affected Year 2000 readiness. Another third-party vendor supports the transportation management system. This vendor provides bimonthly updates on Year 2000 readiness to ICRs information technology steering committee. Vendor remediation of the transportation management system is complete and integration testing by the vendor was completed during 1998. ICR will review this vendors Year 2000 test methodology and results during 1999."

"Kansas City Southern:

grade crossing signals and grade crossing signal event recorders? Answer  No operational problems have been identified. However, some older event recorders will require the date to be reset. "

"Norfolk Southern:

Grade Crossing Signals - No, and grade crossing signal event recorders - No "

"Union Pacific:

e.Grade crossing signals NO and grade crossing signal event recorders?

YES, some event recorders will require resetting the date after 1/1/2000."

-- Hokie (Hokie_@hotmail.com), January 19, 2000.

-- Hokie (Hokie_@hotmail.com), January 20, 2000.