Re: photos from Erik Nelson

Today (Saturday, August 21), the Eureka discovered a section of the Durango balloon track that was wider than 36". Apparently, the pilot wheel(s) dropped between the rails -- I'm not exactly sure what happened because I only saw it after it had been rerailed.
This derailment delayed the Eureka's departure to Silverton by about 2 hours, but the Eureka was apparently unharmed. The derailment actually turned out to be a good thing for passengers since it meant that the Silverton-bound Eureka had to meet the other Durango-bound trains at (I think) Elk Park. First came the two regular service trains, then came the Presidential Special (4 red cars pulled by #478), then a motorcar parade and, finally, the Goose.
Between trains, Dan gave a presentation about the restoration. I think he said that this was only the 2nd time the Eureka had derailed since they'd restored it.
I'd post pictures, but I'm still using film.
--
Chris Webster
[www.speakeasy.org]