We were on a normal run down the eastern side of Sand patch grade. The engineer had 40 yrars survice and was one of the best. As you hit Roddys sag the train will slow itself down considerably then the head end will take off. Young engineers will put more air on the train and hang it up in the sag. While discussing this Bob said it is no problem unless you have an abs brake on the first car behind the power units. He knocked the air off an put it back on in a few seconds. Then wham we got hit so hard I nearly ripped the seat out of the floor. Accrost Fairhope crossing and we were heading for Maxwell brick works at nearly 70 mph. one curve to go into Hyndman at around 90 mph . I shut my eyes and said oh god make it quick as we were going to kill 1/2 the people in Hyndman. Into Hyndman and the engine leaned to the right getting ready to go over then a loud bang as it came back down on the rails. Pass Hyndman tower at about 90 mph and the operator yells over the radio what are you idiots doing? Give him the finger and got stopped about 2 miles down the road . Iwas shaking so bad I broke 2 cigarettes in two trying to light one. And was scared of the mountain from that day on= Art [ 02 January 2002: Message edited by: Art ]
Art, Thats some horror story man! Flying down Sand Patch.. your braver then most and still have a quiver in your spine.. I'da hated to have the feeling you did when it was happening!!!!!
John, I think the young engineer liked the smell of burning brakes, when he said, "Humm-m-m Smell That?" Art yelled, "Smell it, I'm sitting in it!" What a ride Art. I hope you guys hid the body real good
Sitting in it??? HA HA HA HA I hear that! I live right on the down side of the Sand Patch grade going to Connelsville so... I know the opposite side of the grade is the steepest and man I can't imagine the ride down the other side into Hyndman at 90 MPH! Excuse the language guys but.... The hell with that!!!! [ 03 January 2002: Message edited by: 7600EM_1 ]
Conelsville to Cumberland. I don't remember the % of grade on the eastern side but it is steep. If you get the chance to take a ride in spring summer fall or winter it is one of the most beautiful rides in Railroading. Art
Watash. If the new photo uploading is from our computers I have many good photos. There is no reason not to do it this way. I hope I live long enough to post my pictures. Beta tests by big outfits are run on the forum as trouble can be found quicker. Art. [ 03 January 2002: Message edited by: Art ]
Art, If you can and all anyway. You can e-mail me the pictures to me if their on your computer. I have web space to add pictures so their online and post them for you if like...You can e-mail me on it if you like.... I'll be glad to help.... My e-mail address is: yellowstone10@hotmail.com
Hey Art, Tell me if this looks familar..... This is the side of Sand Patch looking towards Meyersdale, PA (my home town) I believe looking West... [ 09 January 2002: Message edited by: 7600EM_1 ]
After the B&O and Western Maryland merger this bridge was used to get to the Bluelick Industrial park coal loading facility. If it was raining I would mark off sick as this place was a hog pen. Thank god it now out of survice and the rails have been removed.The Chessie System got to the point that they refused to pick up loads untill it was cleaned up. Art. [ 11 January 2002: Message edited by: Art ]
