Union Pacific Derailments

Running a railroad as large as Union Pacific doesn't come without its mishaps. Derailments happen, whether through mis-communication, or through track or equipment defects, and sometimes with spectacular results!

WEPX Coal Train Derailment
Derailment at Mitchell Yard
Marsh Job Derailment
Green Spur Derailment
Bain Derailment

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WEPX Coal Train Derailment

Union Pacific had just installed a derail at the south end of their coal siding just south of the Oak Creek power plant, near Five Mile Road in Caledonia, Wisconsin. Apparently the crew of this train didn't realize it was there, because they backed the end of their train over it. As a result, two WEPX coal cars ended up on their sides, with a third derailed but upright.

derailment scene

the derailed cars

spilled coal!

bottom of derailed gon

clean-up

Thanks to Brent P. for sending these photos, and thanks to Patrick for sending the information on the cause of the derailment!

Derailment at Mitchell Yard
September 5, 2006

derailment

Maggio!

UP 621 - LLPX 2291

CRLE 520165

Maggio equip't

LLPX 2205

cleanup

fixin' the crossover

CRLE 520165

scrap!

Marsh Job Derailment
February 15, 2007

TILX covered hopper 311115 derailed in the Nidera yard

TILX 311115

closer view

LLPX 2291

Green Spur Derailment
February 21, 2008

The winter of 2007-2008 proved to be rough on Milwaukee's railroads. February 21 proved to be particularly tough on Union Pacific, as they had to call in Maggio to rerail two trains -- a boxcar on the Green Spur (shown below) and the Marsh Job's locomotives (photos coming soon)! A healthy string of warm days had melted a fair amount of the near-record snow, and then a cold snap turned it to ice!