Naugatuck Railroad Locomotive Damaged In Derailment

THOMASTON, CT – A colorful locomotive operated by the Naugatuck Railroad “experienced significant damage” on Sunday when it derailed on during a “special excursion.” Locomotive 2019 was “navigating a switch” when the derailment occurred, according to a statement posted on social media Monday by the railroad.

No one was injured and the 35 passengers and crew were “safely returned to the station.” The locomotive displays the white, black and orange colors of the old New Haven railroad. It provided a backdrop for a June 21 car show staged at the Thomaston station by the Railroad Museum of New England. The museum operates the Naugatuck Railroad.

In its statement, the railroad didn’t specify the exact location of the derailment or offer details on the damage that 2019 sustained. The statement also didn’t speculate on how much repairs to the locomotive might cost or how long they might take.

It only said that 2019 was on an excursion “to benefit Mt. Rainer (sic) Scenic Railroad, Railfan Day.” The railroad reported that the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration are investigating the mishap.

“Any necessary repairs to the rail infrastructure or equipment will be carried out immediately. At this time, no changes to RMNE’s regularly scheduled train operations are anticipated,” the railroad said.

The Naugatuck Railroad’s statement added, “The railroad community is committed to restoring and preserving this important piece of railroad heritage. Further updates will be shared regarding necessary fundraising efforts.”

Comments reacting to the railroad’s post on Facebook passengers uniformly praised the railroad and its crew members for the manner in which the derailment was handled and the concern shown for those aboard the train.

“While derailments are rare, especially on railroads with consistent maintenance programs such as those practiced here, they can occur on any railroad at any time and for a variety of reasons. The Railroad Museum of New England (RMNE) and the Naugatuck Railroad have established safety protocols and comprehensive crew training precisely for situations like this. These procedures were executed effectively and professionally on Sunday,” the railroad noted.

Here’s the statement from the Naugatuck Railroad:

(Photos by Bud Wilkinson.)