Re: [CBQ] boiler explosion record Jan 1911 WY?

["Louis Zadnichek via Groups.Io" <LZadnichek=aol.com@groups.io>]

November 23, 2019

Eric - Thanks for sharing the portrait photograph of your great uncle J.L. Zum Brunner who died at the throttle when No. 3152's boiler exploded near Ranchester, WY, on January 7, 1911.  I agree that the badge or watch fob (more likely a fob) shows his union membership, although I'm not positive it's for the BofLE. We have some railroad union experts on this List and may be they can positively ID the fob.

This photograph certainly "puts a face" on the disaster, in particular after the lurid description in the newspaper article describing how Mr. Zum Brunner violently perished.  There's a saying in old time railroad circles "that low water will always get you" as it did with your great uncle.

Wyoming was "bad water" territory due to all the salts and other natural chemicals found in the well water.  Engine crews always had to take extra care to insure that scale did not plug their water glasses or pit cocks on the back head since this would result in a false reading for the water level in the  boiler. The results could be disastrous!  Railroading was indeed a dangerous occupation - Louis

Louis Zadnichek II

Fairhope, AL 

In a message dated 11/23/2019 2:20:48 PM Central Standard Time, scrimshander1@gmail.com writes:

All very interesting and helpful, thanks for the insights.  I have attached a pic of my great uncle, probably not too long before the boiler explosion in 1911 that took his life at the age of 27 years 11 months.  I think his badge or watch fob is for his membership in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Enginemen & Firemen.

On Sat, Nov 23, 2019 at 10:01 AM jpslhedgpeth via Groups.Io <jpslhedgpeth=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:

GREAT GREAT PICTURE

When I see these I always try to figure out who is who...Here's my guess...The three guys on the left are the train crew..The tall guy in the middle is the conductor  (note the badge on his hat)  The other two (very dirty) guys on the right are the engineer and fireman.  I think the really dirty guy in overalls  is the fireman and .....as out of character it seems the guy in the "suit" is the engineer.  Those guys, as I've noted before had a pretty "Exalted Opinion of Self) and considered themselves as "important officials  of the road. 

Pete

-----Original Message-----
From: Louis Zadnichek via Groups.Io <LZadnichek=aol.com@groups.io>
To: CBQ <CBQ@groups.io>
Sent: Fri, Nov 22, 2019 3:30 pm
Subject: Re: [CBQ] boiler explosion record Jan 1911 WY?

November 22, 2019

Eric - Some of the Class D-4-A 2-8-0's were equipped with diamond stacks to reduce the amount of hot cinders raining down and causing line side fires.  I've attached an undated image of sister 3116 taken at Edgewood, SD, that is so equipped.

From the train crew standing along side, you can see how massive these locomotives were for their era. 3116 was also constructed by Schenectady (ALCO) in 1903.  She lasted a little longer in service not being retired and scrapped until October 1933 - Louis

Louis Zadnichek II

Fairhope, AL   

In a message dated 11/22/2019 12:36:45 PM Central Standard Time, scrimshander1@gmail.com writes:

Thanks so much!  interesting to see a loco so close to 3152.  I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere near a boiler that size if it exploded.

On Fri, Nov 22, 2019 at 11:20 AM Louis Zadnichek via Groups.Io <LZadnichek=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:

November 22, 2019

Eric - Thanks.  Interesting newspaper articles.  Unfortunately, I do not have an image of 3152 to share with you.  It's possible another member of this List might have an image.  To give you some idea of what 3152 looked like, I'm attaching an image of CB&Q 3156 taken at Gilette, WY, in 1905.

Both 3152 and 3156 were Class D-4-A 2-8-0 type locomotives built by Schenectady (ALCO) in 1903. Your 3152 survived the boiler explosion and was rebuilt, most likely at the Denver Shops.  It was retired in November 1930.  For their era, the Class D-4-A's were massive freight haulers - Louis

Louis Zadnichek II

Fairhope, AL

In a message dated 11/22/2019 11:31:25 AM Central Standard Time, scrimshander1@gmail.com writes:

Please see attached.  I believe this was ALCO 2-8-0 no. 3152.

Thanks!

On Fri, Nov 22, 2019 at 9:49 AM Louis Zadnichek via Groups.Io <LZadnichek=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:

November 22, 2019

Eric - Scan the newspaper article to us.  It may give the road number of the locomotive that exploded. Thanks - Louis

Louis Zadnichek II

Fairhope, AL

In a message dated 11/22/2019 9:15:48 AM Central Standard Time, scrimshander1@gmail.com writes:

Hi folks:  I am researching a locomotive boiler explosion on a Burlington route between Billings MT and Sheridan, WY that killed a great uncle of mine (the engineer) and two other men (January 6, 1911).  I have the local newspaper accounts, but I'm wondering if anyone can point me to where I might find a record of any internal investigation on the cause, or any photos of this accident.
thanks for any help-
Eric

 

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