Charlie:

Didn't need a time machine. Was lucky enough to spend hours and hours talking to a number of D&RGW old timers including Clarence Russell. Following is one of my questions and his response.

Question:
Do you know anything about the accident at Pitkin with the D&RGW Snow Spreader OV?

Answer:
That comes pretty close to home to me, as I was the fireman on the engine behind the spreader when he was killed and saw the whole play. How it happened was somewhat like this. Thornell lined the switch for us off the main track onto the east leg of the wye. Then he walked up to the other switch and lined it for us and gave a backup sign and stood there holding onto the rod that held the target. When we backed up the spreader wing hit the switch stand and knocked it onto the brakeman. The rod holding the target hit Thornell in the head and shoulders. I am sure the target was what did the damage to his head. I helped pick him up and he was rushed to the Salida hospital and died on the way.