It's that thing where one day all the random elements line up in the same direction...
1) The running brake test was always performed with the Rheo brake operative. Seems like a dumb practice since it masks any shortcomings of the friction brake.
2) The Train Manager went walkabouts but left his wonky-tonky behind. Stuff happens, but he could have saved the day by dumping the brake pipe as soon as the driver discovered the problem
3) The pantograph dropped, shutting off the rheo brake
We all have rough days, but this certainly counts as a Bad Day at the office.
