[Rio]

Wouldn't be difficult for badguys to fabricate these things.

[mazda77]

But not to steal one, especially near an industrial area meant to keep loose cars from rolling onto the spur line. I see lots of them and they are not very well maintained.

[Rio]

Here’s a link to a good AP photo of the curve just before the site of derailment.
No unusual objects. But it is a pretty good curve.

http://image.oregonlive.com/home/olive-media/width960/img/pacific-northwest-news/photo/train-derailment-washington-state-3b33cddd4df2eb8e.jpg

[NoCmpromiz]

Easy to fabricate. And you can bet they wouldn’t paint it yellow. Or hang the blue MOW flag on it..