Passenger Trains > SW Chief derailment postmortem

Approx. 710pm on 11JUN2007, SW Chief, Train 3(11) with AMTK 170 and 159 was operating through crossover from siding to Track 1 to Track 2 at West Fort Madison, when both units and lead truck of Baggage 1252 derailed. No injuries to any of the 248 passengers, but engineer was treated for "duress" by medics. All equipment in line and upright, HEP remained in operation.

AMTK 170 had leaking battery acid and underbody parts were hanging loose. Hazardous material leakage was contained by fire department.

Bustitution to Kansas City was arranged; when buses arrived a BNSF unit pulled rear eight cars to Ft. Madison station to transfer passengers. Passengers were accommodated in hotel at Kansas City.

Train 4(10) terminated short at Kansas City with onward bustitution, equipment turning to represent Train 3(11) with an estimated departure time from Kansas City at 1200 on 12JUN to allow the passengers rest time (they arrived at hotel at 400am).

Complimentary snack packs, snacks and beverages were provided to passengers at Fort Madison, and a grand time was had by all who were still awake. :-) Passengers were to be provided breakfast at the hotel in Kansas City.

Non-derailed equipment is to be deadheaded to Chicago on 12JUN2007 using a BNSF unit.

Derailed equipment was re-railed at 235am on 12JUN2007. Track #1 estimated reopening was 400am; Track #2 at 800am.

Damage estimates:

AMTK 170: $150,000
AMTK 159: $100,000
Baggage 1252: $15,000

They shoulda stole the Mule/Rutledge set of equipment and put everyone from 4 on it for Chi, done it before. MO Pax are so used to bustituition now anyway!

Oh well, at least the "precious" Sleepers and Diners were not affected.

P-42's? "dime a dozen"

But what really counts is that no one was hurt, even though I'm sure the Conductor and Engineer will be hauled in for a "fair and impartial hearing".

Looks like A3 just hit Argentine at 13:20...will be a nice daylight trip across Kansas.

Milw_E70 Wrote:
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> Looks like A3 just hit Argentine at 13:20...will
> be a nice daylight trip across Kansas.


Tomorrow

#1 could get to LA before #3 (I know its still early on the UP)

#2 could be past Colton before #3

#4 could be past Colton before #3

Went through Bellmont around 12:30 today. Flagstaff times was 12:00 PM and 12:11!

And yesterdays A3 is now just reaching KCUS...yet another good daylight trip across rainy, cloudy Kansas today.

"A grand time was had by all" is the new "state of good repair." LOL