January 31, 2005 Popes Creek Secondary Derailment


On Monday January 1, 2005, CSXT coal train B706 was headed to a power plant in Maryland on the Popes Creek Secondary when a broken rail caused the locomotives and first 15 hoppers to derail. No crew members were injured. Power for this train, as usual, was three SD80MACs, 806 (now 4596) in the lead, 809 (now 4599) second, and 808 (now 4598) last. All were in clean yn3 paint. 806 remained upright with possibly no damage, 809 was leaning with little damage, but 808 sustained moderate damage after diving into a ditch and having hoppers pile up on her rear. In a short time these three units were taken to Cumberland for inspection and repairs. 808's damage may be heavy enough for it to go to CSXT's Huntington Shops. 806 was returned to service at Benning Yard by February 12, 2005. Thanks to Al Moran for the photos and descriptions.

Photographer: Al Moran
Location: Croom, MD
Date: February 1, 2005
Description: Here, two cranes lift 808 back onto the rails. The 808 took the brunt of the damage with the nose ending up in a ditch. The rear was damaged by the coal cars pile up behind her.


Photographer: Al Moran
Location: Croom, MD
Date: February 1, 2005
Description: Standing back a little bit, we see the 808 getting a nose lift. The 809, at left, had little noticable damage but will need a pit inspection before allowed back in service.


Photographer: Al Moran
Location: Croom, MD
Date: February 1, 2005
Description: Here they attach the cranes to the front of 808 to set the lead truck on the rail. After the truck is on the rails, they will push the unit ahead and re-rail the rear truck. It took about two hours to get everything back on the rails.


Photographer: Al Moran
Location: Croom, MD
Date: February 1, 2005
Description: Close up 808's nose. After tearing apart from the other two, it went into a ditch.


Photographer: Al Moran
Location: Croom, MD
Date: February 1, 2005
Description: Too many trees to get a clear shot but here is what the 808's rear end looked like. The sand box got pushed in a little and the rear platform is now bent back. I am sure Huntigton will do a bang up job on her.


Photographer: Al Moran
Location: Croom, MD
Date: February 1, 2005
Description: With not much room to work with, the 809 had to be moved to the photo's right side to get back on the rails. Very impressive to watch these guys work.


Photographer: Al Moran
Location: Cumberland, MD
Date: February 6, 2005
Description: Here is the 808's conductor side which didn't receive nearly the damage the engineer's side did. You can see a lilttle debris on the walkway and some of the platform damage.


Photographer: Al Moran
Location: Cumberland, MD
Date: February 6, 2005
Description: Here are the front platforms, the 809 on the left and the 808 on the right. It'll take a lot of muscle to get 808 back in shape. Compare 809's relatively indamaged pilot to 808's mangled plow, steps, and handrails.


Photographer: Al Moran
Location: Cumberland, MD
Date: February 6, 2005
Description: Here is a general view of 808's rear. Much of the upper damage near the sand box was from the hopper cars piling up behind it during the derailment. Notice the dirt on the walkway to the left.


Photographer: Al Moran
Location: Cumberland, MD
Date: February 6, 2005
Description: Sun was at a bad angle so the detail is not what I would have liked. The walkway was jammed with dirt which has been removed. Notice you can't even see the steps due to the packed in debris. When I saw the 808 at the derailment seen, there was a lot more debris in the running gear. You can also see some dirt on the top of the fuel tank.


Photographer: Al Moran
Location: Cumberland, MD
Date: February 6, 2005
Description: A closer view of the 808's rear platform area on the engineer's side.


Photographer: Al Moran
Location: Cumberland, MD
Date: February 6, 2005
Description: General view of the 808 from the engineer's side. Much of the debris was removed before they left the derailment scene. The guy with the shovel had removed quite a bit as well. Unfortunately for him, the sun was on the side with the least dirt so it was still hard as a rock. Tough way to spend Super Bowl Sunday altough not as tough as it was for Bill Cowher.


Photographer: Al Moran
Location: Cumberland, MD
Date: February 6, 2005
Description: The corner of 808's cab roof was damaged. This is one of the strongest parts of the cab and it held up pretty well.


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