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I've been checking the Chief's performance as I'll be taking it on the 28th, and wow! Check out today's #4 into Chicago...she's not there yet and won't be for some time.
I followed it back and the problem seems to have occurred somewhere between Barstow and Needles. She arrived in Barstow at 10:37PM (only 11 minutes late), and then lost oh around 15 hours, as she got into Needles at 3:45 PM! Currently running around 19 hours late.
BNSF derailment or something? I couldn't find any info online.
PaulB Member # 4258
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Yes, there was a BNSF derailment that shut down the entire railroad. #3 turned as #4, and #4 turned into #3 for a short trip back to LA. Passengers were bused between the two trains.
Eric Member # 674
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From the BNSF website:
--07/17/2006--
Derailment - Danby, California
At 10:40 p.m. CT on Sunday, July 16, 2006 train S ALTSCO3 14 derailed a total of 15 cars blocking both main tracks at Danby, CA. This location is approximately 56 miles west of Needles, CA.
The current estimate for restoring main track two to service is 7:00 a.m. CT, Monday, July 17, 2006 and main track one estimated opening has yet to be determined.
Customers may experience delays up to 48 hours on traffic moving through this corridor.
----
I've read elsewhere that this derailment was caused due to high winds that put the 15 cars on the ground. Ironically, the dispatcher was issuing the crew a high wind advisory just a moment before.
Southwest Chief Member # 1227
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Thanks for the info.
Eric Member # 674
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You bet!
delvyrails Member # 4205
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If the derailment site was 56 miles west of Needles, CA, that puts it east of Cadiz, CA, where a potential alternate route (once ATSF and now Arizona & California) runs to Williams Junction via Matthie, AZ. Isn't that route available for detour?
George Harris Member # 2077
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Not likely practical. Slow running, getting a qualified crew, payment of track use fees to another railroad company that does not host Amtrak.
Eric Member # 674
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That would be an interesting detour, though. The "Peavine Line," as it's known, passes through some pretty scenic and "backcountry" areas. I followed the Santa Fe 3751 steam excursion along this route a few years ago - quite a show! For those interested, here is a great website about the line: http://www.geocities.com/~aeromoe/Peavine.html
George Harris Member # 2077
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Most interesting link. George
delvyrails Member # 4205
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Yes, it is and was an interesting route. Rode it Williams-Pasadena on the late February, 1970 "Snowflake Special" fantrip, and that's what brought it back to mind. I recall rough track on the Matthie-Cadiz line, with the high level cars occasionally "bottoming" and swaying.
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