Thanks Barb, I was just about to post this too. here is another link: http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/space/05/02/derailment.shuttle/index.html Sounds like they had some trouble with the cars earlier in the week as well. What railroad transports the rocket fuel? Anyone know? John
:computer: (Below quote taken from the link above) The fuel inside the segments is ammonium perchlorate, which has the consistency of a rubber eraser. Because it is a solid, nothing has spilled out of the railcars. The fuel cannot explode unless it is deliberately detonated. However, once the fuel is ignited, it cannot be extinguished.
Right, saw that part. What I am asking though is the name of the railroad? Or is it a private train owned by NASA? John
In the first article posted, the only place I could find the name of the railroad was by clicking on the "Space Shuttle" slideshow link at the top left. The info on the picture that comes up says it was a Union Pacific train.
The Shuttle Train The solid rocket transport cars are owned by Union Pacific. If you look closely in the one photo you'll see a streamline passenger car on it's side behind the locomotives. This car is the ex-Southern Railway Sleeper "Warrior River" which was restored and retrofitted by a friend of mine Phil Lavorgnia, he travels with the car as caretaker. It has a galley, and quarters for a crew of 5 or 6 people, (ATK & NASA Engineers mostly). From the reports I've read there were a couple of injuries, one crew member and one railroad employee. I'm hoping Phil is OK. Hopefully the Warrior River isn't too badly damaged. If anyone finds out more info please post it here. Thanks, 2slim
I didn't know the M&B was a through route for such a high priority cargo. Sounds odd to me. Were they using this due to a clearance restriction elsewhere? Or less distance? Boxcab E50
