Saraburi railway curve too tight for train hauling cement

By The Nation

 

SARABURI: -- Railway workers have begun repairing tracks in Saraburi’s Kaeng Koi district where a freight train hauling cement mix derailed on Saturday. 

The accident occurred at a curve in the track just downhill from Ban Hin Lub Station. Middle carriages in the 16-car train derailed, pulling the rest from the tracks. 

 

The cement was being shipped from Saraburi to Chiang Mai.

 

Wutthikrai Sutthikul, chief of railway management for Area 2, said six freight containers loaded with cement were blocking the track and had to be moved first.

 

He said the curve needed adjusting to give trains better balance and prevent further accidents.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30326469

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-09-12

Speed isn't a factor?

Just askin'

Did the manager really say the curve is too tight, or is that what the reporter thought he meant. I doubt this is the first time cement cars have been used on that route.

Maybe lifting the outer track just a tiny bit will help??

Feeling very confident I won't be travelling on any hi-speed train in LOS anytime.

Of course.... the tracks were to blame.

 

Just now, DLang said:

Of course.... the tracks were to blame.

 

Or the rotten wooden sleepers.

Jokes aside; remember it will be the "highly qualified" slow speed Thai railway engineers who will testing and certifying the Chinese high speed train engineers before they are allow to lift a finger on the countless HS train projects that PM Prayut has announced. Naturally there will be a substantial fee the Chinese  will have to pay to get this certification. 

1 hour ago, DLang said:

Of course.... the tracks were to blame.

 

Yes, probably so.

Planned speed and weight might be too much for the existing cant of the tracks.

Also, if one or more of the wheels have flat spots, derailment in a curve with the existing cant, can be to much.

Personally, I do think the railway employee spoke too early.

Accidents like these can happen anywhere, anytime, anyhow.

The reason why it happened need to be carefully researched.