[Paladin2]

"One wonders what would happen if the one engineer became ill while operating, or a sudden lurch caused him to fall and become incapable "

One answer would be to have more high tech communication between the engineer and the "dispatcher" so as to monitor the engineer's vital signs. Many trucks have broadcasting GPS devices so a fleet can be tracked in near real time on a map. It would seem that RRs could do the same. Put broadcasting Web cams in the cab and on the end-of-train device.

It also seems fairly straight forward to have a remote control available to the 'dispatcher to hit the "train" air brakes, throttle down the locomotives, and what ever else is electronically controllable. Even to the point of operating the trains in drone fashion.

[Peter Libra]

I appreciate your carefully worded answer to my rhetorical question about only having one operative. Old fashioned ideas of mine I guess. Sort of like the idea of anyone having a buddy at hand. Must be awful damn lonely for the single engineer.

Still, modern times are here. (chuckle)