No it isn’t April 1. Here’s what is known
http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/local/northwest/train-trestle-burning-outside-of-chama
Bummer… and during the peak tourist season too. I hope the damage is not too severe, and that they can repair it quickly.
Bummer…that certainly puts a damper on things!
However it is a steel bridge so the damage may be minimal. Looks like most of the ties are gone.
From the pictures on facebook it looks as if its just the ties that burnt. Hope its not to severe.
http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/local/northwest/train-trestle-burning-outside-of-chama
Oh man this is really a bummer. I was fortunate enough to ride the C&TSRR on opening day this year. I sure hope it can be repaired soon.
Dave
The main issue is whether the steel girders recieved any heat damage that could weaken its overall bearing capacity over the span, the ties and rails can be easily replaced, a heat warped main girder is another thing all together
Have a look at the evening fire pictures posted by Roger Hogan on the goat. this was a fully involved fire with no way to fight it. i do not know when the last time this bridge was redecked but it probally was comming due given the rapid progresion of the fire. ( i belive newer cresoted ties would take a long time to get going to this level) i would guess that a full structural analysis is in order for the entire structure, and given the lead time and preparations required for the new timbers ( they have to be fitted to there idividual locations as the top is not flat but made of laminated steel) that if the structure is still considered sound it will be late in the season before it is done. in the old days it would have been painted and redecked but with current regulations probally both the TSA and The FRA will need to give there blessing. i think this is the result of fireworks and not from the locomotive as they do not work the locomotives hard over this bridge, and that is when you can get fire out the stack. but it will never be proven.
I sure hope they can save that trestle. It’s never a good time for a trestle fire but this is the worst for Chama.
This is a serious bummer. A similar fire on the Poughkeepsie Bridge over the Hudson River closed the bridge to railroad traffic forever. I hope that’s not true here, but if it is I’m sure glad I got to cross it at least once.
Forty years ago the people of Chama, through shear tenacity and hard work, saved this railroad at a time when few thought it worth saving. I think that they will rise to the challenge again, except this time, there will be a lot more people who will want it saved. With the team of volunteers that this railroad has, I would hope that it is not a question of if, but more a matter of when.I live about 1700 miles from Chama and have had the pleasure of riding the train there 3 times. I certainly hope to be able to do it again.
Jon Radder said:Jon,
This is a serious bummer. A similar fire on the Poughkeepsie Bridge over the Hudson River closed the bridge to railroad traffic forever. I hope that's not true here, but if it is I'm sure glad I got to cross it at least once.
my recolection of the Poughkeepsie bridge was that the Penn Central was looking to close the route anyway, and this helped seal its fait.
Food for thought, the famous bridge at Georgetown Loop is a modern replacement, the original being scrapped decades ago, so this bridge CAN be replaced IF necessary, but it will require ALOT of organization, fundraising, and planning if necessary, but if the bridge MUST be replaced, they will have the opportunity to redress the long limiting fact that the existing bridge was already undersized for the loads its was asked to accomodate. Currently on double headers the lead engine has to be uncoupled, run over the bridge then wait for the rest of the train. Replacement may allow a span that could accomodate the load of double or even triple headed trains. It would be best from a cost and historical perspective if the existing bridge can be saved.
A recent press release from Chama states that the trestle should be replaced, after being inspected by an independent engineering firm.
The good news is that they have insurance. I heard there is a $50K deductible to raise, but they are working on that now.
Gents,
There is a similar thread on the MyLargeScale forum as well. Based on the last posts over there, it appears that the C&TSRR is having two engineering consultants evaluate the bridge span. As of the last information from Chama, I believe one has recommended a complete replacement.
As I have stated there, based on my background in engineering (not an engineer), it is probable that the span will need replaced. If as stated there the creosote ties burn at 2,000 degrees F., then there would most likely be appreciable damage to the top flange and upper portion of the web of the main girders. These might be able to be reinforced, but the cost may be higher than the replacement.
For those who don’t know me there, I signed on as ‘armorsmith’, an alias I have had for many years since playing online RPG’s. Here is a link for those interested http://www.mylargescale.com/Community/Forums/tabid/56/aff/4/aft/116247/afv/topic/Default.aspx.
Bob C.
Just ran across this video from the local news in Chama, NM
http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/business/steam-railroad-overcoming-bridge-fire
They say they are on schedule to open May 28. GREAT NEWS!!!
Bob C.
Lots of video of the work on the CTSRR website
That’s great news!