We do not find many stories like this one I found in the papers of the 1890’s. It must have been quite interesting for visitors to Palmer Lake. The Santa Fe and The Rio Grande both had this kind of track near the lake which were used for “helper” locomotives. These helpers would then go back to either Colorado Springs or Denver.

“About 10:30 last evening as the regular Denver and Rio Grande freight from Denver was pulling onto the “Y” at the upper end of the lake, situated in the northeastern part of the village, the caboose was cut loose and left standing on the main track while the helper was to be taken from the train. The helper was uncoupled and run backwards hitting the caboose with considerable force and before the brakemen could set the brakes sufficiently. They struck the caboose with such force that it loosened the brake and sent it down the track before the train men realized what had happened.

“As the grade is not very step at this particular point on the road, however, the caboose sped away, soon disappearing in the darkness. The rest of the train was immediately brought to the depot and the crew aboard the helper engine left to follow the flying car. Fortunately no trains are due over the road and the track was clear, all switches being closed between here and Greenland. If not ditched it will run through without damage, though this is exceeding doubtful as there are many sharp curves and the great speed attained over the winding road will, no doubt, cause it to leave the track.

“A shorter message only stated that the caboose on the Rio Grande freight train, due here at 11 0’clock last night, became detached from the train. There was nobody in it and the train was nearly in at the depot here before the loss was noticed. An engine was dispatched after the derelict train, but had not returned at the time of going to press.”

The caboose was found resting just north of Palmer Lake about two miles. This area is well known to modern railroaders as “the sag”. Had it continued it may have made it to Castle Rock or even Denver as described in the story. I do not know of any “runaway” trains rolling from Palmer Lake to Denver. This story is as close as I have come.

Mel McFarland

Courtesy of Mel McFarland