[Talisker]

Could a heavy object cause a train derailment? Basic physics states that F+MV² ( force= mass times velocity squared) Let's say a thug tosses a bowling ball at Amtrak 188, presently moving at 70 MPH. That would be 15LBS times 88FPS which would equal 1,742,000 foot pounds of energy. Don't know if this is right, my physics is rusty. Anybody?

Wow, a number of issues here. Force of bowling ball has to be subtracted from the mass and momentum of the train... and whatever's left has to be applied against the coefficient of friction connecting the train to the tracks plus the physical blockage of trying to move the weight of the train across the edge of the entire rail... train shocks are going to absorb a lot and make the carriage sway instead of flip sideways... and the distribution of force from the bowling ball is going to have an effective limit depending on what it hits - a reinforced steal frame member versus a window or sheet metal, the latter just making a hole the size of the ball, the former perhaps exceeding the integrity of the bowling ball itself and shattering it... all in all, holding up a thumb and squinting, I'd say... no.

[Duke C.]

According to wiki the individual axle rating on an amtrak locomotive is 72,000 lbs., and I think it's safe to assume that the loco windshields have bulletproofing.

So neither the windshield nor the bowling ball would shatter, but bounce off after causing considerable damage to the windshield.
Just playing devil's advocate.

[cripplecreek]

Train physics, Its all about the go-mentum.

[Paladin2]

Steal frames would seem to be a ‘hood thang.