Troop Train

[dehusman]

The Reading Company Technical and Historical society had an article in their latest magazine on the wreck of an empty troop train at Wernersville, PA in 1942.  I thought the group would be interested in the consist because every so often there is a question about a troop train.

The engine was a M1-sa 2-8-2, 1700.  This class still had 61.5" drivers and so they got troop trains a lot.  In the derailment the tender cistern was knocked off the frame.

The cars were:
PRR2990        Express car (one of the Walthers express reefers)
NYC1428        Coach
NYC1347        Coach
PRR8450        Express car (baggage car)
C&O685         Coach
SAL580          Coach
PY&A7790      Coach
ACL986          Coach
PRR3662        Coach
PRR9158        Coach
PRR1389        Coach
PRR1765        Coach
SAL579          Coach

In an operating note, the train ran from Phillie to Ft. Indiantown Gap.  The engine ran around the train and pulled it backwards from Indiantown Gap to Lebanon, changed lines and then from Lebanon to Robesonia, a total distance of about 35 miles, where the engine were wyed.  It traveled from Robesonia on to the site of the wreck facing forward.

The cause of the wreck was improperly tamped ties.

Dave H.

[7j43k]

Noting the obvious, not every troop train was a SLEEPER troop train.  

 

Ed