Train No 105 Derailment, Marked Tree, AR - August 19, 1955 - Defective Turnout Split Switch

Discussion in 'Passenger Operations' started by arkrail, Aug 4, 2008.

  1. arkrail

    arkrail Member Frisco.org Supporter

    On August 19, 1955, train No 105 derailed at Marked Tree while passing over a switch at 50 mph.

    The switch stand was defective, and the points opened midway through the train, diverting half the train onto a side track. ICC Accident Report 3649 provides more detail on this accident which resulted in 5 fatalities and numerous injuries.

    I'm trying to determine the actual train consist including specific car numbers.

    Does consist information survive anywhere in a company report on this accident?

    From the ICC report, and from a few newspaper reports, the following is known:

    2018 - EMD E8A
    2015 - EMD E8A
    express refrigerator - steel underframe
    baggage - heavyweight
    baggage - heavyweight
    baggage - heavyweight
    baggage-RPO - heavyweight
    baggage - heavyweight
    coach-dormitory - heavyweight
    chair car - heavyweight
    chair car - heavyweight
    Sou 814 - chair car - lightweight - Southern Railway - Roanoke
    cafe-lounge car - heavyweight - Birmingham
    10-2-1 sleeper - 10 section - 2 double bedroom - 1 compartment heavyweight - car line 69 - KC-Birmingham
    14-4 sleeper - 14 section - 4 bedroom - lightweight - car line F-68 - Kansas City-Jacksonville

    Most of the fatalities occurred in the Southern car, which was scrapped.

    Any help in identifying the car numbers of the remainder of the train would be appreciated.

    Bill Pollard
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 4, 2024

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