Good news: It was a normal day in
Sharon Springs, KS when a Union Pacific crew boarded a
loaded coal train to head on the long trek back to Salina.
Bad news: Just a few miles into the
trip a wheel bearing becomes overheated and melts off
letting the truck support drop down and grind on top of
the rail creating white hot molten metal droppings to spew
downward on the rail.
Good news: A very alert crew
noticed a small amount of smoke about halfway back in the
train and immediately stopped the train in compliance
with the rules.
Bad news: The train just
happened to stop with the hot wheels on top of a wooden
bridge built with creosote ties and trusses.
Special thanks to Ben for sending me this
gem... |