THOMASTON, Conn. — No injuries resulted when the Naugatuck Railroad’s restored New Haven FL9 locomotive, No. 2019, derailed during a Sunday, June 29, excursion — an incident captured on video and circulating on social media. The locomotive sustained “significant damage,” the Railroad Museum of New England said in a statement.
Thirty-five passengers were on board for the special “Railfan Day” excursion to benefit the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, which is raising funds to rebuild a trestle destroyed by a fire last month [see “Mt. Rainier Scenic soldiers on …,” Trains News Wire, May 20, 2025]. The cause of the derailment is under investigation by the Connecticut Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration, in collaboration with the Naugatuck Railroad, the operating arm of the museum.
The museum said in a statement that no changes to its regularly scheduled train operations are anticipated; any necessary repairs to rail infrastructure or equipment will be carried out immediately. The FL9, built by EMD in 1960 for the New Haven, was only recently returned to service after extensive repairs. The museum says the railroad community is committed to restoring and preserving the locomotive; the museum will provide further updates regarding fundraising efforts.
“The Railroad Museum of New England and the Naugatuck Railroad have established safety protocols and comprehensive crew training precisely for situations like this,” the RMNE said in its statement. “These procedures were executed effectively and professionally on Sunday. … The safety of our guests and staff remains our highest priority. This core value is shared not only by the RMNE and the Naugatuck Rairload but also by historic and scenic railways across the country.”
The Naugatuck Railroad dates to 1845; the current version began operations in October 1996 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the museum. It operates on about 20 miles of track between Torrington and Waterbury, Conn. More information is available at the museum website.
Been there, done that. Had a locomotive split the switch while switching the industry we were working. It took a few hours to rerail it. And then the switch had to be inspected and repaired. Fun, fun, FUN! (Not)
If it was that simple, why the :significant damage” headline? Sounds like baiting thereader, Could have been, as Mr. Baird said, “Tourist FL-9 locomotive splits switch; damage minimal.” but that wouldn’t have been as exciting perhaps… lol
What is the significant damage. The rear truck and traction motors?
So, the excursionists paid extra for the derailment, right?
Happily, the charming & treasured NH FL9 #2019 will survive.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
It could have been a lot worse.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün