Is the equipment used by the railroad industry periodically updated implementing modern state-of-the-art technology?
A. No. This is a system that was built decades ago, and for most of this century has been static, even though drivers and vehicles have changed. Eugene Russell, Dir. Center for Transportation Research and Training, Kansas State University. The track circuit is the basic circuit controlled directly by the train to regulate the signals for following trains. In the case of railroad grade crossings, it controls the flashers or gates for automotive traffic. It is the most important link in the signal system. It is the medium of connection between the moving train and the signal or other device provided for protection. Invented by William Robinson it was first installed on a section of track in Kinsua, Pa., in 1872. It has not changed greatly since its conception. Despite record profits, the railroad industry has rejected safety recommendations and fought proposed safety rules, atleast a dozen recommended safety improvements that could have prevented scores of accidents have not been impleme
