Train Derails on Camera and Starts Bridge Fire!

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Skip to the derailment: 17:07 Subscribe to Dan's channel here: www.youtube.com/@TheRailfanDan A quick note to those who want to virtue signal, claiming we broke the law by transmitting via radio to the train crew: 1. There is absolutely no cell phone service along most of the Toledo District so calling the emergency number on the grade crossing tag would have been pointless. 2. Even if we could have reached the railroad, calling that number would have added a 2-3 minute delay. 3. That delay would have meant the train would have cleared Eddyville where there’s a switch to a small siding. If the boxcar picked the switch, the cars would have almost certainly flipped over, causing much more damage and potentially harming several nearby residences. 4. Neither Dan nor I knew that the handheld Baofeng radio he was using was outlawed a few years ago. That being said, thousands of railfans use that brand to listen in on communications. That's not a justification for owning or using one but more so an observation. Now that we're more educated about this brand, we won't ever use it to listen to railroads in the future and will do our best to educate others about the illegality of said brand. 5. The Amateur Radio Rules has an emergency communication clause that reads: 97.403 Safety of life and protection of property. No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station of any means of radio communication at its disposal to provide essential communication needs in connection with the immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property when normal communication systems are not available. You armchair railroad and communications lawyers can pound sand. If we took your advice, the railroad would've had a much more serious situation on its hands and the residents of Eddyville would have been put at risk of serious injury or property damage. On another note, thank you to those who gave insight about stepping out of the vehicle to transmit. We hope we never have to encounter a situation like this one again, but knowing this information in an area where there is no cellphone reception is very helpful. -Drayton

[@TheCSXrailfanner]

How convenient lol

[@occamsrazor9183]

I have friends that live in Toledo, on the hills overlooking the mill...

[@scottyj8135]

FFS 😂 I was waiting to see how they fixed it or did they get a crane to pick it up and put back on tracks. 🤔🤔

[@lucasguimont8845]

I went to school in Eddyville with Josh. Lived rughtnon that track 5 miles up Nashville rd. Cool to see my home on the internet

[@h8GW]

All the more reason to install more trackside detectors! Who knows much the damage that "minor" derailment caused over a couple of miles will cost to fix?

[@SOT03Y]

I am a train driver here in Australia, and in a "derailment school" we were told one of the worst things you can do is to go in to emergency with a derailed car as the hard braking can cause the cars to bunch up and heavier cars and lift lighter cars up off the tracks, so a moderate braking application is a safer option. I was involved in a derailment back in 2016 and we gave it a 100KPA/15psi reduction came to a nice gentle but firm stop and we were commended for our actions. Anway, a bit of food for thought, another great video mate, and well done for alerting the crew. You guys saved the day from what could have been a far worse outcome.

[@badgerattoadhall]

is it true in Australia that different states have different rail gauges?

[@buckstarchaser2376]

I figure that the the train driver was reacting to the people with cameras that he'd seen the previous 2 crossings, now suddenly flapping their arms like emergency-birds. Clearly, someone was putting in the effort to insist on his response, and not that the "that means it's working" hand and arm gesture actually meant anything to the train guy.

[@Reigns_Trains]

Knock it off come on now. A train driver?

[@standardaussie]

My dad and uncle Dave drove/drives for rural v line frieght in vic. You close?

[@standardaussie]

@@Reigns_Trains ooh engineer, conductor. We don't care for pointless feelgood titles here mate. Get over yourselves ay.

[@Immortal..]

Watching the trains is nice and all, but the small history lesson combined with an overview of the areas operations and then the short interview with a resident of the town make this a timeless video. Someone many decades from now will find this video and get a glimpse of a small event, showing life in 2022.

[@erict5234]

Great job guys, as a railroad employee I can't stress enough how much you guys saved the day. Railfans often get a bad reputation. Your attention to what was abnormal, stopping that train and putting out the bridge fire saved the company big money. Again, fantastic job! For future reference, use the # (on the blue tag) at the crossing to contact the railroad to make them alert of any problems... that's what it's there for.

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Thanks for the kind words. Unfortunately, because of how remote the Toledo District is, we had no cell service. Contacting them over the radio was the fastest way we could alert them.

[@filanfyretracker]

ahh so that number on the crossing is for any emergency involving the rail line at that spot, Somehow I always figured it was just for a broken signal or obstructed crossing such as a vehicle broken down or stuck. Guessing if you do not catch the engine number the dispatch will know what train should be at that crossing at that moment?

[@williamscoggin1509]

What you just said at the end of your comment is a problem that is grown out of proportion. The railroad like so many other companies wanting everyone to contact them on Facebook or Twitter, instead of an emergency phone number which could at least connect you directly to a messaging machine that someone would be around.. Facebook and other social media have driven so many people away from their platform from all the bull crap that they have pulled over the last few years and all the using of everyone's information illegally getting the customer completely saturated with scams and annoyances. If there had been a simple dedicated phone number where you can leave a quick message and the machine notify whoever at headquarters that there is a new message on the problem line everything would have been fixed so much quicker. It could have been called in from the first crossing where they spotted the problem instead of having to chase the train down. Customers are just shunned by corporations these days that do not want to talk to anyone. Or if they do have a number to call they have a list of options and a lot of times there is no option for what you're calling about until you can't select the number.

[@erict5234]

@@williamscoggin1509 Very true, social media has taken over a lot. The blue tags with the emergency phone numbers are required at all DOT crossings. That number is directly connected to whatever railroad company owns that crossing. On the UPRR the phone number goes to RMCC (risk management / railroad police) They have a direct line to train dispatchers, who can act quickly in an emergency.

[@trenano]

Railfans are good people on your country; I'm just a HO trainfan from Chile and we don´t have to huge train here.

[@whoever6458]

As a former firefighter, thanks for putting that fire out because it doesn't take much for a large wildfire to develop and it always starts small like that. Usually, people don't notice until it's already big enough that it's probably going to take at least an entire day to put it out. If you have wind and/or dry conditions, it can turn deadly and almost certainly damaging really quickly and that's when you're talking about a long fire fight to get it out. Always best to catch it while it's still small and a 5 gallon bucket does the trick. It's definitely worth walking down the train bridge to do, especially since you know there almost certainly won't be a train seeing as how that derailed boxcar will be blocking the line for a time until they can get it back on the rail and moved out of there. I walk down a train bridge once on a dare and it scared the shit out of me even though I could see pretty far in both directions and there wasn't a train, plus I could see the lights for the track and they were all off. Wouldn't ever do that again for money or anything else unless I knew there was something like a derailment blocking the track. Even still, if another train did mistakenly end up going down that track, you'd end up as the meat in a train sandwich.

[@farLander1]

All we need to remember is the fate of 'ol Stobe. It's a real shame he had to go that way but it's a grim reminder why you don't walk along tracks, especially with no escape route.

[@DavidKehley]

Plus trying to getting to a fire like this could be very difficult to get to

[@LordPhobos6502]

Seconding this. Also, as a rail worker, normally I would say NEVER trespass on the rail corridor for your safety and the safety of others. However, you know the line is blocked by the derailed train, which is not going anywhere, as well as providing an emergency service putting out that fire.

[@TimeSurfer206]

Consider those timbers are treated with creosote. Once it starts afire, it's equal to a combo of coal and Diesel.

[@RaindropsBleeding]

Reminds me of an incident when I was 18. Found out what my top running speed was that day, and how remarkably useful my habit is of always stepping directly on top of treeroots (or in this case railroad ties) instead of between them. Fortunately it was a short bridge, and I was wearing high visibility clothing so the driver could blow the horn. I might not be able to tell you about it otherwise.

[@durka-durka-bakalakadaka]

My grandfather lives a short walk from the spot where this occurred. I remember him mentioning it in passing, but had no idea it was documented like this. What are the chances....talk about being in the right place at the right time. Awesome video, thanks for sharing!

[@3vpme2]

Did he finger you in the shower like ol joe biden?

[@EvanBallinger13]

All of you guys should be commended for notifying the crew of the derailment AND for spotting the fire before it became a problem! I've seen enough fire destruction for one life time. I live in Sonoma County, California and saw the Tubbs Fire wipe out so much of my hometown of Santa Rosa. The fire burned for almost a month and it was sickening to see. Stay safe guys!

[@tucobenedicto109]

Red flag or a fusee can stop a train, from the head end, or wave your arms side to side or with a flashlight the same. I would say the fusee is a fire source so last resort. They saved the bridge, and removed a big fire fight! Great video!

[@stephanieparker1250]

Glad there’s an old hound dog there to supervise! ❤

[@pinemeadowshobbyfarmafruga8319]

Great jobs Dudes. As an Oregonian living with wildfires in the mountains around my homestead, I am grateful for the keen eye of that resident and the braveness of Dan to walk the track and douse the flames.

[@jovetj]

It isn't tooooo brave when the only train on the line to worry about is stopped a few hundred yards away. That's how bridge fires start, though, and I'm really glad Mr. Rariden noticed the smoke in the first place!

[@goodeye03]

G&W should give him a Golden Spike award for saving them so much money. Great video...

[@tomrandall4871]

Thank you so much for your discovery and help!

[@KBuckyRailVideo]

Great work guys! A big step toward good relations between the railroads and railfans.

[@turnerdeedo4633]

Because that car derailed to the right side of the track, it would have been REALLY bad if it had gotten to that switch just past the crossing. You guys saved the day and stopped the train just in time!

[@Vulpine407]

Bet that's why the engineer decided on an emergency stop rather than a gradual one. I'd like to hear from an expert, though.

[@KDubielak]

Do we have any idea what caused the derailment

[@ChadDidNothingWrong]

@@KDubielak wheels probably come with a side of fried rice

[@scrap5407]

aye a fellow scrap mechanic train enthusiast? lol

[@turnerdeedo4633]

@@scrap5407 Yes I am! Check out my workshop if you want to.

[@GLICKMIRE]

I was a railroad crew shuttle driver for over 20 years and on several occasions, I used the bottled drinking water to put out cross tie fires. It happens more often than you might think.

[@jovetj]

I caught some smoldering fires from a train probably 20 years ago in my hometown. I called the fire department.

[@boxlid214]

It was likely those large peeled off shavings of steel, you know those are going to be hot when they fall off there

[@SilentSooYun]

It's strange... I haven't done any model railroading in years, yet suddenly my recommends are full of railroad videos. THIS video makes me want to take up the hobby again! This line is absolutely gorgeous and ticks ALL my boxes: mirror-like river running through forested mountain, wooden tressel bridges, tunnels, tree tunnels, and slow-moving bright orange engines that draw the attention

[@NorthCountryTrains]

You guys always catch the CRAZIEST stuff, and your professional videography and production as well as assisting everyone involved in these incidents is top notch.

[@panamrailways7327]

hey old friend

[@NorthCountryTrains]

@@jonboll-LGM sounds like a… RAILFAN THEORY?

[@hugbar3910]

@@jonboll-LGM Siiiiii... Seguramente!!!!!!... Ustedes los estadounidenses nos han inspirado al resto de los americanos las teorías conspirativas 😎😀😀😀. Hablando en serio, muy bueno el video 👍.

[@Enjoyer.762]

@Jon Boll That is absolutely what the railroads and crews think about railfans.

[@MrPaxio]

plot twist they derailed it themselves and started the fire

[@cronicpain1015]

Great video. My grandpa worked for the TP&W/ Santa Fe railroad out out Peoria illinois on the derailment crew for 35 years. He retired and would train watch a lot. He passed away in 2000. He would be proud of y’all for what y’all did. So thank you and keep making great videos

[@drummachine434]

Congratulations, you officially have the YTs best camera quality and stability of a train derailment

[@supralapsarian]

True to this day, which is saying something given the events of the last few weeks!

[@SgtDexterGrif]

The narration here is fantastic. Extremely educated and the same tone that made “How It’s Made” famous and easy to listen to, as well as connect with. Great work. Further incredible quick action to solve the fire and mediate damage

[@GlamorganManor]

I had forgotten all about that very enjoyable, and sometimes mesmerizing, show.

[@kentslocum]

As a resident of Eugene who grew up next to the huge railroad sidings, I've always wondered where those cars are coming from, and where they're headed. It's nice to learn about Toledo and how it connects to the rest of the rail network.

[@sgttombailes3380]

When I was a kid, I grew up on the Gainesville Midland RR. The old steamers started fires all the time w/ the sparks they produced. I'm 70 now and I still remember that so well.

[@edwardroberts2997]

Hi Fellows I am a Rail Fan from Connecticut been some 60 years for me I am 81 years old and in a wheelchair wonderful video, as are all of your videos.

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Thanks so much, Edward. I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. Really appreciate the kind remarks. -Drayton

[@robertsiebenrock3997]

Thanks to you guys you saved the day I also experienced hot journals that took cars. Off the tracks. I was able to get the train stopped before it got worse. Luckily I was an employee so I was able to get ahold of the crew.

[@poowg2657]

Love the slug with the little dynamic blister, model railroading stuff there. A-1 response on the trestle fire, well done.

[@stevenrosen9895]

A lot has been said about the incident, and it's great you were there to help. My comment is about the videography. Stunning! Especially the drone shots, and the quality of the video, that brought out the lushness of the area and the gentle, slow crossing of the countryside by the train. A great video all around, with beauty, excitement, great shots and heroics! You guys make great videos!

[@jenniferbutcher8393]

Drayton, please don't be a stranger!! And welcome Dave, your narrative style is wonderful!

[@ernieramos-dm1bt]

Although this happened two years ago I want to thank you all for all you did.!! May God bless you for all your help .

[@BaltimoreAndOhioRR]

That was an interesting story! It looks like nice country out there. The cabless yard slug was an extra bonus. Well done all around!

[@brianhickey5949]

Wow! An epic adventure from what started as a simple railfan video shoot. You folks are impressive! Thank you for your efforts in avoiding a much larger accident and your fire control. Kudos!

[@fordguy8792]

Talk about perfect timing! Your intervention saved a ton more damage and things could have been much worse for the next train. Really cool to see rail fans in action!

[@thomasmackowiak]

Splendid video, Drayton! I enjoyed the drone footage of the train as it was slowly making its way along the tracks. You and Railfan Dan were at the right place at the right time to see that boxcar that derailed. It was a good thing that you two were able to get to that railroad crossing in Eddyville, Oregon to flag down the train. You two saved a disaster from happening. It was nice to see Railfan Dan in this video. I have been a subscriber of Dan's KZbin channel for at least two years. I enjoy watching Dan's videos and I usually comment on his videos. Dan in turn usually takes the time to read my comments and answers my comments. When you announced early in 2021 that you were going to Oregon to take videos, I was hoping that you would contact Railfan Dan to obtain information about the various railroads in Oregon.

[@TheRailfanDan]

Glad you saw this one Thomas! I was pretty excited when Drayton reached out to me to see about spending some time together and show him around. It was a pleasure to be able to do so and the next time he comes out anywhere West of the Rockies I hope to meet up with him. We had a great time and what an adventure it turned out to be in the end!

[@thomasmackowiak]

@@TheRailfanDanI am glad that you and Drayton were able to collaborate on this video. I hope that you two worked together on a few more videos while Drayton was out in Oregon. Thank you for showing Drayton around your stomping grounds!

[@jovetj]

@@TheRailfanDan Must feel good to be a hero for a day! Rip that shirt off and put on some spandex and a cape!

[@TheRailfanDan]

@@jovetj Haha!

[@debikawaii]

Thank you so much for your accurate and concise description of slugs! Much appreciated!

[@captainkeyboard1007]

I like your explanation describing slug cars and I learned that they are not electrically powered on their own. The shots taken by the drone are remarkable.

[@BradGryphonn]

This was a cool video. Thanks for being 'lucky' enough to be on the scene to avert two possible tragedies. A dangerous derailment accident, and a bridge fore. Way cool!

[@Dreamworld986]

Cool drone view of the train and the beautiful country. And the old scary footbridge.

[@nightthornkvala94132]

As a resident of Sacramento I thank you guys with all my heart for your help in preventing a possible wildfire. I was living in Oakland, CA in 1991 and still remember the awful wildfires in the Oakland hills back then. My sister-in-law and her wife managed the apartment building where me and my son lived and I helped her assist several tenants who evacuated. The skies were grey with smoke and embers were falling onto the roof. We finally evacuated to my folks house in San Francisco and were lucky to find the building intact when we went back several days later. Three decades later and I still remember that fear.

[@Mywhtjp]

Hey there.. I'm also from Sacto..Were you living there in the 70's.. Do you remember the Roseville yard explosion..? I was a kid back then and lived less than 4 miles away on Roseville Rd in a mobile home park.. Well.. I never heard a thing about it until we heard it on the news that night.

[@nightthornkvala94132]

@@Mywhtjp Nah. I've only been in Sac since 2007. I'm from The City.

[@ThomasWLalor]

Stunning cinematography.

[@kriscook2423]

Awesome work. I loved the history lesson and the videography was superb. It was wonderful of you to help out and flag down the train and keep the fire in check. I respect that kindness and responsibility.

[@shawnr761]

This is why true honest railfans are good for a railrod

[@Terk131]

Very true.

[@kishansn3145]

Railfanning in india is against the law according to railway police force!😔

[@robertdale8758]

I flipped around 200 trains with there own spikes I'm really into trains ask your mum.

[@robertdale8758]

HA

[@Eginhardt]

@@kishansn3145 What do you mean recording video?

[@skayt35]

Thanks for explaining the slugs! I'm not a railfanner, but it makes perfect sense under the circumstances. As the line seems to have a high portion of curves and has to be driven at an unusually slow speed, I can understand the railroad company preferring this configuration versus standard 6-axle locomotives. Thanks also for acting resolutely on the twofold incident!

[@louGriggs1944]

Great that you were able to notify the crew. Also great that you spotted the bridge smoldering. Thanks.

[@dannyh8288]

I had a Varney brand HO set in the late 1960s and I suffered from derailments ALL THE TIME! Sure wish I had someone alerting me!! Good job!

[@jovetj]

I'm glad I wasn't the only one taken back to model railroad days!

[@7ideaproductions]

Great video! Good job guys!

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Thank you so much. To receive a comment like this from you is of the highest honor. I watched so many of your productions on RFD-TV with my Grandad when I was a little kid and always hoped to make videos as good as yours are one day. Thank you for all you’ve done. -Drayton

[@owenlinton5647]

the scenery on that layout is top notch! well done to all for making the video 😀

[@stevehughes55]

Nice Video, a beautiful location. Glad the Train Crew responded to you. You guys did great job, I am sure the Bridge fire would have smoldered until it burnt down if you had not gone into action. The Train Company should give you a Citizen of the year medal.

[@quantumleap359]

You guys were at the right place at the right time. You prevented a serious fire risk, plus stopped more damage to the rails and roadbed. Excellent videography and narration. Very well done. Thanks.

[@tomroise9426]

Excellent video. Amazing timing that you were there to help them. The damage you prevented could have been catastrophic. Hope this one goes viral.

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@boomboomyourdoomdoom1767]

@@DelayInBlockProductions look at the flange on that truck it's way past its time it must have just pop over the track

[@revharrycwigmoreiii5787]

Great video, thankful for your action in reaching the train engineer and the damage could have been much worse. Your attention to trains saved this one and bridge, Good Job, Guys!!!

[@djteako]

Great video with great narrative and information !!!! My first thought was "why are they using GP's instead of SD's, and you explained that well.My second thought was on that slug, which you also explained extremely well - I have never seen a slug with dynamic brakes! I think your handling of the derailment and notifying the crew was awesome, and as you said, gives us railfans a good mark in their eyes for a change, instead of just being a nuisance . Very well done!

[@arthurschipper8906]

a) History, can't get enough. Love it! b) Tech info, nails. c) The setting. Bullet proof.

[@MarylandAreaRailfan]

Wow! You all helped a lot, I’d imagine there’d be a million more in damage if you didn’t stop them with those two switches and long trestle it stopped on. There was a similar situation I helped a G&W crew avoid extensive damage when I spotted a very large tree down just around a blind curve, I was able to notify the crew soon enough for them to just ease up to the tree’s location.

[@1JUSTGOTLUCKY1]

Great video...stunning scenery!! Thank you for this beautiful post!

[@NaoPb]

Great shots. And interesting to learn about the sludge. Good thing you guys managed to alert the train crew. And that you managed to put out that (beginning of a) fire on the bridge.

[@lolvalle]

Awesome video! I was directed here from a short and skipped to the derailment. Stayed for the reminder of the video. Great content! 😊

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@jacoblarsen6974]

Great vid. Really appreciate the historical background and the areal photography. Hope to see the next vid. of the area.

[@rustyc521]

Great video and awesome y’all helped the crew and railroad out! Hats off to you fellas!

[@49kittypretty1]

I love the shot of the moving train shot through the covered bridge!

[@BudTheDrummer]

Congratulations to all involved! As a 60 year Fan of the NY,NH&HRR, around the corner from me where I lived in CT for 19 years, there was a daily Freight Train that stopped a half mile from where I stood Train Watching. There was a Crew change in Cedar Hill Yard, NB. There were also SB Freight Trains and Passenger service 24/7 with a big curve in both directions. SB traffic would be slowing for New Haven Union Station so sparks from brakes was common. Also, rolling stock did not yet have roller bearings so hot boxes were also common. There were grass fires along the tracks. Between the creosole oil, lube oil, fuel oil and grease built up on the ties, they easily ignited. I would try to put out those fires as I had a good 1/4 mile line of sight in either direction and if it got bad I rode my bike two blocks and told the Fire Fighters at Our local Fire House who would bring an Engine (#10 or #7) with Indian Packs to put out the fires.

[@Enjoyer.762]

The Poughkeepsie NY New Haven RR bridge across the Hudson River burned down back after the Conrail takeover.

[@yettimannettii2039]

Good job guys on helping with damage and fire prevention. Way too much forestry ie timber along this line for this fire risk to happen.

[@Railfan_Midwest]

Awesome video like always! Glad you guys were at the right place at the right time. Keep up the good work!

[@SteveInPalmSprings]

Amazing footage, well edited and voiced over. Thanks to all for sharing with us.

[@stephenhudson8739]

It's good that those guys were there and they were able to catch up with the train to notify the conductor and the engineer

[@jasonsimpkins5040]

I like people like you. I've tried stopping people because of random things but they all ignore me. Nothing to this magnitude but I try being helpful.

[@ivanoffw]

Wow, a great video of some local action, and I did not have to correct your pronunciation, instead I got to enjoy a well made video. I am glad that you teamed up with Railfan Dan and were able to use some of his drone footage. Thank you for explaining the slug's use. Pre pandemic, I used to see the Toledo Hauler travel through OSU campus with two slugs.

[@jovetj]

I don't get to see slugs outside of yards, so that was a surprise to me!

[@davebrown9725]

Thanks for this video. Loved the quality of the details, history, and the video both drone and handheld. What a fun afternoon you had! I am definitely interested in checking out the Toledo district for a scenic drive after watching this.

[@lregis68]

You guys did a great job. Most railroaders will appreciate the positive interaction with the railfans. It's the foamers and "know-it-alls" that are less appreciated.

[@jovetj]

Yep, I really despise the ignorance that labels all railfans as "foamers." The term foamer is a well-deserved pejorative that only applies to a select number.

[@Enjoyer.762]

@@jovetj Which select number is that lol?

[@jovetj]

@@Enjoyer.762 The actual foamers the term was coined for.

[@Enjoyer.762]

@Jovet So name these foamers, Slick.

[@rustyc521]

Definition of Foamers:track side masturbators know it all about trains!🤷‍♂️

[@dkf435]

Under SP watched the ToledoHauler go on the ground around 1989 where it crossed Washington Street in Corvallis was a mess 100 plus car train front engines with slugs and midtrain manned helper with slugs plus a caboose in those days. College kids climbing over the train to get from the dorms to classes. They ended up cutting the cars apart and used a dump truck to pull the cars with chains to open up the crossings by Gill Coliseum. Most the time they were SD units to spread the weight out on the track using 1300 series slugs.

[@robertpagetfilms]

Quality ground based camera work, and superb drone skills.

[@suzylarry1]

this was a bit of a surprise ! There are a good bunch of railfan chasers hoping for events to happen but fortunately rare as they are get missed. Thank you Railfan Dan and company for doing your part you never want to happen , strange as it sounds.

[@bryanerde2564]

Great to see such public spirited chaps! It was a pity about the derailment but thanks for the wonderful scenery.

[@jovetj]

Derailments are not rare, especially minor ones. The important thing is that no one is hurt, or worse, killed.

[@70stvtool]

Rail Fan Dan’s the hero of the day. Great job guys!

[@stevecartagena9410]

We witnessed a UP coal train derailment west of Fairbury NE. We were camping when I heard the train coming at a fairly high speed. The train didn’t sound right so I looked up just as the first car derailed. It was an incredible sight with the noise and rail cars laying over tearing up track and spilling coal. The momentum of the train was amazing it seemed it would never stop. I no longer sit close to a crossing when stopped by a train. Nice video.

[@jovetj]

Greetings fellow Nebraskan!

[@yeetintong]

Great video! Good thing you guys were there. Well done! That is some nice country in that area.

[@ffjsb]

FYI, if you have to use water on a fire in creosote soaked timbers or ties, add at least a quarter cup of dish or laundry detergent to it. (per 5 gal. bucket) That will break the surface tension of the water and help it soak into the wood. You can see how much plain water beads up and just runs off the wood. There's usually a lot of cracks or fissures in the wood, and it can smoulder internally for HOURS.

[@thebaddestogre-3698]

Great idea!

[@volvo09]

Great tip

[@coloradostrong]

Tonight, I learned what a _slug_ is, in regards to railway terms. I saw one once, coupled to several beautiful NS locomotives that were leisurely going to the Lambert's Point rail yard in Norfolk, Virginia. Some nights there are a couple of grade level crossings that get blocked for upwards of 20 minutes, while the coal cars either arrive or get stitched up for their outbound travels. Anywhere from 100-180 cars are in the consist, and it is an eerie feeling being stuck in traffic under the train bridge, while 2 or 3 fully loaded coal cars are directly over you.

[@Narpets2112]

When the railroad through my city was still SP owned, 2 trains derailed behind our house, both times as they went through a switch. They subsequently took the switch out and abandoned the spur.

[@AB-ts9cs]

Crazy that you were there to witness this! Love the new narrator, Love DIB Productions

[@markcrowell2727]

amazing job to alert the crew!

[@BoatyMcBoatface669]

What a relaxing video. Watched it after lunch and started snoozing just a few minutes in!

[@icecold1950]

Awesome video. Great job alerting the train crew. It could have been much worse. 👍👍

[@margaretporkolab7166]

That rail car is from my territory. This video was amazing. Beautiful scenery. Thank you.

[@dshack4689]

What a great variety of things to cover in the one episode! Well done on doing all you could to assist. Would be lovely if the railroad recognised your efforts as you've saved them many thousands in further damage to the track. I do wonder if any improperly dimensioned grade crossing might have been the cause; or one with too tight a tolerance that after being shaken by the passing train shifted slightly to become out of tolerance? One of the crossing in the shot it looked like it featured brickwork.

[@imchris5000]

the railroad should give you guys some recognition you guys kept the derail at a simple rerail with wedges from turning into a multi million in damage

[@bryanlosen3262]

It took me a while before I figured out this rail line is out west!! The terrain clued me in. There are Toledo, Oregon sister cities in Ohio!!

[@tazmankb26]

Excellent video and awesome explant ion of the 'slug'. Nice heads up guys to notify the engineer/conductor of the issue.

[@HoosierDaddy_]

I wonder what caused that boxcar to derail on such a slow track?? That trestle fire was scary. I'm glad someone caught it before it lit up! Great job guys!

[@SportyMabamba]

Given that it was only 1 wheel set on 1 wagon, I suspect tight track curvature increased friction to the point the wheel’s angle of attack hit the critical value and it climbed up and over the rail.

[@michaelgamble296]

'Happenstance' recorded. Excellent. A slow-moving train gets a derailed car and the rail-fans notify the driver who stops the train and inspects the damage. Excellent video in beautiful, wooded countryside. All very slow and peaceful.

[@gnnascarfan2410]

Stuff like this is why I always note the cell phone number on grade crossings when railfanning at stations. I have only called a few times to report trespassers to the dispatcher and they take it seriously thankfully.

[@gbd1196]

This was pretty darned awesome. Splendid work, everyone. And is this video production top-notch or what?!!! 🙌🏾

[@stephensaasen8589]

Glad you saw the smoldering bridge and put it out. I'm betting there was a very good chance that would have taken off and burned the entire bridge. Wooden ties combined with creosote make them easy burners.

[@Mtlmshr]

I am in no way a train guy but I found your video very informative and made watching the video that much more enjoyable! Thank you for how you do your videos most KZbin videos that have a specific theme assume those who Watch understand all that is being said. That’s is why I appreciate how you do your descriptions of the different things that are going on, I found it very informative. Thanks 👍

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Thanks so much for watching. That really means a lot!

[@kens.3729]

Very interesting the Drag didn’t tip the Crew off since it may be noticeable to some. Midwest Railroads have Emergency Signs with #’s at each RX Crossing. 👍

[@ilox11]

but if you don't have any cell coverage, like they faced, then those numbers are not going to help you all that much.

[@jovetj]

If more trucks/cars would have been running on the ground, I'm sure they would have felt something was wrong.

[@potatothorn]

Railfans save the day well done!! what a great video even without the emergency/ add in the derailment, wow! this is amazing, beautiful area to watch a train at... thanks for sharing

[@LoneStarRails]

That's being great ambassadors of rail-fanning. All lines should appreciate the extra eyes we provide. That said I think they should invest in a few defect detectors.

[@jovetj]

LOL! Defect detectors would be something to think about.

[@northernohiorailfanningpro8899]

“There’s a fire on the Trestle! Anyhow-“ Omg I died laughing even though I shouldn’t have 😂😂

[@KraziIvan]

Thinking it may be setup for the wrong month?

[@kensclark]

Awesome video! I'm in Eugene Oregon. I remember the year or two before you were there. The fires were MUCH worse. The smoke in town was so bad that it caused irregular heartbeats in me and a few others.

[@kentslocum]

I also live in Eugene, and I had friends in Springfield that were prepping to evacuate, just like Dan was describing. The smoke was what made it so scary, since it felt choking and oppressive.

[@jamespettigrew6399]

I live in Hamilton and worked at steel car for a bit. Kinda neat to see.

[@BENNYHILLL]

yeah me too

[@billinburlington5507]

I drove by National Steel Car a few days ago! Was naive not knowing their products are as widely used as they are.

[@BENNYHILLL]

@@billinburlington5507 Yeah Iv'e seen quite a bit of their products here too

[@gebass6479]

I'm surprised that the authorities haven't prosecuted you guys for trespassing,reporting the derailment and helping put out that fire. I'm not saying they should,but in this world "No good deed goes unpunished"

[@bibledefinedbymartycozad]

Great job guys. Foamers are not all bad.

[@jovetj]

Very few railfans are foamers. Please do not blanket everyone with that, as RR employees are oft' to do.