https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNvU59Ld8aA&ab_channel=VirtualRailfan
Going to be interesting to see how they clean it up…from top or from ground.
Crane parts are starting to show up now.
Never mind the cranes that are on-site as we speak - I don’t think there’s room on the bridge for any side-winders.
The cars look pretty easy. Those leaning locomotives not so much.
Sounds like they split the switch there.
Looks like a plausible explanation. Putting a crossover on a flyover is the last choice designwise. BTW ~5400 folks watching the live VR cam at this time.
Looks like they may have been on the ground before they got to the switch
Sidewinders are on the bridge at present.
I had to check google earth and watch the video again. Yes they were on the ground before the switch. The east end switch of the x-over is on the south track not the north track the train was on.
Bet the crew thought they might be going over the side while it was happening. Scary.
Train moved approximately 6 rack lenghts after the first sounds of the derailment can be heard - that is approximately 550 feet.
Heavy lift cranes in the process of moving the derailed racks from the bridge to the ground.
There is a 500 Ton crane waiting for them to get the pad ready by the locomotives.
https://www.wilkersoncranerental.com/equipment/all-terrain-mobile-truck-cranes/liebherr-ltm-1400-71/
How one of these cranes is prepared for lifting:
By 4:30 am, it looks like the lead engine is back on rails and moved to the north a bit, two auto racks lifted off the bridge to the ground, another back on rails and moved south out of the picture. I’d say they’re making good progress in a difficult situation.
0730 CT - Both engines back on the rails.
Watching this process; I’ve been impressed by the skill and degree of coordination between the crane operators.
Curt
If crane operators are less than highly skilled - people die or get seriously maimed.
Looks as if both engines and the 1st car are now on the rail and coupled awaiting movement off the bridge in one direction or the other.
I’d say it’s fortunate it happened where it happened. Any further along and they are working inside the truss over the river. Where they are now, they have ample railroad owned property already leveled and graveled to set their cranes.
I am really curious to learn what caused it. They were on the ground well before the cross over. At one point you can see something like a rail shoved up ahead of the lead unit, but that could be rail or ties from the track breaking as the locomotives plowed it up.
Hair raising ride for sure for that crew. Glad it wasn’t worse.
Track hoes have cleared the old track and are getting the old ballast out of the way.
Track panels are being dropped in place at this time. There is debate on the YT chat as to whether the crossover will be replaced at this time.