The Train Wreck of the MIDNIGHT FLYER at Winslow Junction, NJ (July 2nd, 1922)

If you enjoyed this video, please consider joining my Patreon to help create more videos like this! / parttimeexplorer
To give a one-time tip, please visit: www.historicalfx.com/support
July 2, 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of the train derailment at Winslow Junction in Central New Jersey, at the northernmost tip of the Pine Barrens. The disaster occurred when two trains - one running late and one running early - switched places in the schedule, and the signal man in the tower mistook one for the other. The track was set for a different train, accidentally sending the highspeed "Midnight Flyer" from Camden bound for Atlantic City on the switch and tight curve toward Cape May, causing it to fly off the tracks. The wreck killed between 6 and 9 people, but ultimately led to inconclusive investigations and no new regulations.

[@scampbell3363]

The fact you went to the site of the original traffic tower (w/permission) speaks to your dedication to your professionalism and your channel subscribers will be increased accordingly.

[@sterlingnilssen5812]

I literally subscribed because of this fantastic comment

[@bickyboo7789]

His stuff is so high quality and never gets dull

[@angelachouinard4581]

Another of his turned up in my feed and subscription button was clicked ASAP. His attention to detail is amazing and now I'm watching everything. I'm glad to help your prediction come true.

[@MatNichols-iz9dy]

Honestly, how does this man do it?

[@davedennis6042]

What a story. The thing that hurts the most is that they DID tell him the passing train was the wrong one but he disregarded that information. THAT could have untold this story.

[@SmokyHillsSwitcher]

Dude you should do more of these, the way you go in depth is awesome. It’s sad that you only have two so far, so for now I just have to rewatch them

[@alanfennell4833]

I agree, keep up the great work. Thanks!

[@Dulcimertunes]

Fascinating Horror channel is good too

[@titanickid5749]

Yes

[@Aobcldeefcgh]

These things take a ton of research and time. Just gotta be patient.

[@RuminatingWizard]

What are you talking about? He's got a lot of videos going back two years.

[@jamessmith-or8hw]

U know this guy right here, I’m a black man and don’t get into the whole racist politics and all because of me thinking outside the box but man the way u go in-depth on these ships and this railroad history that none of us ever knew about - I bet it’s some black history out there that u could definitely shine a light on that would probably stop or slow down all this racism crap going on, that’s just how in depth ur stories r even to the point of visual representation and visiting the sights, I appreciate and applaud ur story telling cause I honestly never knew none of this and it’s not at all explained in schools nowhere period so great job sir

[@profoundcake]

Videos like yours are why Ive stopped paying for video streaming services and subscribe to KZbin premium instead. The passion and care that goes into the research, the writing, the clips...it's all top notch.

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Thank you!

[@Drew791]

Yup, totally agree. Made the decision 2 years ago to pay for premium and never regretted it. They did just jack it up another $2 as of September 2023, but still worth it imo

[@alanthefisher]

A few years after this wreck the Reading and Pennsylvania merged all of their south jersey operations into one railroad the PRSL. It didn't make sense to have two identical mainlines right next to each other going to Atlantic City. Also yeah, always weird looking at old pictures where all of the forests were clear cut everywhere.

[@howiesmith1504]

The Pennsy and Reading lines in southern New Jersey merged in 1933. It did originally make sense for both railroads to operate down that way to provide competition for the lucrative traffic in the area, as long as railroading had a monopoly on land transportation. The proliferation of automobiles (plus trucks to a lesser extent) starting in the 1920s, plus the Depression in the early '30s, cut way into their business, so it made sense for both roads to eliminate duplication and unite against the new common competitor in the area.

[@KibuFox]

Some info for you: At 2:38, you note that the locomotive is unknown, and suggest it would have been a camelback. By this time, Camelbacks were outlawed save for a few specific 'slow speed' jobs. Ironically, commuter trains like the Midnight Flyer, were (due to multiple stops averaging out their speed) considered viable for these jobs. Everything I've seen points to this being a conventional (non camelback) 2-8-0 built by Baldwin. Possibly locomotive 983 which was built in 1900. Reading held onto their Camelbacks for quite some time, primarily by down grading them to work in yards or by placing them in 'mothballs' on various holding tracks while they waited to be converted into regular conventional steam locomotives. This process was put on hold when WW2 started, with every available locomotive being pressed into service for the war effort, only to be run until they broke and summarily scrapped. You also make a technical mistake at 7:20 when you say the "hand brakes weren't applied". This is reasonable, as railroad hand brakes really don't have the power to stop a train. They're generally used to just keep cars from rolling around when in yards. Also, following up with that, trains in this era did not have 'automatic emergency brakes'. Rather, the engineer controlled the brakes from the cab. So, in order to apply them, he would have to throw the brakes on full. The only 'automatic' brakes trains had then, was if one of their air hoses became detached. This would put the train in 'emergency', but isn't something that happens if the train is over speed.

[@mattwilliams3456]

Keeping the memory alive is a calling you handle well.

[@towedarray7217]

Dude you do such a good job. Really proud of you. I love train stuff. Never stop looking into these. Personal request: The Pleasant Hill bus tragedy. Terrifying story - very dark. School children in a small ‘school bus’ probably no bigger than a Sprinter van. Blizzard hits, driver has nothing, not even a compass, but goes out and tries to find help & dies trying. Kids on the bus are burning books and anything else combustible to stay warm. Several die, several survive. I’ve seen one or two coverages but I like the cut of your jib. I think you could do a great job because you tend to do a great job. Get in touch with me if I can help. I’ve done some research on Google Earth and sort of understand the geography of this tragedy. It’s terrifying, and as a Dad, and a person living in a blizzard prone area, it’s just amazing that more things like this have not happened.

[@navalhistoryhub3748]

That was a horrific tragedy! And the poor kids hard to fathom how horrific that would be. Would be great to see Tom cover that one.

[@towedarray7217]

@@navalhistoryhub3748 we are on the same page.

[@OriginalPineapplesFoster]

OMG that's horrific! Sounds like a good one for Fascinating Horror to cover as well. Also in-depth, respectful, and looks at lessons learned in the outcomes. (And as a fan of setting the same story covered by multiple channels/outlets, I'm not trying to take away from your recommendation here in the least.) ✌️🍍

[@DerpyPossum]

Loving the quality of these, and the shots of the seldom-remembered railroad are simply gorgeous. 👍

[@Monothefox]

From a railroad safety perspective, the signalman was not to blame. He made mistakes, yes, but none of them should have been a source of danger. The responsibility lies squarely with the engine crew of the Flyer (though there might have been alleviating causes, it is the crew's absolute responsibility to act on outside signals). This accident resembles some in Britain, where engine crews flew past restrictive signals. In some cases they were preoccupied because of problems with the engine, but in other cases the cause for their actions could never be established.

[@Right-Is-Right]

The supposed phone call to him where he did not acknowledge the trains being switched sounds mighty suspect to me, it seems manufactured to give the duty safety manger a free pass and to pass the switching error onto the lowest person on the totem poll. If true, the phone placement was completely wrong, also staffing levels too low, what would happen when nature calls? Many management questions left unanswered, just the way the company wanted, as long as they gave people someone to blame and they were off the hook, their job was done.

[@alastairpreston3237]

The second paragraph might explain the inclusion of some footage from the London area (at 4:30) showing some London Transport underground rolling stock on some of their 4-rail track.....

[@jylromain6439]

If the first mistakes hadn't happened, the second mistakes couldn't have happened. The blame should have been shared, but it's just too easy to blame a dead person.

[@kristinstrickland1038]

@@jylromain6439 Exactly! Why does one person have to be at fault? Both made a mistake and are at fault. The man who switched the tracks (whatever he is called) certainly blamed himself.

[@sanderfondse3329]

@@kristinstrickland1038 To give my 2 cents. That is what the signaling system is supposed to do. The signalman set the wrong path, which was clearly indicated by the signals. The flyer first ran a red (because the freighttrain was cleared on to the main line), then at least 1 set of points (the connection to the siding) then ran caution signals to indicate that the alternate route was set. In my opinion it does not matter what the signalman did as everything was ignored. The 'heros' in this story were the crew of the freighttrain. If they would have entered the main line - as they were cleared to do - the flyer would have run into the back of them at full speed. Even the signals of that crew were ignored. We will never know exactly what happened in the cab of the 434, but this mistake is clearly down to the 'midnight flyer' crew. The job of the fireman is to also check the signals. The fact that he did not react means that there was something seriously wrong. My only hope is that the survivors did not blame the signalman, as apparentely, he became suicidal.

[@JPaul60]

Disobeying orders from the train dispatcher used to the worst offense on the railroad and this is the reason why. Great reporting by the way.

[@lunarstain7545]

Your South Jersey history videos are literally my fave. There's something about the Barrens and the surrounding areas that is so alluring and intriguing! I swear, you make another South Jersey vid, you got yourself a patron ;)

[@saml7610]

I love trains as much as I love boats, so you branching out into covering train related history too.... That's wonderful, I really hope you do more train related history content. Your videos are just so much more in depth than most channels, it's unparalleled.

[@richardh9284]

Fun fact in one of the abandoned cars at Winslow junction is a passenger car of the once-famous CRRNJ Blue Comet

[@MD1936]

The 'siding' the freight was on was the southbound connection from the CNJ to the ACRR. It also incorporated a wye at the CNJ end which later on became known as Mary's Wye. My family had 5 generations of railroader including myself and three that worked for ACRR.

[@rebeckylee157]

This was awesome! I’ve never heard about this train wreck before, and it’s right from where I live. I work in Medford, and pass through Chatsworth on a regular basis, and this is the first time I’ve ever learned about this. Heck! I’ve even rode the A/C line from the Atco Train station into Philadelphia and have never heard of this. Makes me sad that so many train lines have been ripped up and removed. If you walk into Smithville Park in Southampton, NJ - you will still see the remnants of the old railroad trestle. I’m old/middle aged, so I can honestly say that when I moved into the area in Burlington County that I live now - trains had once passed through and their train horns could be heard in the distance on a hot summer night with my windows open. I miss those horns.

[@allegra0]

Thanks for that…but is this “awesome!” Tragic would be a better description. Awesome is so overused now as to be meaningless. Did this “accident” really inspire awe?

[@ron8944]

Nothing further on the well produced/presented video. I did get a "kick"(not on Rte 66), seeing you refer to yourself as "middle to old age." It's as if you started texting @ 64yrs and finished right after turning the clock forward 65 yrs. at the finish. My age range is 68 turning to senility.

[@friedfangirl]

@@allegra0 He meant the video was awesome, not the accident.

[@eliwilson97]

Exceptional work man, as a railroader/railfan there are very few historically accurate and diligently researched US railroad wreck documentaries like this. Keep up the great work!

[@kiang7681]

As someone who lives near by they have gotten rid of a lot of the old cars. They used to be fun to visit but due to people visiting them at all they got rid of all but one car last time I was there. It’s still a cool place to look around as long as you’re careful with the tracks. I didn’t know this happened and I may go back just cause of the history I learned from this video. That and to maybe find the tower.

[@Dorpmuller]

Been a railfan since 1969. You did an exemplary job on this video! 3 👍👍👍

[@StephenSmith-pn6ex]

That place was named after Stephen Winslow, my great grandfather. I am a Winslow

[@Kimberly-dt4ko]

Really enjoyed this video. I like how you meld the past and present to show what is left where the event took place. Another Reading wreck that would be interesting to see you do is the Camp Hill crash of an excursion train out of Reading terminal with an inbound regular train.

[@srevero1]

I really enjoy your videos that bring the past back to us. Thank you and appreciate your efforts.....

[@thoughtful_criticiser]

I really enjoy your videos, the quality is superb. When it comes to railway traffic you have to come to the UK, where you will redefine busy and fast. There's many lines to choose from, go to Crewe 14 platforms and constantly busy, freight depot north of Birmingham or mainline trains exceeding 155mph. Looking forward to your next video.

[@wetcardie66]

that would be Bescot presumably... also did you notice a bit of footage from an LMS film called "sentinels of safety" leaving the old pre-war wooden platforms at Euston circa 1936

[@timothybelgard-wiley4823]

...I wish I could do what you do, going to all these forgotten tragedies, being where history has happened....your level of knowledge is amazing, its obvious you do your homework....

[@spannerdan4926]

Love your prose. The research on topic is notable and the stories are always presented with a compelling human aspect. I ordered a copy of The Sea Shall Embrace Them on your recommendation, after watching that piece (ss arctic) probably the most incredible story I've heard. Stories that need telling. Awesome work and thanks for venturing into rail disasters.

[@craigmaue1371]

My grandfather was graduated from. Washington Navel school in late October of 1918 and was sent back home to Cincinnati by rail in Dec. 1918. He arrived at the Grand Central Station at 3rd and Central St. He was driving me to Union Terminal to board a Pullman sleeper to DC via Chesapeke & Ohio Railway. He told me his RR wreak Story returning home after his discharge from US Navy. He was booked on a m.ainline passenger express from DC Union Station to Cincinnati. He was in the smoker lounge when suddenly there was a loud crash and the men were sent flying to the foor. His train collded with a stalled troop train, killing some wooded soldiers. A woman in a Pullman was severely injured and evacuated to a hospital. The express was double locomotive, and did not derail. The first wreaked engine was Un coupled, and the express backed away and eventually continued on to Cincinnati in time for Christmas. Are there any records of this accident on the C&O Lines or perhaps the B&O RR? These two Railway routes would presumably be the direct routes from DC to Cincinnati in 1918.

[@allandavis8201]

It is always easier to blame a dead man than anyone else involved.

[@xXDoomWolfeXx]

Great and informative video!! The history of train accidents is so fascinating because trains are considered so safe now. It's interesting to learn about how the industry has changed due to sad events like this. Though that big black bird was quite the jumpscare! It shocked me a bit. :D

[@MorrisHillmanVideos]

Considering the high speed involved, it's a miracle that more people weren't killed or injured.

[@ccross1210]

Being from Atco, NJ it's haunting cool as I've rode these tracks for years on my dirtbikes! Mad luv n respect

[@alison4316]

Idk how I've only just found this wonderful channel!!!

[@Kimmy-pw8tm]

I've come back to re watch some of my favorite doco's that you've put together. Beautifully crafted with layover photos of the then layered over what is there today in the exact spot. You've combined a mix of history/ nostalgia/horrific/and the wistful sound of a train whistling in panic and rails and wheels buckling, from a faintly distance in the past.

[@brandywineblue]

Thank you for reporting NJ history, which is all too often overlooked. Train buffs also recall the frightful wreck near Port Murray in Mansfield Twp, which was also caused by thunderstorms (heavy rain washed gravel onto the track)

[@jylromain6439]

My Dad was a Towerman for the Erie RR. Thankfully he never had the misfortune to be involved in a wreck.

[@michaelajlawlor]

I just came across your channel yesterday and love the content you make! I’m now happily subscribed. I’m so fascinated by your railroad videos, specifically. Nicely done!

[@amydavis4945]

Very well done! It was incredible that you were able to go to the old tower. I wish you would do more of these... you have a very nice way of putting them together.

[@rockybernard2997]

Tragedy and sadness the result of a communion of coincidences. Very nice presentation. I wish you could address the tragedy of the Wellington avalanche in Washington state, another disaster that mystifies with so many deadly coincidences.

[@redram5150]

Props to you for saying “Reading” properly. I’ve dealt with countless people who pronounce my hometown as “reeding”. Even had a few who kept trying to correct me after explaining I grew up there. Those games of Monopoly were fun

[@could_possiblybe_thane07echo]

Imagine saying someone's pronunciation of a place is wrong despite the person growing up there lol

[@thewhiteshellmermaid9328]

The rain that fell on the wreck of the Midnight flyer was what they desperately needed on labour day of 1947 when the Camper's special wrecked and her wooden coaches and surrounding countryside went up in flames, which caused almost all of the deaths and injuries.

[@loditx7706]

I always very much enjoy your presentations of history and the effort you make to include contemporary photos to go with your then and now part.

[@stephenbritton9297]

Speaking of the "surprise" at the old tower foundation. It is now gone, but when I was a kid there was an abandoned switch tower in Bridgeport CT on the main line off of Fairfield Ave - across from the base of the I-95 WB exit ramp to Fairfield Ave - that was known to be haunted when in use.

[@vonmazur1]

Burr Road, I worked there.

[@MarysMaamCave]

I just found your channel a few days ago, but already know your vids are the best I’ve seen of all the KZbin video channels.

[@tomwarger7209]

Agreed. Tom is raising the bar for these documentaries.

[@wceyuki]

Those two diesel engines at 13:53.. both are M420W’s, the 800 is painted in a scheme i don’t know, but 3519 is painted in the scheme of the Canadian National Railway, although the logos are patched over.

[@toddavis8603]

As a signalman, I would paint over graffiti whenever it reared its head on RR property.My mother was born in 1922. Good research!

[@theaveragedad1196]

As much as I love the maritime videos I can’t get enough of your railroad videos. One that I would love to hear you commentate and do is the PRR Red Arrow wreck. Keep up the great work. Love this channel.

[@guirejohncleary5883]

I heard a story as a kid from PTC employees that a worker for the P&W was killed when he pissed on the third rail. I had a neighbor in the 1960s who was a track worker on the Frankford El and was hospitalized with electric burns when his shovel touched the third rail. Further research or refer to Mythbusters? Thank you for your awesome videos.

[@rudyrivera7426]

Thanks for sharing!

[@deborahsoucy2884]

Excellent video --- Debbie

[@Commander-McBragg]

Always great stuff, Tom. Thanks!

[@scurly0792]

What a fascinating and terrible disaster.

[@RamSkirata]

Thank you for making that video! It was easy to follow!

[@haraldhantke8409]

Top graphic illustration, detail dedicated comments and thrilling narrated! Very professional presentation!

[@phillyguy8541]

Great video. Have you thought of doing a video of the Frankford Junction wreck of the Congressional in 1943?

[@Patrick-pm1sn]

Thankful for your work and effort! Cheers from Bavaria!

[@jasonsummers7129]

This area is 15 minutes from my house. I’ve known of the Blue Comet wreck but not this one. Thank you for your content and service to history.

[@katherinekinnaird7522]

Each train accident episode takes me back to when I was a child and on a school bus that accidentally polled in front of a slow moving engine. We all made it out but I still remember that noise. God bless the family's effected.

[@Ihrtbewbs]

Absolutely wonderful video! Very well made, informative, and kept me wanting to learn more!

[@chauvettes]

You produce some of the most professional, clear, and thoughtful videos!!!!! Thank You!!!!

[@fishslicing]

Superb work. Thank you.

[@skywardhime]

i’m so glad youtube suggested me this video, your channel is such a hidden gem! i can’t wait to watch more of your content :^)

[@bobstuckrath1805]

Truly a well-done piece. Thank you, sir.

[@ManicMama.]

This is so fascinating to me. I LOVE learning of old abandoned railroads and tragic train wrecks. I discovered there was a terrible train disaster close to where i live in Meldrim, GA during the late 1950s where a train derailed off a bridge and two tankers exploded killing 23-24 people who were enjoying a day by the river. As tragic as it is, i love learning about stuff like that. Especially seeing the difference in the then and now of train tracks or where train tracks use to be.

[@deanberolzheimer2658]

Excellent job PTE! Super interesting piece of Joizeee history. Thanks!

[@xSTH1TMANx]

This channel is so refreshing. Love the detail and presentation is top notch. Keep up the awesome work.

[@wildcatindustries8030]

I love these rail road disaster documentaries, they are well worded and very entertaining

[@bretnielsen5502]

Excellent video and research!

[@b1gfronto685]

I really cannot consume enough of your amazing content!

[@midnightpredator18]

I’ve lived in Hammonton most of my life, and lived in Winslow for a while. I never knew this story.

[@Baldwindiesels]

Excellent video!

[@Ufos4dahoes]

You're one of my favorite historians, im going to show your channel to one of my old teachers. Hopefully they show your videos in school

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Thank you!

[@Ufos4dahoes]

@@PartTimeExplorer keep up the good work🤙

[@chileanzombie42]

Really well done and presented.

[@tyrikuntamed4206]

Please do more of these. I love how you explain the details of the entire incident

[@LordHeath1972]

What a fantastic channel this is.

[@Mr_Oceanliner]

Wonderful stuff! :) Fascinating to see how the landscape changed

[@mesau7002]

Thanks so much for your great video. I really appreciated it and your dedication to detail! Keep it up!

[@SleeTheSloth]

Great video! Well done!

[@zebeart8808]

Thanks for the information

[@karenfyhr2363]

I always enjoy listening to you tell stories of the past...

[@PuckDudesHockey]

Above and beyond, my friend! This is great research, and excellent storytelling too. I just put the bell on to watch for future vids from you!!

[@Ridley_1992]

Please keep doing train wreck documentaries as well as your regular content, I thoroughly enjoy all of your videos, so keep up the good work!

[@SwirlyTrainz]

Excellent video! Loved the photos of old Winslow!

[@sirridesalot6652]

Even with just the close-captioning this was a fantastic video. Excellent presentation and information.

[@chetmanley610]

This was great nice job and thanks for the story.

[@CranialExtractor]

There are similar channels like yours, but I really like yours. Your videos are of a very high quality. I especially liked your video on the SS Arctic. What a story... Take care.

[@skullstar1000]

your videos are always so great and well made. I love your content and the effort you put in is amazing!!

[@guruoo]

Outstanding job, sir. Couldn't help but notice what's left of that abandoned tower would make a good hobo shelter. Have to give my fav, Hobo Shoestring a head's up about it. That's assuming he hasn't already spent the night there., of course.

[@martinalewis2844]

I love trains and such sad yet interesting stories

[@boblordylordyhowie]

Usually the slow train would be held on another track until the fast train had passed allowing the goods train to pass through the junction before the slow got there. Even in the UK, in this era, safety was obviously far better than the US as trains were not allowed to enter blocks until another train had passed through, some rails having a token system to pass through a block.

[@mauricedavis2160]

Excellent episode Sir, thank you!!!🙏👍🚅😢

[@neildavid9161]

The work that goes into these clips for us to watch is probaly overlooked so thank you

[@denistate3697]

Your explanations are wonderful and your videos are clear and sharp

[@JenSwarbrick1966]

I wonder if he had a heart attack or something that rendered him unable to respond. Very interesting story. Thanks for posting!

[@dfuher968]

There were 3 ppl there tho, any of them couldve pulled the manual brakes. Based on many other train accidents, my guess would be, that the engineer (and his colleagues) simply fell into their rutine, driving like they always do and not really seeing the signals, or if they did, not really registering, just seeing what they expected to see. That is very human and happens to all of us at times, but it can be deadly in such cases.

[@davewallace8219]

the pressure to keep on the timetable was immense....back then...so was alcohol abuse by crews.....

[@TrappedinSLC]

@@dfuher968 That was before we understood as well as we do now about the effect of things like fatigue on people's ability to perform 'alertness' tasks where there's long periods of nothing interspersed with times when you have to notice any little change. So they had that working against them too. (Humans are awful at those kinds of tasks. We have a very hard time staying focused on something *possibly* happening.)

[@stevewixom9311]

I'd never heard of this wreck before but i really enjoyed this. Excellent video.. like usual.

[@tommcg5930]

That's a great video. Very well done and informative.

[@janisoconnor6881]

Love your stories

[@john-carlosynostroza]

Dude this is so the best kind of content! I am hooked on your stuff and keep it up! I love your passion for it and you are really hooking us history nerds up with awesome videos!

[@krevo6c]

That you travel to the place where it happend to get these amazing shots is just amazing. Gives the viewer a way better view of what happend.

[@TheDoppelgangster]

Really well told - great work! Revealing the location of the original tower at the end was very evocative.

[@BlairAir]

This looks good. Getting my coffee and sitting in for another great video! 👍

[@chrisbassett8996]

thank you for sharing. It is great to see young people researching and documenting these historic events.

[@TheFaraway8]

I am so happy I found your channel man so many good vids