The Wreck of the Broker: The Woodbridge Train Disaster of 1951

[@KLTrainz]

This beats anything available on Discovery, Nova, PBS, National Geographic! You deserve an Emmy for this one! I'm proud to have to been able to contribute! Cheers! 🍻🍻🍻

[@railfandepotproductions]

Never knew your models were used here

[@redwolfpiping5701]

They did remarkable with your K4 and train set, if only trainz had that same crash engine feature

[@railfandepotproductions]

@@redwolfpiping5701 the docu was made in UE5

[@redwolfpiping5701]

@@railfandepotproductions Trainz needs to add this kind of derail physics, it will be more popular than TSC, lol

[@KLTrainz]

@@railfandepotproductions It was made with Unreal Engine 5, as stated in the beginning of the documentary.

[@jw4321]

I was two months old when this happened. The youngest of six children. Years later my older siblings recalled that night when my mother sat with me in her arms as neighbors came over awaiting a phone call or a knock at the door as my dad was on that train. Many hours past when suddenly the door of our home opened and there was my fsther, tired, dusty, and dirty but unhurt. He and others on that train stayed to help as they could then finally got a ride home. He had recently turned 41 and was eventually the father of eight. God blessed us that night. This is an excellent film.

[@marishine9104]

I'm so happy thar your father survived. Ours did not. I was 4 months old. So very grateful to Mr. Bond. Best to you and your family.

[@dexterpoindexter3583]

A beautiful recounting of an unforgettable day. And I agree: the documentary quality is outstanding. I was born a year and a half later, & still have a few memories of those old cars and fashions. King George VI had exactly one more year to live after that day; Princess Elizabeth would then become a queen.

[@garylefevers]

@marishine9104, so sorry that you were orphaned, especially at such a young age.

[@marishine9104]

@garylefevers not orphaned but my mother had a very hard time. Thank you.

[@brittawrolson5936]

So happy to hear you were blessed with the return of your dad!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@arthurerickson5162]

My dad was on that train. He told me that most, if not all, of the passengers in his car were either injured or dead. When the wreck occurred he was sitting upright, studying for, of all things, a first aid exam. He said he was positive that if he was relaxing, he would’ve been thrown about the car and likely died. He suffered a broken back and many contusions, but he was alive, and fortunately not paralyzed. My mom, little brother, and my 5 yr old self were just getting ready to leave home to pick up my dad at the Red Bank station.

[@Historybuff_769]

My god, that must have been horrific him, I hope he was alright and didn't have to relive that disaster like some did

[@arthurerickson5162]

@@Historybuff_769 thank you! He was very fortunate in that respect. I think he was affected more by his service in WWII (medical corpsman in the USN, Pacific). Never really talked much about the war. Of course, I was only 5, so I couldn’t really help out much. I do remember some images of him in a full body cast, but keeping his spirits up nonetheless.

[@tylersebring8045]

That's a great story thank you very much for sharing and God bless your father

[@arthurerickson5162]

@@tylersebring8045 Thank you! He passed in 1985 at 69. I still miss him.

[@atsf47legit]

​@@arthurerickson5162That's crazy to know. I thank your father for his service.

[@harrisonofcolorado8886]

24:25 "People in the community at the time wondered why we needed a truck with such a large ladder, when the tallest building in our community was only 3 stories high." "Well that new fangled fire ladder proved to be exactly what was needed that night." A good case of "it's better to have one and not need it than to need it and not have one." That aside, this was a REALLY good documentary that you created! The recreation of the crash has honestly got to be my favorite part, and even with that, this documentary has the quality and production that people at say Amazon Prime or Netflix would dream of. Kudos to you for making this documentary.

[@malice6081]

I mean, some places have a ladder because they have a tall structure right on the edge of the fire district. Like I know of a volunteer company that got money from Amazon to purchase a ladder truck as a new warehouse fell inside their district. Some people don’t know the whole reason behind why a ladder truck was bought, but they do have reasons. Usually.

[@kurtvond1798]

It's not always about height, but how far it can reach! A 30 foot tall building set 40 feet back from a road will need 50 feet just to reach the edge of the roof

[@Kaidhicksii]

Yep: my dad says that all the time. Not having that ladder would certainly have made things a lot harder than they already were.

[@4Score747]

Interesting! Our town has a really tall ladder. Sometimes I can see when it’s extended at the fire station from my home while they’re practicing. I wondered why also as we only have one six story building downtown that was built in 1930. But we do live on a main line from Los Angeles to Portland. Lots of train traffic, so perhaps it could come in handy someday. Hope not!

[@silvertalon007]

A little saying I picked up recently: Fortune Favors the Prepared

[@toni_275]

I honestly can't belive we get to watch this quality content for free. Thank you so much for your work!

[@nb7466]

They get paid

[@zingxiu6123]

Ye same

[@GermanShepherd1983]

Not free, you have to watch the ads.

[@aerofiles5044]

​@@GermanShepherd1983 🤦‍♂️ Is watching ads taking money out of your bank account? And plus, ad blockers exist.

[@The_Robbing_Narrator]

I personally hope he makes more high quality train wreck videos like this!

[@seankaiser2505]

To think that the history channel is running the billionth season of Ancient Aliens conspiracy and you’re making this on KZbin… incredible work.

[@chadbailey189]

I agree, history Channel is a unwatchable joke ,this is amazing

[@MatNichols-iz9dy]

This dude needs to be picked up by someone.

[@doctorartphd6463]

History Channel is part of the propaganda news media cabal. MSM is pure cow pies ! This older documentary is both well done and factually informative. Thank you !!!

[@Hazamandeous]

@@MatNichols-iz9dyi say he stays independent and continues to work the magic free of a larger entity’s agendas. Just my opinion though

[@sydneybrown64]

😂. I used to love The History Channel. I used to believe in aliens. Ion like em any more.

[@robinbutler3333]

My grandfather and aunt were on that train. Grampa worked all his life for the Jersey Central railroad as an auditor and road the train every day to and from work. When the engineer dropped the throttle and hit the brakes he knew instantly what was happening. He slid to the floor, covered his head and waited for the crash. He stepped off that train barely touched. My aunt was at the front of the train in car2. She came off with minor bumps and scrapes. They were both lucky in the seats they chose, because they usually would sit together in the 3rd car. They were head for the Asbury Park station. So amazing.

[@Voucher765]

As a Jersey Central fan I say upmost respect

[@robinbutler3333]

@@Voucher765 thank you. He loved working for that railroad. Loved railroading in general even though he didn't work on the trains themselves and never spoke ill of any other rr co. Both my grandparents worked for the Jersey and it gave them both a wonderful retirement.

[@tylersebring8045]

Thank you for that great story❤

[@racheljennings1688]

Respect

[@mehmeh5471]

Right and you just happen to see this video. With multiple comments saying their relatives were on board.

[@stuff___idontknow2610]

I love how you animated the whole train crash for this video. It really gave me an understanding of how things played out

[@KingofCrusher]

The unreal engine 5 stuff is a great low cost alternative that looks amazing for like 100th of the price, lol. Couple that with 80's PBS-level actual info and you got a winner. Excellent channel.

[@aquagamer1212]

@@KingofCrusher It’s actually free! Which is even better. 😊

[@CodyRushDriving]

52:10 Documentarians DREAM of capturing moments like this. What a beautiful, visceral, and heartbreaking moment. Even decades later you can see how genuinely deep these scars run for those who were there. Astounding documentary. Please keep up the amazing work.

[@mmw4990]

Was there honestly any need to do that to the old man? Just crushed the only hope he has that those people may have survived just for a reaction for the camera. Seemed to affect him a lot

[@MatNichols-iz9dy]

Honestly, it was gonna come up at some point, so yeah Being told by a documentary crew that thier memory will live on was probs the best way it could've been done

[@FerretKibble]

@@mmw4990 It answered a question he'd had his entire life, and finally gave him the names of the couple he'd wondered about.

[@elmcreekrr]

I use to teach a forensic engineering class and you nailed it, especially with water baffle and tender frame. Awesome graphics. I've also had the pleasure of being the engineer on a steam passenger train at 60-70mph. The water slosh is real. Well done.

[@giggiddy]

Surprised there was no sound. People just sitting on the cars, uninjured, making no sound. Not typical for a scene like that.

[@Chris123NT]

This documentary is absolutely amazing, the visuals really give you a sense of how it all unraveled. Probably the best recreation of the accident we can ever have.

[@robinsea]

This is TV level production value with the level of detail TV hasn't reached in a long time, thank you so much for creating it.

[@pellkovy27]

Yep, so many just show the same scene over and over, repeat the same sentences, as if we had to wait for a week to get past that weird commercial break with no commercial. This really does just keep giving good information, gets into great detail, and the various visuals are great too! Really great job.

[@theofficerfactory2625]

Highly ironic that this VERY well made production was recommended to me and I am watching it on this Tuesday, Feb 6, 2024; 73 years later to the day.

[@mapupuce1]

I am watching this great video on Feb 7, 2025.

[@kleetus92]

@@mapupuce1me too!

[@roadtrain_]

... Holy fuck I didn't even realize that until now.

[@barryduff5058]

​@@mapupuce1it's 2024

[@naughtyskweet6]

Almost like he purposely uploaded it for the anniversary!

[@Triplex5014]

So, being a train engineer myself, from the other side of the pond in Croatia, I see some things never change even after decades. When an accident happens: 1) The engineer is the first to blame. 2) Maintenance wise the equipment is in excellent condition just on paper. Shops just don't maintain the equipment as they are suppose to. Engineers and other staff call out the defects but the maintaince crews just ignore it. 3) The railroad will say that everything was fine with the signalling and with areas of restricted speed. Seems railroads all over the world suffer from the same chronic problems and it's something we've been dragging along for decades. It's all good until an accident occurs. Great video! This is how, unfortunately, we must learn from mistakes.

[@keyportproductions]

You are correct on all points and I am an engineer in NJ.

[@thomassecurename3152]

This is living reenactment artwork unparalleled that sets a new high standard going forward. Grateful for every frame. Thanks Tom. Poulsbo, Washington

[@mainerockflour3462]

Absolutely top notch

[@RoadkillbunnyUK]

This was so good! The algorithm suggested it and boy was it worth the watch. This is TV ready, and not just the cable channels but the BBC (I’m in England). Be very proud of this work for not just its quality but its content and its fantastic handling of the sensitive parts of the story with real respect for all the victims.

[@de-fault_de-fault]

As a lifelong New Jersey guy who has always been interested in our rails as an integral part of our past, present, and future...not to mention a constant consumer of disaster investigation content on KZbin, I have no idea how I only had a very basic awareness of this story before. But I really enjoyed learning a thorough version of it by finding this video. Amazing work.

[@pickles3128]

It's crazy how this has animations that make _Mayday: Air Crash Investigations_ (even later seasons) look bad and (the admittedly antiquated) "advanced computer graphics" in _Seconds From Disaster_ look like something made in Windows 95's MM3D. Wish there were more modern shows that weren't so sensationalized, and pandering, constantly cutting away like the audience is a classroom full of ADHD-ridden elementary schoolers off their meds.

[@alanabyss9246]

Well your state had one of the most luxurious Trains in the US The blue comet

[@Voucher765]

​@alanabyss9246 Same, Thanks for mentioning that as a Jersey Central fan

[@davewallace8219]

It was the tender....it was the force of 10 steel passenger cars behind it....its that simple....

[@davewallace8219]

The train was traveling waaaaay to fast!!!!

[@cougrs48]

After only just watching 25 minutes of this, and the many people who opened their doors and helped. This is the America I want and need to see first-person. You've done an exceptional job covering this subject, this is by far, more informational than TV itself. That and I like steam locomotives too, keep it up friend!

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Thank you very much!

[@Rico_G]

I've been living just a few miles from the crash site for over 30 years and have NEVER heard about this incident. Outstanding job as always, PTE!

[@soiouz]

What an amazing documentary, done with respect and talent. Thank you for this!

[@gregorykayne6054]

Tom, great to see you again. You have been missed. My parents and half brother lived in a small town named Neptune City, 2 miles from Asbury Park. My father commuted to "the City" to work at a stationary company everyday on the Bay Head line The sense of lingering horror in the community lasted for at least a decade. The plunging of a 1958 train off an open bridge into Newark Bay, bolstered that mood. I would not exist if Dad had been killed in that club car he sometimes frequented. I was born in September 1953. Thanks so much for your sober and intelligent commemoration. The tone is actually very like Cronkite on CBS in the '50's and '60's.

[@WillArtie]

52:05 - oh my goodness. man, what a tragic, powerful and heart breaking scene. the type of live, raw scene doco makers dream of capturing, and here it is sitting in a KZbin doco, which is by most measures actually superior to the majority of TV doco over the decades. edit - when we going to get some proper recognition / awards for the excellent programs independently produced from very talented folks here on KZbin and other places like Nebula? Don't let corporate interests get their dirty, mucky, bottom-line driven crooked fingers into these productions. They are what they are because of their utter absence.

[@maryannebeauchamp1649]

Such a terrible tragedy. Those passengers were probably terrified. Tom your recreation of the accident was fantastic & helped me visualize what actually happened that fateful day.

[@kleetus92]

Honestly, in the moment of the crash it was all over by the time they realized what was going on. Just like a vehicle accident, but you're not the driver and you're in the back seat sleeping. Now the minutes and hours after the crash... ooooo... that would be awful if you were one of the unlucky ones. God bless them all.

[@joeylamuel5828]

Probably?

[@kanervakukkulla5425]

This documentary is a thing of beauty. Honest, analytical, informative, unflinching and very, deeply kind. We live in a big world where such stories are easily lost, thankyou for bringing this to so many

[@mainerockflour3462]

..And that at some level, we are all connected.

[@hodros48bowl]

Having grown up a few miles from the disaster, it's amazing how few people from the area even know it happened. I remember when I was younger speaking with some neighbors who were teenagers when it happened and helped collect remains :/ such a tragedy.

[@lillypad9960]

Thanks to all who are keeping this tragedy alive. Never forget. Blessings from Michigan.

[@JohnAnderson-hl5mq]

Sir..a 70 years old Texan and a lifelong train addicted dude going back to my first Lionel train set back in '59..you nailed it brother in a first class absolutely top notch production that can easily rival AND surpass the crap that the major players put out there..kudos to you for your striving for excellence and delving into often overlooked details that would probably be omitted by less conscientious video producers..my respect and admiration for your endeavors and hard work.. God bless and I'm subscribing of course..

[@blueriver5269]

Oh . This was one of the best documentaries I have ever had the pleasure of watching . VERY WELL DONE. BRAVO BRAVO

[@musicaldoge9412]

this is a stunning documentary, everyone else is going to have to take note of the sheer quality and effort put into such a fine film

[@brandonproulx9583]

As being a railroader this touch’s deeply.. amazing video and we definitely need more because you are preserving our lost history

[@homeboy_roy1570]

Yours are some of the best documentaries on youtube. Thank you sir

[@aerofiles5044]

These just get better every time. The exclusive interviews of the people personally involved, getting to know the backstory of the engineer and crew, it all makes the story really come to life.

[@johnnicholas1488]

My compliments for a highly well done piece. And my thanks. The reconstruction animations impart the "HORROR " (JC) of this tragedy. I feel the vibrations of it in my psyche. The animation of the turbulent water in the tender could not be put into mere words. So ominous. This author does a wonderfull job on these videos. I have observed many of them with much gratitude. A little negligence can go a long way in long protracted suffering. We must be very carefull and foresighted in our activities to avoid disaster as the dominos may fall in deep and far distant suffering of folks like you and me. A bundle of kindness to all of human kind.

[@Geoffrey-we4yo]

This has got to be the best documentary I've yet seen about the Woodbridge wreck. Those recommendations from the eyewitness pov made me appreciate how horrific it must have been seeing that from your own house window. Hearing the engineer describe it added to the realism. One item of note, the NY&LB was jointly owned by the PRR and the CNJ, but it was not an equal partnership. The CNJ provided full passenger and fright service, maintenance, and even the station agents and tower operators. The PRR ran many passenger trains, and even delivered freight to the yards, but did not serve fright customers directly. The Signal system and operating rules were patterned after the CNJ, and signals were very different between the two railroads, adding to the challenges faced by the Pennsy crews.

[@Historybuff_769]

Just Your animations alone put shows like mayday to shame not to mention the high quality, great storytelling/ narration, this has been my favorite channel for a while now, keep up the great work

[@roberttrometter5788]

I would like to personally say thank you for a great job on the Accident of the Broker train 1951. I also give my condolences to the people who lost their loved ones at the time of the accident. Robert Trometter, Jr.

[@GrunkleJam]

This was utterly remarkable. Thank you. I wasn't aware of this accident and now feel fully engaged with finding out more.

[@warrenbridges4095]

I started watching this on my phone but only after a few minutes I got comfortable and watched it on the big TV. Quality content comparable to the old Discovery & History Channels. Awesome work on this piece of history.

[@indridcold8433]

Do you not like aliens and Bigfoot? What kind of person does not aliens and Bigfoot? Aliens and Bigfoot are what have changed The Discovery Channel and History Channel into the television networks they are today. Show some appropriate respect, some very, very, appropriate level, respect. Besides, how will you ever find out what happened to the mermaids? I think there is another season coming up. I also want to see how the Ohio Grass Man turns out. I think he laid some eggs somewhere. Ewww, I hope someone finds his eggs!

[@tractorjunkco9431]

This is better than any modern TV station. Thanks for all the hard work you all into this documentary!

[@bmack5265]

I am NOT a huge "disaster history" documentary watcher in the least, namely for the way a lot of other channels seem to sensationalize the horror and the sadness of the tragedies. However, something about the way you present these stories gives me a sense of enrichment and even comfort--obviously not comfort for the disaster, but about how I'm going to learn about a genuine account than something hyped for the horror of the situation. I think it's your own compassion towards those involved as well as your desire to get the fullest story you can from everything and everyone available. I really appreciate that--and like another commenter said, you deserve awards (and more subscribers) for your work.

[@linb4985]

High quality, professional documentary. Really great. The animations really helped illustrate the chain of events.

[@CaptainSloose]

I'm a lifelong NJ resident and occasional rider of the long branch line - i had no idea this happened. Sir, I want to commend you on your work and animation. This is...just....incredible. Every single video you put out impresses me - this one might be my favorite - but i have so so so many favorites of yours. Thank you again.

[@Noah_Levy]

Kudos to Tom, Gordon, and everyone else who made this possible.

[@skychief7716]

This is by far the finest documentary I have listened to, bar none!!! Excellent work. Thank you for your time, patience, and quality effort to produce this program. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@stevencastiglioni9430]

Tom, this was simply a superb piece of work! It was an hour of my time that seemed like 15 minutes, It maybe your best work and the best documentary that I've ever seen. Well done!

[@PegLeisen]

Thank you for this detailed documentary. Our dad was one of the Woodbridge First Aid Squad responders and we can remember that night and the grief. Somehow our aunts survived the crash.

[@bethzolin6046]

What a truly outstanding documentary programme, one of the best I’ve ever seen. You have made an outstanding production here, and this English grandmother found it very interesting to watch. Thank you so much for sharing it

[@RedNightDragon1]

Nicely done, Tom and all involved. Life goes on and I can see that Freeman St. and Woodbridge itself will never forget the event of February 6, 1951.

[@RobDeHaven]

Tom another home run! You have a special gift that I am grateful you share with all of us. Your passion for history and ability to capture historical events accurately without making them boring is awesome! I watched this last night and my wife only saw the last 20 minutes but even she said it was really interesting, and I know you don't know her, but that is a very BIG compliment.

[@Miralee01]

I have watched many documentaries by professional groups and KZbinrs alike...none of them hold a candle to this one. I was listening to this on my lunch break & started crying. I shared this to friends to watch, and thank you so much for placing this together but also for the genuine caring you showed for the victims. May they rest in peace.

[@ApproachMedium]

Really enjoyed the premiere on Saturday and I'm looking forward to watching it again with my wife tonight!

[@JimmyProductions]

ApproachMedium? Love your content man! You inspired me when I was like 8, I can’t believe I’m nearly 15 now. Keep going man!

[@CPorter]

I saw this back when it first came out in a discord-share screen with another fan of this channel. But only now getting around to commenting. This is a great documentary, one of your very best you've ever done, but some how each time you manage to top your last ones! The only thing I wish you'd done differently is spent a LITTLE more time on the actual wrecksite today, but all in all amazing. Heartbreaking to have that survivor realize on camera the people in his dreams did die that night. Your skills as a storyteller and producer keep on getting better and better. Always love your content, Tom.

[@nathantuff8814]

An incredible documentary. That you're putting out work of this quality and exceeding what big budget TV/streaming can do is insane. Massive respect to everyone involved.

[@laxingpiper23]

As a big fan of this channel, and even more so as someone who just became a foreman for a major railroad providing on track safety, work site safety and placing flags/markers along the track in intervals of 2 miles and then 1 mile from construction sites on a major project, this one hit different. Very well written and respectful, but not shying from the reality and major disaster that could unfold. This really means a lot and is something I can refer to in relation to my job which I take very seriously.

[@KARENARNETT-q5n]

I just want to say, how amazingly impressed I am about the work, time, and energy you spent telling this sad event. Outstanding work! Outstanding.

[@mariekatherine5238]

I was four days old when this happened, third of 11 children. Our Dad used to regularly drive through this area when he was stationed at Lakehurst Naval Airbase. I’m amazed this is the first time I’m hearing about this tragedy. I give it ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️. Well done!

[@daviddryden8088]

As a fan and consumer of K&L's models for many years in the Trainz simulator franchise, it pleases me no end, that his models were chosen for this great documentary. Steve Lerro is a genius at his craft.

[@spingleboygle]

this puts the you in youtube, not a tube pumping out sludge and content farms, but a place where you can express genuine creativity and tell stories

[@chickenqual]

You have an uncanny ability to make me watch for hours about a topic I never would have heard of otherwise and be completely entertained the whole time. Keep up the good work and great research! I'd love to see you do a video one day on the Knox mine disaster. I know you'd knock that out of the park.

[@marvwatkins7029]

A great effort Tom, perhaps your best yet. Your docs just keep getting better and better.

[@RsTrainsonYT]

@PartTimeExplorer you did it again!! Easily your best railroad documentary to date, the wonderful story telling, animation and first person testimony’s are what make this SUCH A GREAT documentary!! You really get a better understanding as to how the wreck unfolded and what survivors / witnesses would’ve seen that fateful night. I’ll be looking forward to the more wonderful films you’ll put together 👍!

[@dianeo3284]

This documentary was wonderful! My grandmother lived 1 block from Fulton street. I was told our family ran to the scene with sheets to cover the deceased.

[@xlnuniex]

👋 Fellow resident of New Jersey here 👋 I never heard of this disaster before. Thank you for your content!

[@ZeroGT_]

i grew up in woodbridge back in the 80's and 90's and never heard of this. nobody ever mentioned it or talked about it. glad i found this! great job!

[@toetagm]

I'm currently a Co-worker of contributor A.J. Turkelli, I'm lucky to have access and a pleasure to listen to him speak about his history and knowledge of the railroad system. He's a real good guy !!!

[@rcnfo1197]

Thank you for documenting this tragic train wreck with clarity, empathy and amazing animation. It was hard to tell the difference between stock footage and animation. Well done!

[@anwolfs9804]

This is what History Channel should show! Amazing work!

[@T128Productions]

I agree. The quality is impeccable!

[@bees5461]

I love your new opening. The quality of your storytelling makes your channel one of my favorites. When I found your channel I started going back to listen to all of your videos. Great work, thank you so much!

[@Hailfire97]

Its been fun watching this channel grow into what it is today. This video looks like you've had a network TV budget, and the execution is amazing. The new channel/video intro is great, and the animations may be the best you guys have put out yet (and that's saying a lot). I hope you feel the love of the community, because you definitely should.

[@Raptorman0909]

I can't even believe the professionalism of this documentary, every aspect is well researched and brilliantly told with respect for all involved. The animations are as good as I've ever seen so thanks to the team that put that together. This was no superficial account, but a detailed telling of a story I knew nothing about even though as a resident of the area (lower NYS from 1956 onward) I would have thought to have heard about it. Most of the major names in telling history, most notably the History Channel, would never dream of telling a story like this without exaggerated controversy and hyperbolic language.

[@pennsy6755]

I simply cannot say the same thing again from the trailer and teasers, but _this documentary was amazing!_ Not just in the technology involved in part from Unreal and our good pal Steve from K&L, but the level of footage, audio recordings, photographs, _everything_ is something a lot of KZbinrs just simply cannot try to compete (small rant but said channels that do wreck documentaries try to put Thomas music over taking over discussions like this before and try to hide it or make simple troll jokes and make OCS out of it!! It’s outrageously offensive) I’m sorry about that… had to get it out of my system before this video goes public. My heart goes to the survivors of this disaster, and I cannot wait to see what else you got in store. Oh and I was curious, not to sound like a requester but have you put any consideration in other train wrecks like the 1918 crash? Or even stuff nearby like Altoona’s Red Arrow disaster? I would absolutely love to see someone try and pull a high quality documentary on them as they are mostly forgotten to the public outside the select few living in Nashville and Altoona respectively. That’s all I really have to say. You nailed it and all I ask is to never stop doing this line of work. See ya in the next documentary. - Pennsy

[@RF-zn8xx]

OUTSTANDING WORK!! This may be the best documentary on a train tragedy on any platform. Big train fan so more like this would be epic. Seen all your videos and this one is definitely the magnum opus. Going to rebinge now

[@washingtonradio]

I like how you pointed out PRR had serious deficiencies in how they signaled information to their train crews. This was accident waiting to happen when the engineer was alerted about the conditions ahead even he had orders. Also there appears to be some sloppy maintenance by the PRR that contributed to the accident. Both are issues that the crew are completely blameless for.

[@thestainmorephoenix8632]

We had tons of previous accidents that involve human memory and it's shortcomings, yet we never learned that lesson. Hawes Junction 1910 Quintinshill 1915 Two that come to mind when stating memory is faulty

[@redwolfpiping5701]

@@thestainmorephoenix8632 don't forget the wreck that changed the name of a PA town of Wissahiken to Ambler, memory played big in that accident

[@washingtonradio]

@@thestainmorephoenix8632 Even without faulty memory add difficult conditions, no other warnings, etc. this was an accident waiting to happen.

[@raymondpaller6475]

The PRR could/should have, in engineering parlance, added to "the margin of safety" by installing those distance-paired yellow lights. Yet to say "that the crew are completely blameless" is complete dripping twaddle. The 7 previous trains passed here with ZERO incident.

[@NHGMitchell]

@@raymondpaller6475 Ah, but they passed in daylight. This train was one of the first, if not the first, to pass after nightfall.

[@angelachouinard4581]

This was a great piece of work. Your integration of all the elements and the work of the other contributors is flawless. Such attention to detail without any repetition is so rare these days even from big budget studios. I used to live in New Jersey and know that area of Woodbridge but never heard of this wreck. Thank you and all the contributors for preserving this piece of history with such respect and care. Now I'm off to find more of your work.

[@uhlijohn]

The animations truly ARE stunning! Great work, my friend!

[@wxwatcher9315]

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who worked on this amazing project. These true stories will be studied and remembered generations later because of your dedication to the complex, intricate details. Everyone can learn and grow from your well-documented research of this tragic incident.

[@poc329]

This is great work. I love watching your channel. It seems to get better & better. You do it with great skill, understanding & humbleness. Well done.

[@egarrett1117]

I actually kept my phone out my hand and watched from start to finish, fantastic work.

[@JamesGoetzke]

I was born in Summit New Jersey in 1961. I took the train to high school every day from Short Hills to Madison. The old electric Erie Lackawanna. Wicker seats and all. I never heard of this. Wow. On a side note pertaining to disasters and Woodbridge...on December 29th 1972 Eastern Airlines flight 401 from JFK to Miami crashed in the Everglades. The Woodbridge connection? Next to the New Jersey Parkway in Woodbridge was the Eastern Airlines Reservations building. My mother just started her career with Eastern. She had to take the calls from family members...this was the time before the internet and cable news. It was a time that affected Sarah deeply all of her remaining days. 401. All because of a 29 cent light bulb. Again thanks for the post.

[@garybrown1404]

I have a passion for documentaries, and have watched & enjoyed many hundreds, but I can't remember any that could have cleared the bar that you set with this one. Deeply researched, clearly reconstructed, the human side of this tragedy revealed through witness interviews & statements, hauntingly woven together between past & present by 1951 photos, excellent animation and the perfect sountrack that you chose.

[@heathersissons6922]

Holy shit, this is an amazing documentary. Seriously, this is so high quality and must have taken so much work. You did an amazing job with it.

[@missmia7869]

I can't get over how much better your documentary is than any I have ever seen on any cable TV channel. It really is amazing! The recreation of the accident shows so much detail of events that it almost puts you there, standing on one of the porches of the homes on that street. The History Channel couldn't even do better, kudos to you for a wonderful job, I can't wait to watch more of your documentaries!

[@sirmatsdubois2509]

I Watched a previous documentary from somebody else on this disaster and I must admit I did not know half of the things that were happening in this accident that were explained in This documentary. and I really must applaud the animators and the people behind the animation of the locomotive and the disaster. really talented people. and I also really want to really say that those people who are willing to talk about the disaster were very brave and I am really sorry that that happened to them. Let's just hope that the lessons learned from this accident will always be a reminder to everyone. Also I hope that the engineer can at least rest easy now knowing that many more people are aware that he wasn't purely responsible for the accident. heck if the tender didn't have all of those problems with it I bet if it would have been shaken but the train might not have derailed. the keywords being might. but still it's also good to know that there are many plaques to remember that day. and let us hope that this documentary will assist in keeping the memory of this accident alive. Also the73rd anniversary of the Accident is tomorrow for anybody wondering.

[@keyportproductions]

This production was one of the finest I have ever seen. Excellent job. 5 stars.

[@jessicadavis8865]

This is SO COOL. Can’t believe this is free content. You’re filling the hole in my heart that Saturday morning TV used to fill. Thank you for making content like this!

[@kommandantgalileo]

Thank you for bringing this back to the spotlight for the thousands of people who watch you.

[@jerrymail]

Hello ! French subscriber here ! 😊 Your great videos about U.S. Ghost Towns brought me on your channel. You do an awesome work, thank you ! 👍

[@christopherbritton293]

Absolutely spell-binding graphics and such a thoroughly researched and well-presented documentary. I was riveted from beginning to end. All credit to you for bringing this to a wider audience.

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Thank you!

[@ajkleipass]

This was a wonderfully informative documentary on an accident that I'm not sure I've ever heard about. The LIRR crash is the only metro area commuter accident that jumps to mind involving PRR / Pennsylvania subsidiary lines. I ordered the book. ❤

[@rogerrendzak8055]

Tom, you put together, the most detailed, depiction of storys, when you document, history👏👏👍👍!!! Something we would NOT GET, from television and/or, the media authorities. I've never heard of this disaster, prior to you telling it. And, I lived in New Jersey (albeit that, we're in the farthest, southernmost part), for 59 years. And, I'm a 'train-nut', and still was deprived of this wreck's, tragic incident. I'm also totally convinced that, what you have presented, is very realistically and logically how, this tragedy unfolded😞. I've been 'hooked' since I first saw, one of your documentaries. I believe it was about our famous Concrete Shipwreck, at Cape May Point. That's all it took. Then of other older wooden shipwrecks, up in the Delaware Bay. I've seen your hand at acting also, as with that short, Titanic skit you did, many years before. A highschool project I recall, correct🤔??? I noticed that your wife, hasn't been in, any of the recent documentaries, or seen her name (Anna, is it??) in the credits. I hope all is well, with both of you's.

[@eli709]

I can’t even express my thank you for this content.

[@brianp3570]

This is really good. It balances the fascination with what went wrong with the personal element that it was a really sad event for a lot of people.

[@kamokev_92]

This one hit hard. Being a former track crewman, I feel for all the families of the deceased and the folks who came to help the victims from this tragedy. I pray everyone involved eventually found peace and I'm glad to see this incident hasn't been forgotten about. It's also great to see the investigative points to show it wasn't crew error, but poor company policies and management of the locomotives caused the accident. RIP to all those lost during this terrible event ❤️

[@danasimcho310]

I was an "Army brat" living at Fort Monmouth in 1957 when I heard stories about the Broker werck. My dad, a history buff, took us to Woodbridge one Saturday afternoon to view the site. Thank you for a very informative & tastefully done documentary.

[@Randomstuffs261]

My man Lynskey always droppin' these bangers

[@Tirani2]

I came across your channel previously, and it randomly popped back up. The calm, sensitive, reasonable way you handled this video has earned my subscription.

[@robertmeyers7907]

My dad rode the broker every day for years. He was a little late getting to Newark that evening and didn’t get his usual seat. The gentleman who took his seat that night did not survive the wreck. My dad suffered only an injured knee and continued commuting from Belmar to Newark five days a week until he retired. I still have his scrapbook of the wreck. I was just a kid that night but as I approach my 80th birthday my memory of that night lingers.

[@lorineharner2189]

This was so well done. So fascinating!!!!! Thank you for all of your work. I am looking forward to learning more about this.

[@Alexius01]

As always, this already looks incredible! Great job to you and the team! Lets make 2024 a big year for you!!

[@karenc7557]

Excellent show! Amazing story! Didn't know this happened as I was living in northern NJ, but only 7 yrs. old. Your work is superb - enjoy every one of your shows!!!