Every time I learn of a derailment I’m reminded of Ayn Rand’s novel, “Atlas Shrugged”.
Good thing they were only going 8-10 mph when it happened!
I remember reading something online about the one time a Big Boy wrecked. It was going about 50-60 mph when a track worker mistakenly turned a switch ahead of the train, sending it into a siding. Going into the siding at that speed caused the loco to roll over. Engineer and fireman were killed, the head brakeman was trapped in the wreckage, severely burned, and died later.
I can’t even imagine being near something that big rolling over at speed, much less being onboard.
I remember Brent well; and of course the tornado, but I’m having a hard time picturing Renfrew. Was that the stop, just before the big wind, when we looked around an old station building?
Daktah John said:
I remember Brent well; and of course the tornado, but I’m having a hard time picturing Renfrew. Was that the stop, just before the big wind, when we looked around an old station building?
Yup!.
We had just left the station when we had to pull over and let the tornado pass.
Course we didn’t know it was a tornado at the time, but it was interesting watching…
Keith Chadwick said:
The accident of #4005 is detailed at:
http://www.forneymuseum.org/News_BigBoyWreck.html
-Keith.
Thanks for that, Sir. A sobering story indeed.
tac
Ottawa Valley GRS