Passenger Trains > Grand Canyon Locomotive off rails? Any more info on thi

Just saw the ticker on ch. 12 in Phoenix stating a Grand Canyon (diesel I presume) locomotive "slips" off rails. Anyone heard more on this?

Rob
Phoenix, AZ

http://scottsdalearizonanews.blogspot.com/2009/12/investigation-under-way-in-grand-canyon.html

Rob
Phoenix, AZ

http://azdailysun.com/articles/2009/12/15/news/local/20091215_local_209349.txt

Sounds like a build up of ice on a crossing derailed one truck of probably an F40. NYS&W wrecked two of its C430's due to ice clogged crossings. The 3004 and the 3002 both met their fate in separate roll over accidents and were later both scrapped.

stevelv Wrote:
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> Sounds like a build up of ice on a crossing
> derailed one truck of probably an F40. NYS&W
> wrecked two of its C430's due to ice clogged
> crossings. The 3004 and the 3002 both met their
> fate in separate roll over accidents and were
> later both scrapped.

Ice clogged crossings are a problem in NJ, too.

For many years, the first train east on the Pascack Valley line was led by a locomotive, even though the usual practice was to have a cab coach on the east end of the train. In those days, there was no weekend service, so ice could get a good plow, refreeze, etc cycle before Monday morning.

NJ Transit checks some of the more crucial crossings with maintainers, I understand.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/16/09 14:08 by Lackawanna484.

Icy crossings are the main reason Amtrak switched the Vermonter to two unit operation (vs.cab car) several years ago, thinking the heavier locomotives would have less chance of derailing.

Dave

Ice clogged crossings have been know to derail steam locomotives too. But in those days they had section gangs that usually checked for those kinds of things. I have a photo of steam loco derailed on a ice clogged crossing in Northern Indiana in the 30's. One would think that would be the domain of a Hy-Railer these days.