Re: Double heading down hill

Mike,
Your mentioning of the 483 wreck on Bocea Hill in 1958 reminded me that this topic came up at length awhile back on this board. I was fortunate some years ago to obtain the original letter that
Bob Shock (engineer on the 494 doubleheading with the 483) submitted to the company in regard to the accident. In it, Bob gives a detailed and concise account of the events as he viewed them from his seat. The letter has helped to clear up some misconceptions and erroneously placed "blame" concerning some details to those with whom I have shared it. In the interest of getting the facts known to those who may have interest, I will gladly forward a copy to anyone on the board if you wish to Email.
The practice of doubleheading downhill on the NG was a relatively common practice until the
time of this wreck. I've assumed that the subsequent restrictions came about because of deteriorating track due to deferred maintenance, rather than from a general operational problem under more favorable roadbed conditions. Reading Bob's account could suggest that the weight of two heavy locos bearing down on the soft roadbed at this accident site aggravated the problem and may have greatly contributed to the 483 being shoved over and ,sadly,into the ravine.
Just some thoughts on the subject.