The NW Class J 611

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

Facts are facts.  Ken Miller's superior revelations of the wreck at  Cedar
aren't questioned.  Engine 611 had negotiated Jug Neck, Looney's  Curve
and several other 11 degree curves without incident.  There was an  article
the day after the derailment which appeared in the Norfolk  Virginian Pilot
It indicated that the trailing truck on engine 611 had derailed  between
Shaffers Crossing and the passenger station.  This incident was not  reported
in the Roanoke Times nor the ICC accident  investigation.
 
The report in the Virginian Pilot had remained  dormant in the memory bank
for 26 years when J. B. Smith, former "griever" (not to be confused  with 
Greever)
for the Pocahontas Division trainmen,  recalled the incident.  He  indicated 
that
the trailing truck had derailed three times.  The family of Walter B.  Willard
brought suit against N&W, but I don't believe they collected a dime,  
probably 
the result of the overwhelming evidence that No. 3 entered Cedar curve at  
excessive
speed.  Walter B. Willard was uncle to two N&W Road Foremen - Jim  Willard
and Bob Willard.  Fireman Ernest Hoback remained in engine service on  the
Pocahontas Division until the 1990's.  Pocahontas Division employees  have 
told
me Hoback's hair had turned to white within 30 days following the  
derailment. 
                                                         Harry Bundy
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