| At the beginning evidence was collected |
The electric loco is a Duplo model that operates on
3V DC battery power. At the bottom there are two contacts which are operated by
devices mounted between the rails, similar to Belgian crocodiles. If the right button (as
seen from top into forward direction, the upper left one in
this picture) is depressed, the loco moves forward; if the other
one is operated, the loco reverses. In case the loco is already moving in the said direction,
no change is induced.
When both buttons are pressed simultaneously, the loco stops.
In either case an audible signal informs the driver that a crocodile was passed.
Another
button is located on the loco's roof, enabling to stop or start the loco in forward
direction.
|
|
| The push loco is driven by external power, usually the
driver (hence the name push loco). |
 |
| A picture of the crocodiles.
The device at the right allows only movements in the direction given by
the arrow. It is not clear yet whether the arrow is itself a proper signal (as signals
are usually not placed between the rails) or if an Sh 0 or Sh 2
signal would have to be used additionally. However, this was not evaluated, as it would
have had no consequences on the investigation results. The
left device is adjustable and can move to the right, the left or the centre,
signalling forward, reverse, or stop to an electric loco. |
 |
| Concerning the signals at this installation, special signals
were used. Both the semaphore and the Hp colour light signals are made of painted cardboard.
In case the signal needs to show another aspect, the entire signal device is
removed and replaced by another one. Here you see an Hp distant signal showing aspect Vr 1: expect clear, below the distant
signal post plate. |
 |
Conclusion
The investigation revealed that the installation had a fundamental design flaw.
The signals were working fine and showing the appropriate aspects. However, only one
signal (the semaphore that was later overrun by the Dwarfington Southbound) was protected
by a crocodile. This crocodile was appropriately placed in the stop position. The other
crocodile that should have protected the colour light signal was used instead for
protecting the level crossing, and the third one that should have been available was lost
and could not be found at the time of constructing the tracks.
The flaw was, that the signal protected by stop crocodile no. 1 was travelled by a
push loco, which by design is not influenced by a crocodile (as neither the push
loco nor (unfortunately) its driver have a stop button). So the push loco was pushed
beyond the crocodile and its signal, thus causing this accident.
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| The driver (to the right in the picture) was thus found
guilty, however to his favour it was judged that his attention at the time of the accident
was completely seized by Ernie and Bert. After he served his prison term (see picture) the
demolition team (to the left) was called to destroy the faulty installation, which was
achieved by crawling across the rails, throwing Lego and Duplo bricks, and chewing on the
cardboard signals. |
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