Chama, NM May 25, 2009

After an opening day that was beset with weather problems and mechanical problems, all was looking well on Sunday, May 24, until engine #489  eastbound from Chama derailed over the switch at Los Pinos Siding, putting all four drivers on the ground.  There were no injuries or any danger to any passengers or crew, as the train came to a stop.

Passengers were taken off the train and bussed back to Chama, where they were treated to free lunch at local restaurants, and given a choice of rain-checks or refunds.

Probable cause of the derailment, taken from verbal reports on the scene:  Somehow, while rounding the loop at Los Pinos, the rear frame support of the trailing truck was broken in two places. Chunks of metal were scattered along the right-of-way. Neither the engineer, fireman, nor trainmen heard or felt anything unusual until the trailing truck tried to pass through the switch at the siding, where it snagged on the switch dragging the engine onto the ground.

Due to threatening weather and the late hour of the day, no attempt was made to re-rail the locomotive on Sunday. The fire was dropped and the entire train was left at Los Pinos with a watchman, Until Monday morning.