While I was still working for the Grande, I had occasion to run across a few people who were familiar with Salida and the 485. One of whom actually was working there at the time.
If my recollection is correct, it goes something like this:
The engine was just out of class repairs.
Don't believe it turned any revenue miles.
The engine had been moved either from the shop thru the 'house and was sitting between the 'house and the TT.
The little Italian hoslter stopped the engine and got off.
Story goes that the engine walked into the pit going over the table which was not aligned with the track the 485 was on.
Engine was left in foward gear but unknown how much.
The drifting throttle was left open. (How much?)
The little hostler was running around saying she justa moved on her own (or words to that effect).
The General Foreman (forgot his name) was jumping up and down saying she was his best engine, just out of the shop. (Boy, now thats a statement heard before!)
Was the brake set? Apparently not, or maybe cut out and not checked before moving out of the shop.
Was the gear centered? Apparently not.
Were any chocks, (wood or chain) put under the wheels? Apparently not, or perhaps the engine rolled over it or them.
Don't know if anyone 'served time' over that deal or what they told Denver.
Believe there was cylinder & boiler damage.
I think a picture of the engine after removal from the pit sitting next to the 'house shows a broken cylinder casting at the top front of the valve chamber. Believe the steam dome was also damaged. Don't hold me to this however, it only been about 20 years since this was last discussed.
Just some more 'cannon foder'.
Later, Chris