Fw: N&W in 1907 -- Stalled in Tunnel

[NW Mailing List]

In the posting below I stated that a 1985 track chart did not show the "Big Tom" tunnel mentioned in the article, so I speculated that the reporter meant "Big Bull" tunnel.  At the Archives work session today Louis Newton pointed out that there is a "Little Tom" tunnel in this vicinity, 1931 feet long, also on a 1.60 percent grade ascending westward.  So, who knows whether the reporter meant "Big Bull" or "Little Tom" when he wrote "Big Tom?"

Gordon Hamilton

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From: NW Mailing List 
To: N&W Mailing 2List 
Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 6:30 AM
Subject: N&W in 1907 -- Stalled in Tunnel


Bluefield Daily Telegraph
December 29, 1907

TRAIN STALLED IN TUNNEL
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Conductor and Two Brakemen, Overcome Have to Be Carried Out.
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    A freight train broke in two in the Big Tom Tunnel on the Clinch Valley yesterday and was stalled for nearly an hour and a half.  The accident happened at 2:15 and it was 3:40 before the train was gotten out.  The smoke from the engine filled the tunnel with deadly gases and three men were so badly overcome that they had to be carried out.  They were conductor William Allen and Robert Mills and Leo Long, brakemen.  Engineer Mays was also overcome, but was able to get out without assistance.  At the division office last night it was said that although a report had been made of the accident, no details could be given out as a full report had not as yet been made.  The Big Tom tunnel is located between Virginia City and Coeburn and is about eighty-five miles from this city.
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[A 1985 track chart does not show a "Big Tom Tunnel in this vicinity, but does show a "Big Bull Tunnel" there, 1685 ft. long, on a 1.60 percent grade ascending westward]

Gordon Hamilton
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