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UP Runaway - Cima Sub - Kelso, CA

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  • Member since
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Posted by Overmod on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 11:15 AM

Be sure to watch the video.  There is no evidence of heavy brake application on the locomotive -- I'd have expected at least blued wheels as in some of the other grade-related accidents.

Strange that iron ore would be moving in aluminum hoppers.  NOT saying that any 'fire' would be associated with that combination.

Will be interesting to find out where the crew left the cab.

Judging by the state of the tank on the lead locomotive, much of the 'fire' might have been diesel fuel assisted -- and the 'small leak' left for hazmat crews to clean up might represent whatever residual fuel remained in the broken tank.

  • Member since
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  • From: Henrico, VA
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Posted by Flintlock76 on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 11:01 AM

CSSHEGEWISCH

The so-called "charred" metal really isn't.  A lot of it seems to be bare or rusted metal.  Whoever was the writer isn't aware of the kinetic energy involved in a runaway on a steep grade.

 

Thanks!

  • Member since
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  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 10:23 AM

The so-called "charred" metal really isn't.  A lot of it seems to be bare or rusted metal.  Whoever was the writer isn't aware of the kinetic energy involved in a runaway on a steep grade.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
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Posted by diningcar on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 10:01 AM

ns145- Indeed 2.2% grade would be an issue; but that info was not available and I used the visual depictions provided

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Posted by ns145 on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 9:38 AM

diningcar

It appears the curvature is moderate - 2 degrees or less. Grade does not seem to be a factor either. 

 

Indifferent 2.2% grade not a factor?  Most definitely it was.  Cima Hill has a history of runaways.

https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/RAR9801.pdf

 

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Posted by diningcar on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 9:21 AM

It appears the curvature is moderate - 2 degrees or less. Grade does not seem to be a factor either. 

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 9:18 AM

Reading467
Rhetorical Q:  How does metal get 'charred' if there was no fire, only a small fuel leak from the locos?  

That's what I can't figure out, how does iron ore catch fire?  Those pictures though, what a mess! 

  • Member since
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Posted by Reading467 on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 7:48 AM

From the article, last sentence: "No fires or injuries were reported related to the incident, and fire officials say there is no current threat to the public or the environment." 

But yet the photo captions state:  "Aerial photos show heaps of charred, mangled metal from the train derailment. March 27, 2023 (Viewer photo)" 

Rhetorical Q:  How does metal get 'charred' if there was no fire, only a small fuel leak from the locos?  

 

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UP Runaway - Cima Sub - Kelso, CA
Posted by rdamon on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 7:05 AM

Pulling this out of the Chatterbox

 

MikeF90
Surprised no one has mentioned the massive derailment near Kelso CA on the UP Cima sub. By estimation the long iron ore train was going WAY over max track speed and wound up as a crumpled wreck: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/hazmat-crews-respond-to-train-derailment-near-baker/amp/ Amazing the crew jumped and survived.

 

https://ktla.com/news/local-news/hazmat-crews-respond-to-train-derailment-near-baker/amp/

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