Steam & Excursion > There's always that odd relative-Frisco 4208

On Feb 16,1939 there was a disastrous head on collision in Quincy, MS.
Train 107 with 9 cars was headed by 4-8-2 #1520 and was traveling at 45-50MPH and ran head on into train #238 with 4208 and 48 cars which was standing still.  3 people and 38 people injured.  The impact drove 4208 and her 48 cars back 120'!
The ICC account can be found at:  http://dotlibrary.specialcollection.net.atmrc.net/Document?db=DOT-RAILROAD&query=(select+2401)
Both engines suffered serious damage, but both were put through the Springfield shop and rebuilt.  1520 was rebuilt and a new all welded tender was assigned.
4208 was rebuilt and emerged as the only 4200 class with Walschaerts valve gear.  Both engines served until the end of steam.
When we were active with 1522, I photoshopped 1522's number on the sand dome of the first photo and surprised the hell out of the boys before I sprung the truth on them.
 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/02/23 15:29 by Frisco1522.

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4208 after her makeover by the craftsman in the W. Springfield MO shops.

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You got me on that one Don, I never realized 4208 wound up with Walschaert valve gear.

Gordon

Those 4200's were some hefty looking units. Hard to imagine the weight and forces involved in a collision like that... 

They were the world's largest Mikados until the Great  Northern O-8 came along.
Wow, if I put one over on Gordon I'll mark the  calendar.

Were 3 people killed in the wreck and 38 injured? (You didn't put in the descriptive word after "people".)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/02/23 17:08 by patd3985.

3 people killed, engineer and a porter on train 107 the passenger train. Plus a tresspasser.  The report does not say anything about the tressoasser.  But I find that interesting.  The report also states that there were problems with tresspssers turning angle cocks.  I wonder if the tresspasser was a hobo?

The report is fascinating reading and a great glimpse into railroading of 1939.  The wreck was caused by freight train 238 engine 4208 failure to go into the siding and stay there.  The engineer misread the order as did the fireman.  But they read the order by glow of the firebox.  The conductor on the caboose recognized missing the meet and opened the brake valve on the caboose but somebody (tresspasser?) closed the angle cock 6 cars forward.  A good read if you have the time.