No. The "cherry train" wreck of June 1941 did not happen on curve 25 at Granite. It happened a few miles west of there, and a few miles east of Athol. It happened on a one- and six-degree compound curve that was by-passed by a curve-relocation in 1943 that reduced curvature to about two degrees, and the '43 curve was bypassed by the big 1965 line change that eliminated Granite as well. Cause was excessive speed on a curve. The ultimate cause is unknown, but like the Granite accident, it has been deduced from the evidence. The engineer had just come out of yard service, was uncomfortable on a road job, and especially uncomfortable with the cherry train. But when called out of yard service for it (they were short of men), he took the trip anyway. Probably came upon the curve sooner than he expected, as he was not used to going 90 MPH. Engineer Charlie Reeves and Fireman Clyde Parks both killed.


Bill Kuebler