Craig Tambo Wrote:
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> I'm pretty sure the second wreck is the sideswipe
> collision between Train 6 and freight symbol NCX
> at Planada on June 23, 1953. The details in the
> photos on pages 210-212 of the book "Valley
> Divison Vignettes" closely match the aerial photos
> you posted.

You are correct, sir.

Here's a link [.pdf format] to the ICC Accident Investigation Report, which explains the chain of events leading up to the collision, the number of fatalities and injuries, and a listing of the locomotives of the two trains involved (it's available on the DOT Special Collections web site): [ntl1.specialcollection.net]

As trivia, unit 74L (the lead unit on Train 6) received Farr Stainless-steel Filter Grills during the rebuild process, one of only three or so Santa Fe units known to have been retrofitted with them. The 60L, which eventually became D&H 17, also received them at some point. At least one PB also received them, the number of which escapes me at the moment.