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Rail Reflexions Magazine

Issue 17, Winter 2001

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Figures

  • Figure 1 - Schematic showing sequence of events for tie renewal and follow-up surfacing gang
  • Figure 2 - Diagram shows track layout at the occurrence site. Point of impact was one mile past the point where train 45 accepted a restricting signal indication
  • Figure 3 - The split switch derail (arrow) was located at Mile 1.5 to prevent runaway cars on the 1% grade. The derail was unpopular with train crews because of its location

Photos

  • Photo 1 - The switch stand for the siding at Mile 225.8 had been struck by an unidentified vehicle. The collision uprooted the stand and dislodged the anchoring ties
  • Photo 2 - The proximity of the seat back hampered the removal of the emergency exit windows, which are designed to swing inward as though hinged at the top
  • Photo 3 - The size of the little metal handle on the emergency exit windows limits the force that can be applied to it. The handle also causes the windows to jam on the window frame
  • Photo 4 - The damaged switch caused the locomotive, the electrical power unit, and three of the four coaches to derail
  • Photo 5 - The collision knocked two tank cars containing a residue of caustic soda on their sides. Seven other tank cars containing a residue of caustic soda and two containing a residue of chlorine derailed but remained upright.
  • Photo 6 - The subject side frame with the outer pedestal leg missing (arrow), as found by the investigator
  • Photo 7 - The fracture surface as found. The small shiny areas (arrow) and the light orange colour indicate that the fracture is relatively fresh
  • Photo 8 - A casting defect observed in the radius between the pedestal roof and the outer pedestal jaw
  • Photo 9 - The casting defect after some exploratory work with a die grinder exposing a possible crack (arrow)
  • Photo 10 - The subgrade was soft, with water standing on both sides of the track. The derailment occurred on a section of continuous welded rail with newly installed ties. The jointed rail shown in the photo is a component of the track panels, laid subsequent to the derailment
  • Photo 11 - Broken ties, a broken rail, and part of a wheel set lie on the shoulder of the track
  • Photo 12 - Meeting in the Dark
  • Photo 13 - Switch
  • Photo 14 - Lead locomotive of train 45 plowed into the rear of train 475, resulting in substantial equipment damage. Both trains were handling loaded iron ore cars.
  • Photo 15 - Approaching the point of impact from the north, there is a three degree curve to the left and a slight ascending grade of 0.2 per cent. Sight lines were limited by forest and track curvature
  • Photo 16 - Control stand in the locomotive engineer's operating compartment of a QNS&L locomotive
  • Photo 17 - Tanks cars on the loose
Date Modified: 2007-11-14
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