Broken Rail Aequia on the northbound mainline, 1979 in Tales of the Jointed Track

We are coming into Acequia Siding on the northbound main line, with a coal empty. The crew was Bob Morley Conductor, Charlie Westfall, rear brakeman and Jimmy Cross was the head brakeman. I was the engineer. A yellow signal, glowed just north of Louviers. Acequia was Red. A stop was made and per rule the block was flagged. “ABS 720.9 Red, flagging the block” “Releasing and rolling”.

an example of a searchlight style block signal. This shows two, due to a
single track main line. The block we stopped at was on double track, so there
would be one to the right of the track.

The rule on a Stop and proceed is. The signal must have a number plate. Since we were on Double Track ABS 251 Territory, we proceed at restricted speed. The Restricted Speed rules states what? Proceed prepared to stop short Train, obstruction, and switch not properly lined, or men and equipment. Not to exceed 20 mph. Now, does that mean you can do 20 mph, yes, but what about line of sight, curves, etc. We eased in, and there were reverse curves about a mile down over the High Line canal. The track at this time was jointed rail. The rail ends were bolted together with angle bars. The signal maintainer would place a bond wire to make sure continuity, of the signal system. The engines and rail cars will shunt the block. We negotiated the curves and the next signal was clear ( green ) at MP 722.1. I was just going to announce the fact, when I was told to stop.

Seems about 25 cars lengths above the signal we stopped at, was a broken rail. When the head end went over we never felt a break. An angle bar had broken on the inside of the rail. As we flagged in, the rhythm of the cars caused a flexing motion, concentrating the force on the rail ends. This broke off a chunk, and now making a commotion. The cars pounded over, and the caboose was stopped, about 3 cars from the break.

The Operator at Rice yard was called and the problem reported. The Train Dispatcher was contacted, and since no trains were over Palmer Lake, we were allowed to proceed. The instruction was given to leave a red flag, at the break. The Sedalia section was called to inspect and make the repairs.

Last updated November 18, 2015