Missed an anniversary - Feb. 10.

Feb 10, 1960 - Engines 498 and 497 derailed on an ice covered curve at MP 326.5 west of Los Pinos. 498 went over and 497 followed it. The train rolled by the two engines and piled up in the gully ahead of them. 498's pilot plow still exists in the trees at the location, along with the remains of smashed freight cars, piles of coal, etc.
498 was run by Benny Hindelang, fired by Johnny Lira. 497 was run by Emil Madorin and fired by Eldon Morgan. Luckily no one got hurt. Benny did get trapped in the 498's cab by snow and had to be dug out.
497's fireman was kind enough to remind me of this day 43 years ago.
Let's Be Safe Out There.