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"Fruitvale Bridge" (re-visited)
Author: Ken Shattock (aka 'KRK')
Date: 08-02-2009 - 08:51
Here is a quote from an old 'Oakland Tribune' newspaper article...
**Estuary Shipping Held Up for Hours by Train Wreck on Drawbridge**
Alameda, CA—August 18—(year unknown)
Derailing of four Southern Pacific freight cars on the Alameda approach to the “Fruitvale Bridge” today threatened to prevent the span from being raised for estuary traffic for many hours.
It was the second accident interrupting traffic on Estuary bridges in 12 hours.
The accident occurred as a switch engine was hauling a **42-Car** train North across the bridge. A wide angle curve on the Alameda approach or spreading of the rails caused the wheels to leave the track, H.R. Gernriech,
Superintendent of steam lines for the railroad, said.
Damage was estimated at between $ 700 and $ 800. No one was injured.
A small amount of “copra” (what is it?) in one of the three box cars fell into the Estuary. A flatcar which left the tracks was loaded with telephone poles.
The engine dragged the derailed cars to the center of the span, wedging them up against the superstructure. Ties and rails were ripped up for several feet.
The train broke in the middle, 21 cars remaining on the Alameda side.
The accident occurred about 10 am. The freight was consigned locally.
A large crowd of spectators gathered to watch the clearing of the wreckage.
Auto traffic was not halted. (end of article) …
------------------------------
WOW-- you say !!! FORTY-TWO cars coming out of Alameda of all places ??
The large photo in the article shows the cars crumpled on the span, which was then a
swing-span and NOT a lift-span... So-- the span could not have been "raised" per the article..
I wish I had the year... There appears to be trolley wire across the span in the photo and the "period dress" of the spectators could be 40's era. IER quit running in '41..
Anyway-- question... Did Alameda ever generate that much freight traffic ??
Also, how about one of you friendly "photo experts" teach 'ol "KRK" how to post photos on
Curlee's A-P board ?? I might be able to show you the photo and maybe many other old SP goodies if you like !!
Cheers.
KRK
**Estuary Shipping Held Up for Hours by Train Wreck on Drawbridge**
Alameda, CA—August 18—(year unknown)
Derailing of four Southern Pacific freight cars on the Alameda approach to the “Fruitvale Bridge” today threatened to prevent the span from being raised for estuary traffic for many hours.
It was the second accident interrupting traffic on Estuary bridges in 12 hours.
The accident occurred as a switch engine was hauling a **42-Car** train North across the bridge. A wide angle curve on the Alameda approach or spreading of the rails caused the wheels to leave the track, H.R. Gernriech,
Superintendent of steam lines for the railroad, said.
Damage was estimated at between $ 700 and $ 800. No one was injured.
A small amount of “copra” (what is it?) in one of the three box cars fell into the Estuary. A flatcar which left the tracks was loaded with telephone poles.
The engine dragged the derailed cars to the center of the span, wedging them up against the superstructure. Ties and rails were ripped up for several feet.
The train broke in the middle, 21 cars remaining on the Alameda side.
The accident occurred about 10 am. The freight was consigned locally.
A large crowd of spectators gathered to watch the clearing of the wreckage.
Auto traffic was not halted. (end of article) …
------------------------------
WOW-- you say !!! FORTY-TWO cars coming out of Alameda of all places ??
The large photo in the article shows the cars crumpled on the span, which was then a
swing-span and NOT a lift-span... So-- the span could not have been "raised" per the article..
I wish I had the year... There appears to be trolley wire across the span in the photo and the "period dress" of the spectators could be 40's era. IER quit running in '41..
Anyway-- question... Did Alameda ever generate that much freight traffic ??
Also, how about one of you friendly "photo experts" teach 'ol "KRK" how to post photos on
Curlee's A-P board ?? I might be able to show you the photo and maybe many other old SP goodies if you like !!
Cheers.
KRK
| Subject | Written By | Date/Time (PST) |
|---|---|---|
 "Fruitvale Bridge" (re-visited) |
Ken Shattock (aka 'KRK') | 08-02-2009 - 08:51 |
|
Re: "Fruitvale Bridge" (re-visited)
|
Ken Shattock (aka 'KRK') | 08-02-2009 - 08:59 |
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Re: "Fruitvale Bridge" (re-visited)
|
stash | 08-02-2009 - 13:38 |
|
posting photos
|
Richard Elgenson | 08-02-2009 - 17:07 |
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Re: posting photos
|
Ken Shattock (aka 'KRK') | 08-02-2009 - 17:56 |
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Re: posting photos
|
Ken Shattock (aka 'KRK') | 08-02-2009 - 17:57 |
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Re: posting photos
|
Jim Fitzgerald | 08-02-2009 - 19:06 |
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Re: posting photos >> Railbus pic
|
Graham Buxton | 08-02-2009 - 20:25 |
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Re: "Fruitvale Bridge" (re-visited)
|
Jim Quigg | 08-02-2009 - 20:49 |