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| August 3, 1932, Rutland, Massachusetts. |
(Click the picture to see the large version.)
This photograph, taken by Harold Judkins of Rutland, Massachusetts, shows the wreck of Boston & Maine locomotives 1435 and 1365. My grandfather was the fireman on engine 1435, and both he and the engineer died in the wreck. The engineer and fireman of locomotive 1365 apparently jumped and survived. The immediate cause of the wreck was a lap order issued by the dispatcher that allowed both trains access to the same stretch of track, but the exact circumstances remain a mystery.
The ICC accident report appears below (click to read larger images):
Update (September 24, 2024): there's a memorial at this spot on the Mass. Central Rail Trail near Moulton Pond now:
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| Rutland, Massachusetts. The text of the memorial reads: The 1932 Rutland train wreck. At 1 pm on August 3, 1932, two freight trains collided at this site due to a dispatcher's error. Engineman Young and fireman Bacher died. Four others were injured. |
4 comments:
My grandfather was Harold Judkins. I loved finding this post of his picture. He was a great admirer of anything trains. I would love to hear how you came upon this picture. Thank you, Steve Judkins, Walden Vermont
To Ed Bacher,
My great grandfather was the engineman on B&M 1435 who was killed in this accident along with your grandfather. Such a small world. Would like to chat more about this when you have time. My great Grand Father's name was Edwin Renshaw Young. My name is Nancy Mullet. My email is
nmullet1959@aol.com I look forward to hearing from you. Nancy
Dear Ed,
Interesting picture you have here. My great grandfather was the engineman that was killed in the train crash in Rutland, MA. His name was Edwin R. Young. Was it your great grandfather that was killed also or your grandfather? Small world we live in. I would love to chat more about this to see if you have any more information about the accident. My email is nmullet1959@aol.com I look forward to hearing back from you. Nancy Mullet
Hello to anyone who is reading this comment, my name is John Rezuke and I am a studying communications major at Fitchburg State in Mass. I am also studying documentary and film. One of the projects I've been working on is a documentary about the Central Mass Railroad, gathering info, photographs, and old film reels. I've walked the entire 104 mile line from Boston to Northampton, examining remaining structures and right of way. I found out about the Rutland wreck from the book published by the B&M historical society as well as the memorial along the right of way. If there is anyone out there reading this who is related to the men who lost their lives in this wreck, I would absolutely love an interview either in person or on the internet so I can learn more about what happened and the people involved, as well as include it in my documentary. If you wish to contact me you can do so at my email which is rezukejohn@gmail.com.
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