A couple weeks ago there was a thread about DPU’s. I had this forwarded to me from someone from my MRR club. I am not sure where or when this took place.
I’ll bit a repair crew was johnny on the spot to fix that fubar. Talk about a jolt when run over by the next train.
EDIT: I wonder how hard it was to get the Loco out of them?
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Wow. I’m surprised there was no fire damage. that had to have resulted in a lot of heat and sparks.
I’m betting the loco is going to need some new wheels and axles too.
By looking at the pile of shavings and the lack of discoloration on the rail I don’t think there was that much heat. Mind you I would not have wanted to touch that part of the rail when it was finaly discovered as it surely would have been a few hundred degrees. When two metals slide against one another with enough force (weight) and no lubrication, galling will occur. This is basicaly the transfering of materials between surfaces which roughens and distorts the surfaces. At some point the material fatigues and tears off. If there was grinding there would be a pile of fine burnt steel “dust” on the ground.
I recall seeing these pictures or some similar to them about 5 or 6 years ago. There was a short explanation and from what I remember the crew that this happened to did not even know it happened. The next train that came thru found it. That had to be somewhat of an interesting series of comments in the cab when they rounded the bend. I’m willing to bet the first of two words said was "Oh- "
I was looking for these photos a couple months ago! Pity I can’t remember what for now…
I wonder if it takes much time for it to wear down like that or if it is a quick process.
I have been searching using Yahoo and Google and came up with one other forum that had the same photos but no links that would say where it happened.
One person said this happens sometime with mid helper loco.
Rich
I remember seeing shots like that somewhere on a forum. The explanation was some kids broke in, started the loco, and left the handbrake on or something like that.
What I find intriguing is that it only appears to have happened to the one truck of the ‘grinding’ loco, when both trucks would have been powered.
tbdanny …look at the first photo again…Mike
If you look at the first photo up towards the top on the rails, you can see identical grooves.
I found these pics interesting. Whether the story the OP or Sawyer posts is true, both situations could more than likely happen.
Friend and former engineer in Muncie told me it happens more than we think, especially with yard slugs. An engine in Notch 8? I can see that happening PDQ
aw shucks, and i had just put my retirement money into aluminum rail!!!
perhaps the fireman was running the engine and he got his finger caught in a pull-tab on a beer can. yes-that can happen.
grizlump
Looks like my layout after using a Dremel to file the rail joints. [(-D]
Rich