Derailment Colorado Springs, and the La Junta Derrick.. October 6th, 1982 Part 2. in Tales of the Jointed Track

We are leaving Pueblo. The La Junta Derrick Crew is a rag tag group of Section men who sign up for emergency work. They get paid a little more, and have to be derrick qualified, to operate the crane. Some are with the derrick, in all capacities, one is the “cook” for the Section men and the derrick crew. We are also are included to dine with them as well.

The train consisted of a GP-38AC and a GP 20 for the locomotive consist, two boxcars, that had various material, 6 panel track cars, a generator car, that provided electricity to the diner car. Their diner car and a tank car that was filled prior leaving La Junta.( We filled the tank that was in the Diner car at Pueblo.) A Block and Tackle and boom extension flat, with a burro crane on it. Then the La Junta Derrick and its boom idler flat a Gondola as a buffer, then the Caboose. Sixteen cars all told and away we went. The Foreman for the Derrick rode with the Derrick operator, to insure the boom and derrick was riding properly. He said do 25 mph and lets get a feel for the track, leaving Pueblo. We were instructed to raise speed to 35 mph till be got to Bragdon Crossovers, then 10 mph through those. On the northbound track (Rio Grande owned) still was jointed rail in certain locations. Again the 25 mph was given, until they were satisfied that the boom was riding okay. We were allowed 35 mph, till the Fountain River bridge. It was a girder braced type, with the bracing above the track, We were instructed 5 mph through that as the section walked the Derrick through. We arrived in the Springs 3 hours later.

Old Santa Fe Derrick based in Amarillo, TX..seen better days but gives you an idea

Derrick boom car

Santa Ge GP-20

Santa Fe GP-38

We switched the Derrick to lead the train, followed by the Flats and Boxcars. The Gon and Generator car were next, followed by the Diner car. The panels were next, then the Power and the caboose. We would spot the Derrick up to the work site, and tie it down, and cut away with the panel track cars.

We called the Rock island Rail Road as well, at CTC Bijou. They were also blocked with the derailment. This track was their branch line from Limon, CO to Colorado Springs. Although lightly traveled, the came in once or twice a week, during this time. It paralleled the Rio Grande main and siding. We got the Rock Island’s DS, authority to shove the panel cars as far as we could, the burro crane will assist in unloading.

We’re back on the train, I call Kent. “Kent I’m on the Unitah Street Bridge, I need some chew, are we moving anymore?” “No, not for another hour”. “Okay 7-11 is right here, I’ll call ya back”. “Okay”. I grab my chew, and a cup of coffee (LOL I didn’t know the diner had 3 big urns brewing for the section ect).

I climb back in the cab, tell Kent I am back. Not more than a minute later, the door opens. It’s Ron. No really, and well… “I said how did you get here?” “I caught a ride with the Dead Head crews. they dropped me off at 7-11 because they had to detour on Nevada Ave due to the derailment?” I told him he was bold to show up, but to lay low, CAUSE everybody is here. He said he would and wandered up to find Kent. Kent gave him an earful as well.

Someone asked him if got an ass eat’in from me or Kent. he said “Yeah I did and old Shoe laid into me. But to be honest I deserved it!!”.

They were making two 20 pound roasts for sandwiches and meals. They also had three hams for breakfast, and getting potatoes ready for a 500 am rotating feeding. We were called in for fresh coffee, and a break. About 930 am our relief crew showed up. We were taken to Denver and tied up. The Colorado Flames minor league hockey team had the home opener that evening. I grabbed a nap, checked with the caller. Still 17 times out. I would get called two days later.

We found out that there was a broken wheel on on of the cars, that were placed in the train and not on the wheel. It also was to go to the rip track for wheel change out. The FRA ripped into and fined the BN big time for that. The Denver management for the BN at Denver was under the microscope, and I think a few were let go. To add insult to injury, they had to foot the entire bill, for repairing of the mainline and siding on the Rio Grande and the portion of the Rock island’s branchline. The cost for the La Junta derrick and crew. The Santa Fe train and engine crews used to, during and from La Junta. They paid the Rio Grande’s cost for their section crews. The cost of removing and scrapping totaled rail cars, not under BN ownership. Then the cost of repairs to the northbound lane of I-25, where two grain hoppers decided to reside. Overall, cost ‘em about 5 to 6 million, for being stubborn and not researching those cars that were not supposed to be in 262’s fill.

Last updated April 13, 2015