Rural Retreat Wreck, 10-20-1920 - 105th Anniversary

[NW Mailing List]

How could the eastbound, main-track, automatic signal B-3502, located 
about 50 feet west of the west (passing siding) switch be "found in the 
stop position" as eastbound train No.14 approached?

Westbound train No. 37 was already in the siding according to the 
report.

Why didn't this automatic, main-line signal indicate 'clear' or 
'approach'? What was in the main-line block ahead of No.14 causing this 
signal to display 'stop'?

I'm befuddled.

John Garner, Newport, VA



The ICC report contains the objective facts.  As to why 14's Engineman
decided to "head in" on the passing siding, reading minds is never an 
easy
task.

Abram Burnett