B Einstein's Train: Light Travel Time Explained

[David Lewis]

TL;DR Summary

Einstein's Train -- M' will see B before A whether the events are simultaneous in Train frame or Embankment frame.

https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/269029
Lightning strikes A and B simultaneously in the Embankment frame.
M' sees the flash at B before the one at A.
But if the flashes are simultaneous in the Train frame, does M' still see B before A?

 

[Janus]

If the events are simultaneous in the train frame, then M' sees the events simultaneously(the light from the events reach him at the same time) and M doesn't.

 

[Dale]

Summary:: Einstein's Train -- M' will see B before A whether the events are simultaneous in Train frame or Embankment frame.

But if the flashes are simultaneous in the Train frame, does M' still see B before A?

No. Why would they?

 

[Nugatory]

To answer the question in the title ("Does Einstein's train account for light travel time?"):
Yes. The entire argument is based on considering the consequences of light travel time between the strikes and the observers' eyes.

 

[David Lewis]

If the flashes are simultaneous in the Train frame, does M' see B before A?

No. Why would they?

Because when the light reaches M', he will be closer to B than to A.
I forgot, however, that when an observer sees two equidistant events happen at the same time then they are simultaneous in his frame.