On the evening of October 10, 2013, southbound CSX stack train Q156 experienced air issues after stopping on the main track at CP 43 in Fort Montgomery, NY. Southbound L004, following behind, would pick up Q156's conductor, who from what we deduced found nothing wrong with the train as he walked back, as it proceeded south on the siding track. Once the conductor was back in the cab, Q156 proceeded south. After moving as far as the Popolopen Creek trestle, the train experienced a wheel slip alarm involving the fifth traction motor on the second unit, AC6000 #5006. The conductor proceeded to call the mechanical department, who instructed him to walk down to the unit and watch the axle as the engineer moved the train forward. Upon doing so, he discovered the entire axle was not moving at all, but merely sliding across the railhead. By now, another southbound, K682, was moving into the siding behind L004. The NI dispatcher, after being informed by Q156's crew of the issue, instructed the conductor of K682 to walk down the main track until he was in view of the rear of Q156. He would then proceed to climb aboard the last car and protect the rear of the train while the engineer backed the train a half mile north to clear the single track.
The following morning, RJ Corman derailment service crews arrived on the scene to change out the fifth traction motor on the offending unit, CSX 5006. In this view, crews have braced each side of the unit in order to extricate the offending traction motor, which at this point is almost complete. The dummy axle, seen on the far right, will be rolled underneath momentarily. This was truly a sight to see!
Photo albums dedicated to the Men, and Women that keep the Railroad running around the clock 365 days a year. From Dispatcher to Track Gangs, these are the people that make the railroad moves!
A tribute of appreciation to the workers who maintain the track, keeping our railways in shape regardless of weather and danger, and keeping them running effeciently.
