Boiler explosion on N&W or Virginian freight 1930-1940's

[mchain]

I read a story on Trains some time ago and memory of the article is not clear.

What I do remember is that the train was entering/crossing a bridge, ran low on water, and the resulting explosion catapulted the boiler some 1/4 mile or more, killing the crew instantly.  It was a big engine, a y or a or virginian equivalent and the resulting pileup was down a ravine of some sorts. 

Could someone provide a link to this story?

Thanks.

steve

[locoi1sa]

Steve

 I do not know what article you are searching for. Here is a great site that has the ICC reports of railroad accidents from all roads. http://dotlibrary.specialcollection.net/

 Click on ICC historical railroad accident reports. Then select the year you want and search away. This is a great documented historical archive.

      Pete

[lonewoof]

Not exactly as you describe -- but this from the book "Scalded to Death by the Steam" : June 30, 1937, N&W, Train # 85, engine 2092, a 2-8-8-2. Its brakes failed coming onto the trestle, and it went 105 feet into the valley below. Boiler exploded and was thrown 893 feet, "Fragments flew more than a quarter of a mile".

 

/Lone

[lonewoof]

Not exactly as you describe -- but this from the book "Scalded to Death by the Steam" : June 30, 1937, Train # 85, engine 2092, a 2-8-8-2. Its brakes failed coming onto the trestle, and it went 105 feet into the valley below. Boiler exploded and was thrown 893 feet, "Fragments flew more than a quarter of a mile".

 

/Lone

[mchain]

That's exactly right.  The loco number I remember, and details are what I remember.  I just got the part wrong about the original cause of the accident, but that does not lessen the tragedy.

I remember it was in a Trains issue a while back, I just don't remember the month and year.  Mid-80's maybe?  Why I would think of that accident, I do not know, as I was not even born in 1937. 

Just wondering.

[Kootenay Central]

Thank You.