Re: Runaways on Cumbres as Well as Other Places

Jerry Day Wrote:
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> There were a number of runaways, but not as many
> as you would think. D&RGW was safety conscious.


Brian, remember that there was a Car Inspector who lived at Cumbres (I'm not sure when the position was abolished, but the Car Inspector's house has been restored by the Friends). One of his duties was to assist the crew in making an inspection of the train.

"5-A. On westward trains at Cumbres . . . members of the train crew must look over or assist in looking over the air brakes, as well as the general condition of the train.

Particular attention must be devoted to all rods and brake connections, brake shoes and levers, key bolts and split keys, and to all draft gear.

When cars are picked up, set out, or locomotive detached for any reason at Fir or Cumbres, air brake test will be made as prescribed by Rule 9-C, Rules and Regulations Governing Operation of Air Brakes."

"5-F. In handling of freight trains down Cumbres, not more than one (1) car having non-air or inoperative brakes will be permitted to descend in solid ore, coal or steel trains, nor more than two (2) cars having non-air or inoperative brakes in other freight trains or mixed trains.

At all times the number of operative air brakes in a train must not be less than 85% of the total number of cars in the train."

The above rules are aimed at keeping trains from starting that may not be able to stop. After that, the engineer has to make sure he doesn't waste his air.