CALVERT CENTRAL - PAGE 9 THE BUDD CAR'S FALL FROM GRACE

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OUT OF DANGER - I installed a guard rail of 3-inch strips of luaun plywood, mounted 3.5 inches from the track centerline, just enough to clear the Budd Car.

DANGER - The front of the car is hanging over the edge, 43 inches straight down (104 scale feet) onto a hard concrete floor.  So I wanted to make it safer.

OH NO - After the safety barrier was in place, I thought the trains were safe from falling onto the floor.  But the Budd Car derailed 30 feet away, and I couldn't catch it in time.  It fell onto the floor - HARD.

THE DAMAGE - One of the underbody housings broke off, both of the vestibules were knocked off kilter, and the headlight batteries fell out.  But the main batteries, receiver, and motor were still working.  The frame is bent but not broken..

OFF KILTER - Another view of the damage, showing the rear vestibule.  One of the windows fell out, but there are no broken pieces or cracks.

BENT FRAME - The frame was bent on both ends.  I was able to straighten it with a pair of needlenose pliers the next day.

THE CULPRIT - The wheel on the right has lost its traction tire, causing it to stumble over turnouts.  This time it picked the points of a turnout and took a right turn, right off the edge!

CAR WASH - Since the body was off the frame, I gave it a good wash with the garden hose.  Soon the Budd Car was reassembled and ready for more travels!