This might be an inappropriate question, and I apologise if so, but why has the pilot not been named yet?  Is there a problem with the process of notification etc?

There are most likely two reasons

1) the next of kin still have not been fully informed, for example some maybe travelling.

2) the next of kin have asked for her details not to be released, which you have to respect as I wouldn't for my family.

To be honest, I don't see a reason why the details have to released at all and if they don't so be it.

A Train Authority was/is the authority to enter the section Donnybrook - Kilmore East, not the accompanying qualified worker (commonly referred to as being a pilot in this instance). What you have described is more for single line working where the pilot can authorize a driver passed a signal at stop to enter a section. A 'pilot' (a human staff) and someone 'piloting' (guiding) a train are different.

Hi Jakar,

From my (very limited) safe working training I would have thought that this was the type of situation where the pilotman or human staff was requried. Single line working on the SG (with passing loops) and signals not working? The training I have is for heritage work so deals with semaphore stuff but I thought the theory was pretty much the same?

I thought this section was 2 x BG and 1 x SG line or am i mistaken?

BG

Railway terminology can be a bit misleading at first glance sometimes. In Vic atleast, single line working is only applicable to double line systems (double line block + ABS), and is described as working the traffic of a double line over a single line during repairs or obstructions. In simple terms it means UP trains are run via the DOWN line or vice versa. This is the only time an actual pilot with an arm band and paper work etc can direct a driver to pass a signal at stop to enter the section.

So despite its name single line working is not applicable to systems such as CTC, ATC, track block etc that have a single track, because of that single line working is applicable to the BG at Wallan but not the SG. Caution orders / system caution orders and train authorities are provided to run trains over these other systems when required depending on the circumstances.

This just aired a short time ago. I am not going to comment about the accident itself, except to say that the footage of another train going over the same stretch of track prior to the accident graphically shows the track's condition.

My question is: How can Australia ever hope to have fast passenger rail? I am sure this is not an isolated example of poor track conditions.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iF5nQOi2ic

This just aired a short time ago. I am not going to comment about the accident itself, except to say that the footage of another train going over the same stretch of track prior to the accident graphically shows the track's condition.

My question is: How can Australia ever hope to have fast passenger rail? I am sure this is not an isolated example of poor track conditions.

I am happy to be corrected on this, but the clip in the video appears to be between Seymour and Albury.

This just aired a short time ago. I am not going to comment about the accident itself, except to say that the footage of another train going over the same stretch of track prior to the accident graphically shows the track's condition.

My question is: How can Australia ever hope to have fast passenger rail? I am sure this is not an isolated example of poor track conditions.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iF5nQOi2ic

I am happy to be corrected on this, but the clip in the video appears to be between Seymour and Albury.

I am happy to be corrected on this, but the clip in the video appears to be between Seymour and Albury.

PN are running Melbourne - Brisbane trains via Adelaide.

An Age article suggested that the driver mightn't have been informed that the train was diverted via the "15 km/h loop".  Does this mean that the point leading to the loop has a diverging speed of 15 km/h?  I thought such points are only good for trams or inside train stabling and maintenance facilities.

The video released today in the media shows just how bad the track is for trains. It is shocking actually and Vline service just as bad.

Why is John Holland do I tying to get work on the line when they have done such a poor job thus far ?

........
Just finished watching the video which appears to have been taken from an XPT cab and does cover the Wallan area.  The track is shocking.

The reason people are referring to the track conditions post this event is simply because the track (main) was out of service by accounts and that was due to the condition of the track.

An Age article suggested that the driver mightn't have been informed that the train was diverted via the "15 km/h loop".  Does this mean that the point leading to the loop has a diverging speed of 15 km/h?  I thought such points are only good for trams or inside train stabling and maintenance facilities.

I am wondering if the signals were working to show the aspect for the lower speed for the loop?  

if the driver did not know did the pilot?  Had they been informed?

........
Just finished watching the video which appears to have been taken from an XPT cab and does cover the Wallan area.  The track is shocking.

The reason people are referring to the track conditions post this event is simply because the track (main) was out of service by accounts and that was due to the condition of the track.
I don't think this is accurate, the video I saw was in NE Vic at Bowser, which is approx 200km away from Wallan.

Also, from reports the main was not out of service at all, trains had been traversing the section the days leading up to and including the day of the derailment.