[UCANSEE2]

OK. But with the scenario you are discussing, that means the commuter train passed the ‘switch’ that would have routed it onto the siding.

Since the engineer doesn’t have a steering wheel, how was he able to pass straight through that switch?

Is it because the commuter was on a separate track that merged with the main track? If so, I could see running that red light causing the problem.

If not, the commuter had to get to the siding, as a normal routine. It’s not like the commuter could back up fast enough to do any good.

[engrpat]

Here is a photo of a switch and you will see that it will take a train from the main to the siding in one direction only. The UP train was, for this photo, was moving from the bottom toward the top with the commute moving from the top of the photo to the bottom. As you can see the commute could easily pass over the switch regardless of which way it is lined.

Switches, out of necessity are easily moved from one position to another it isn't like the commute would have derailed by going through it. A engineer can run through a misaligned switch and not even know it.