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

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On the misty evening of February 6th, 1951, the residents along Fulton Street in Woodbridge, New Jersey heard a thundering crash. Opening their doors, they saw the deadliest train wreck in state history. The worst wreck in American history since 1918... This was the Broker, which came off the rails taking the lives of 85 people and injuring hundreds more, scarring many for life, both physically and emotionally… it was officially deemed as a simple case of excessive speed, but frustrated investigations failed to get to the bottom of things, leaving many questions unanswered.
We’re using the advanced technology of Unreal Engine 5 to piece this wreckage back together, bringing the history to life like never before. Guided by historians, exploring the wrecksite, and hearing the stories directly from survivors, we’re re-examining this 73 year old case, and hopefully answering these questions once and for all.
Get a copy of "Man Failure", Gordon Bond's excellent book on the Broker here: www.gardenstatelegacy.com/Man...
I’d like to extend my gratitude to the Historical Association of Woodbridge Township for their generous support in the production of this documentary. www.woodbridgetownshiphistory...
Thank you to Steve Lerro of K&L Trainz for modeling the Broker train: kltrainz.com/
Director and Narrator: Tom Lynskey
Writer: Tom Lynskey and Gordon Bond
Executive Producer: Steven Schwankert
Animator: Alex Moeller
Digital Models: Steve Lerro and Alex Moeller
Technical Consultant: John Turkeli

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@AaronArroyo-sn4uy]

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

[@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.

[@nevillehorseproductions4434]

@@marishine9104I see

[@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.

[@toni_k.]

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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@CrossOfBayonne]

As a Jersey Central fan I say upmost respect

[@robinbutler3333]

@@CrossOfBayonne 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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@BradleyRock]

I’m surprised in fact when I showed this to my grandpa(dad’s side) he said “oh…This accident happened when I was just 20 years old 7 months before I met your grandma”. And I said “you were on board there?” And he said “technically yes, I remembered the train came to halt and my coach was derailed but amazingly I survived with some broken ribs and bones and since your great grandfather taught me how to get out so climbed out of the coach which glass had been shattered, then I climbed amazingly alive. All of my buddies had survived”. And I said to him did you help the others to get out? He said “yep took some to the hospital and when we dropped the flowers for the members that lost their lives I said I hope this never happens ever again in my old hometown”.

[@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.

[@soiouz]

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

[@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

[@CrossOfBayonne]

​@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!!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@homeboy_roy1570]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@GrunkleJam]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@Noah_Levy]

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

[@blueriver5269]

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

[@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 ! 👍

[@tractorjunkco9431]

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

[@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.

[@linb4985]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@brandonproulx9583]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@user-lz4hx7vu9n]

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.

[@xlnuniex]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@uhlijohn]

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

[@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..

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@marvwatkins7029]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@anwolfs9804]

This is what History Channel should show! Amazing work!

[@T128Productions]

I agree. The quality is impeccable!

[@Randomstuffs261]

My man Lynskey always droppin' these bangers

[@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.

[@4Score747]

Amazing Documentary! I had never heard of this before! My dad and grandpa were both Brakeman and conductors on the railroad for many years. Grandpa was a conductor on the L&N, my dad was Southern Pacific. Both worked 42-44 years. It’s a sad story. The engineer on that 2445 was about the same age as my granddad too. I was born 9 years later to almost the day.. I’m sure affected the whole country . Probably gave my mother a few sleepless nights.

[@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.

[@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.

[@spungbopscarepans]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 👍!

[@margay34]

Seeing john realize who he was looking at inside the book brought a tear to my eye, even after so many years you can how affected by this he is

[@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

[@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.

[@NLYS27]

The craziest part of this documentary that we don't see in a modern era are genuine people good people doing genuine things. They truly valued life. The world has degraded to the point that the average person wont help or get involved.

[@joerivanlier1180]

That is simply not true, there was a derailment here (Voorschoten) a couple of years back, and the passengers were also welcomed in to the homes of the locals, help was there quickly, there was one big difference with the Booker accident, there was no police needed to force away the onlookers.. As said 1500 people there were hindering helpers here, so no they did not value life more then now, probably no less either..

[@Milk-rn5uq]

ok boomer.

[@NLYS27]

Im in my early 20's@@Milk-rn5uq

[@NLYS27]

This is a incident that happened in the US and i was referring to the US. The people who would do this are a extreme minority and in the majority of the American population do not have these values.@@joerivanlier1180

[@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.

[@fubarmodelyard1392]

This is an astoundingly excellent presentation. Most poignant moment is when Mr. Ryan recognizes Victor.

[@user-zz3dy6xz4j]

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.

[@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 ❤️

[@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.

[@WindrunnerWargamer]

It's interesting that it's possible the derailing would have been less bad or possibly not even happened if the one worker's concerns had been heeded is one of those things that just...oof. You hear so many stories like this where a disaster was made far worse by a overseer's decision to not listen to the person on the ground. Very quality documentary as usual PTE. Keep up the good work.

[@alan6832]

If tenders were made longer and lower, not only would they have a lower center of gravity, but they would also improve rear visibility and reverse visibility for the engineer, who has none too much visibility and raises the prospect of running the locomotive backwards like the oil fired ones in the west, with valve gear reversed, in which case the frame would not have to be so strong either; but the fireman might have to shovel coal farther from a longer, lower pile. Also, a heavier tender frame would have lowered the center of gravity and improved stability, in addition to being stronger. This all in addition to the lack of signals.

[@alan6832]

I also wonder why, if the track was electrified at the time, was a steam engine being used and not an electric? Did the electrification end?

[@alan6832]

A related fact that I find shocking is that I calculated loaded oil tankers as something like 90% cargo and around 10% structure, while trucks are almost half structure. If oil tankers were even 20% structure, many spills would have been avoided.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@deidrawentzel5106]

Unbelievable I have lived in NJ for 57 yrs and I live right by the r7 in West Trenton. I have never ever heard the heart wrenching story before. I knew if the 55 flood and our bridge to PA. Being taken out, but not this. Very well done keep up the good work

[@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.

[@barbdaly8172]

Just so you know, my husband was a trainman for 20 years recently retired and nothing has changed the railroad will do whatever they can to cut corners they could care less about safety

[@jackx4311]

According to evidence given to the offficial inquiry, this was *NOT* down to the railroad 'cutting corners' (though I don't doubt that plenty did, and still do), but to the engineer Joseph Fitzsimmons ignoring both the written notice of a 25mph speed limit over the bridge, *AND* ignoring the reminder given to him by the conductor John Bishop before they left Jersey City. Fitzsimmons did NOT slow down as he approached the temporary bridge, and when Bishop realised that, he was unable to reach the emergency brake because of the crush of passengers. Fitzsimmons claimed he was only doing 25 mph, but from the evidence of damage done to the train and the bridge, the inquiry estimated the train's speed was between 50 and 60 mph. The report concluded that the wreck was caused by "excessive speed on a curve of a temporary track". Fitzsimmons continued working for the railroad, but never operated a train again. And, please note, there is nothing unsafe or 'corner cutting' about building a temporary stretch of track to keep trains running whilst engineering works are in progress - *as long as drivers obey the speed limit which was set for it.*

[@sirboomsalot4902]

@@jackx4311Did you watch the rest of the documentary? They concluded that the inquiry was wrong, and it was mostly the Pennsylvania railroads fault for not putting up lights to signal where the restricted area was, which every other rail line did and Simmons was looking for since he was used to them being there. The “cutting corners” had nothing to do with the trusses

[@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.

[@railroadwolf]

I'm a big time passenger train enthusiast and it's so sad!. That crash. Took so many lives and left permanent damage on so many lives. My deepest condolences on the families. Still to this date!.

[@p.k.5455]

Most professional and informative series of videos. So well done and so enjoyable to listen too and watch! Tom is amazing and I always look forward to his new releases. My only wish is that they came out more often, but I also know that time is used to make these videos so wonderful for us to enjoy. Catch 22...lol...Thank you Tom...and if you ever get outside of Omaha Nebraska, I'd love to buy you a drink and just chat history... Keep doing what you're doing. It's very good work!

[@Brock_Landers]

Tom your new intro is amazing! Thanks for sharing yet another historical story!

[@StuartCoombs]

Thank you once again for your brilliant work. The care and compassion and the attention to detail with which you bring stories like these to life is so admirable and your work is so informative, allowing historical events such as this to come to life and their impact not to be lost. Bravo!

[@bobgarbett3229]

I have seen many of your KZbin videos and they can all be summed up in two words! “absolutely brilliant” Thank you for this amazing yet heartbreaking video. You set a high bar indeed! Keep it up!

[@eli709]

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

[@RusticVentures]

Incredibly well done documentary from beginning to end!

[@bethintexas9678]

Thank you for all the time and attention to detail that you and all the contributors have done.

[@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!

[@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. ❤

[@redwolfpiping5701]

This needs to be on TV for the anniversary tomorrow

[@thomasculligan4348]

Thomas, another outstanding video I had never heard of this tragedy before but you brought it to life. I was actually brought to tears keep up the great work.

[@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!