Tuesday afternoon we experienced some very heavy downpours and the last two trains out of Silverton were caught behind two slides somewhat past Elk Park. The first two trains were were ahead of the slides and returned safely to Durango. The third train with 486 and the fourth train with 480 had to back into Silverton. Railroad buses and buses from Mild to Wild rafting were pressed into service to take the stranded passengers back to Durango. Both trains are spending the night on 12th Street. The 486 was low on water and the tender was filled from the hydrant at the depot. Crews were relieved and 2 night hostlers were brought up from Durango. The 480 had a dirty fire box and ran light to the ash pit on the wye to clean the fire box, then returned to the cars on 12th Street. Last word I had was that all trains are cancelled for Wednesday.
The Hotshot diesel and a flat car with Pete Maisal's trackhoe was dispatched from Silverton to start work on the slides around 6 pm. I assume a similar effort was taking place from Durango and Rockwood from the southern end of the line. These slides are reported to be quite substantial and the two trains may be in Silverton for more than a day. The hostlers were speculating that the fires in the two engines may have to be dropped because there won't be enough coal to keep the engines hot for too long. No injuries, no damage to engines, so just a big mess to clean up. We have had monsoon type rains for the past several days and it is supposed to continue until the weekend. No photos yet, but maybe some Wednesday.
Fritz
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/03/2011 04:18AM by Fritz Klinke.
