Re: Another Chili Line Where is It?

Bob,
You are very close, but this photo was taken a short distance north of the big trestle north of Buckman. The significance of this spot is that it is the site of what was probably the last major wreck or derailment on the Chili Line. In December 1940, locomotive 471 was powering train 426 when it derailed on a soft spot and rolled onto its side.
This is the wreck site. My present day photo was taken from the grade where the hi-side gon is pictured looking towards where 471 lay on its side. The darker patch in the photo is semi-buried coal that spilled out of 471’s tender.
A trivial detail— After a couple of days work, 471 was righted and hauled back to the Alamosa shop for repairs. Among other things, it received a new cab which had the electrical conduit mounted outside cab, making it somewhat unique among the K-28’s.
The wreck location was pinpointed by Ernie Robart and Rob Fine, shortly before Ernie’s passing. A very interesting site but difficult to access.
Bill M.