Boiler Explosion near Wytheville.

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

According to member Louie Newton, the crew on the 2153 on Train 52 (Bristol to Roanoke) had the boiler pressure down to 145 psi by the time the explosion occurred.  This reduced pressure reduced the effect of the explosion.

The Roanoke Times the following day had two pictures showing the aftermath of the explosion, which the newspaper stated occurred about 4:30 A.M.  One picture showed extensive damage to the cab, and also showed a portion of one of the boiler sheets extending down to the level of the rails.  The other photo showed the smokebox with the entire front gone.

Had the boiler pressure not been reduced, the boiler would surely had been blown off the frame and running gear and would have landed several hundred feet away.

Gordon Hamilton
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org 
  To: NW Mailing List 
  Sent: Tuesday, April 18, 2006 10:41 PM
  Subject: Re: Boiler Explosion near Wytheville.


  This was 2153 that had a boiler explosion on December 12, 1955 at Crockett, near Wytheville. It had just received a classified repair in the previous weeks.

  Bud
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org 
    To: nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org 
    Sent: Saturday, April 15, 2006 1:39 PM
    Subject: Boiler Explosion near Wytheville.


    What engine number was the Y6 whose boiler exploded near Wytheville. I spoke with the man that reported the injector not working properly on the engine the night before. He said it had not been long out of the shop from overhaul as it was still very clean. 
    Jimmy Lisle



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