The Wreck of the Broker: The Woodbridge Train Disaster of 1951

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  • Опубліковано 12 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,3 тис.

  • @jw4321
    @jw4321 11 місяців тому +786

    I was two months old when this happened. The youngest of six children. Years later my older siblings recalled that night when my mother sat with me in her arms as neighbors came over awaiting a phone call or a knock at the door as my dad was on that train. Many hours past when suddenly the door of our home opened and there was my fsther, tired, dusty, and dirty but unhurt. He and others on that train stayed to help as they could then finally got a ride home. He had recently turned 41 and was eventually the father of eight. God blessed us that night.
    This is an excellent film.

    • @marishine9104
      @marishine9104 11 місяців тому +59

      I'm so happy thar your father survived. Ours did not. I was 4 months old. So very grateful to Mr. Bond. Best to you and your family.

    • @dexterpoindexter3583
      @dexterpoindexter3583 11 місяців тому +21

      A beautiful recounting of an unforgettable day. And I agree: the documentary quality is outstanding.
      I was born a year and a half later, & still have a few memories of those old cars and fashions. King George VI had exactly one more year to live after that day; Princess Elizabeth would then become a queen.

    • @garylefevers
      @garylefevers 11 місяців тому +13

      @marishine9104, so sorry that you were orphaned, especially at such a young age.

    • @marishine9104
      @marishine9104 11 місяців тому +28

      @garylefevers not orphaned but my mother had a very hard time. Thank you.

    • @brittawrolson5936
      @brittawrolson5936 11 місяців тому +11

      So happy to hear you were blessed with the return of your dad!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

  • @seankaiser2505
    @seankaiser2505 11 місяців тому +1286

    To think that the history channel is running the billionth season of Ancient Aliens conspiracy and you’re making this on UA-cam… incredible work.

    • @chadbailey189
      @chadbailey189 11 місяців тому +92

      I agree, history Channel is a unwatchable joke ,this is amazing

    • @MatNichols-iz9dy
      @MatNichols-iz9dy 11 місяців тому +25

      This dude needs to be picked up by someone.

    • @doctorartphd6463
      @doctorartphd6463 11 місяців тому

      History Channel is part of the propaganda news media cabal. MSM is pure cow pies ! This older documentary is both well done and factually informative. Thank you !!!

    • @Hazamandeous
      @Hazamandeous 11 місяців тому +54

      @@MatNichols-iz9dyi say he stays independent and continues to work the magic free of a larger entity’s agendas. Just my opinion though

    • @sydneybrown64
      @sydneybrown64 11 місяців тому +12

      😂. I used to love The History Channel. I used to believe in aliens. Ion like em any more.

  • @KLTrainz
    @KLTrainz 11 місяців тому +1858

    This beats anything available on Discovery, Nova, PBS, National Geographic! You deserve an Emmy for this one! I'm proud to have to been able to contribute! Cheers! 🍻🍻🍻

    • @railfandepotproductions
      @railfandepotproductions 11 місяців тому +37

      Never knew your models were used here

    • @redwolfpiping5701
      @redwolfpiping5701 11 місяців тому +41

      They did remarkable with your K4 and train set, if only trainz had that same crash engine feature

    • @railfandepotproductions
      @railfandepotproductions 11 місяців тому +13

      @@redwolfpiping5701 the docu was made in UE5

    • @redwolfpiping5701
      @redwolfpiping5701 11 місяців тому +16

      @@railfandepotproductions Trainz needs to add this kind of derail physics, it will be more popular than TSC, lol

    • @KLTrainz
      @KLTrainz 11 місяців тому +28

      @@railfandepotproductions It was made with Unreal Engine 5, as stated in the beginning of the documentary.

  • @harrisonofcolorado8886
    @harrisonofcolorado8886 11 місяців тому +388

    24:25 "People in the community at the time wondered why we needed a truck with such a large ladder, when the tallest building in our community was only 3 stories high."
    "Well that new fangled fire ladder proved to be exactly what was needed that night."
    A good case of "it's better to have one and not need it than to need it and not have one."
    That aside, this was a REALLY good documentary that you created! The recreation of the crash has honestly got to be my favorite part, and even with that, this documentary has the quality and production that people at say Amazon Prime or Netflix would dream of. Kudos to you for making this documentary.

    • @malice6081
      @malice6081 11 місяців тому +10

      I mean, some places have a ladder because they have a tall structure right on the edge of the fire district. Like I know of a volunteer company that got money from Amazon to purchase a ladder truck as a new warehouse fell inside their district. Some people don’t know the whole reason behind why a ladder truck was bought, but they do have reasons. Usually.

    • @kurtvond1798
      @kurtvond1798 11 місяців тому +14

      It's not always about height, but how far it can reach! A 30 foot tall building set 40 feet back from a road will need 50 feet just to reach the edge of the roof

    • @Kaidhicksii
      @Kaidhicksii 10 місяців тому +4

      Yep: my dad says that all the time. Not having that ladder would certainly have made things a lot harder than they already were.

    • @4Score747
      @4Score747 10 місяців тому +2

      Interesting!
      Our town has a really tall ladder. Sometimes I can see when it’s extended at the fire station from my home while they’re practicing. I wondered why also as we only have one six story building downtown that was built in 1930. But we do live on a main line from Los Angeles to Portland. Lots of train traffic, so perhaps it could come in handy someday. Hope not!

    • @silvertalon007
      @silvertalon007 6 місяців тому +1

      A little saying I picked up recently: Fortune Favors the Prepared

  • @arthurerickson5162
    @arthurerickson5162 11 місяців тому +945

    My dad was on that train. He told me that most, if not all, of the passengers in his car were either injured or dead. When the wreck occurred he was sitting upright, studying for, of all things, a first aid exam. He said he was positive that if he was relaxing, he would’ve been thrown about the car and likely died. He suffered a broken back and many contusions, but he was alive, and fortunately not paralyzed. My mom, little brother, and my 5 yr old self were just getting ready to leave home to pick up my dad at the Red Bank station.

    • @Historybuff_769
      @Historybuff_769 11 місяців тому +39

      My god, that must have been horrific him, I hope he was alright and didn't have to relive that disaster like some did

    • @arthurerickson5162
      @arthurerickson5162 11 місяців тому +66

      @@Historybuff_769 thank you! He was very fortunate in that respect. I think he was affected more by his service in WWII (medical corpsman in the USN, Pacific). Never really talked much about the war. Of course, I was only 5, so I couldn’t really help out much. I do remember some images of him in a full body cast, but keeping his spirits up nonetheless.

    • @tylersebring8045
      @tylersebring8045 11 місяців тому +25

      That's a great story thank you very much for sharing and God bless your father

    • @arthurerickson5162
      @arthurerickson5162 11 місяців тому +46

      @@tylersebring8045 Thank you! He passed in 1985 at 69. I still miss him.

    • @atsf47legit
      @atsf47legit 11 місяців тому +13

      ​@@arthurerickson5162That's crazy to know. I thank your father for his service.

  • @robinbutler3333
    @robinbutler3333 11 місяців тому +345

    My grandfather and aunt were on that train. Grampa worked all his life for the Jersey Central railroad as an auditor and road the train every day to and from work. When the engineer dropped the throttle and hit the brakes he knew instantly what was happening. He slid to the floor, covered his head and waited for the crash. He stepped off that train barely touched. My aunt was at the front of the train in car2. She came off with minor bumps and scrapes. They were both lucky in the seats they chose, because they usually would sit together in the 3rd car. They were head for the Asbury Park station. So amazing.

    • @Voucher765
      @Voucher765 11 місяців тому +13

      As a Jersey Central fan I say upmost respect

    • @robinbutler3333
      @robinbutler3333 11 місяців тому +20

      @@Voucher765 thank you. He loved working for that railroad. Loved railroading in general even though he didn't work on the trains themselves and never spoke ill of any other rr co. Both my grandparents worked for the Jersey and it gave them both a wonderful retirement.

    • @tylersebring8045
      @tylersebring8045 11 місяців тому +8

      Thank you for that great story❤

    • @racheljennings1688
      @racheljennings1688 11 місяців тому +9

      Respect

    • @mehmeh5471
      @mehmeh5471 11 місяців тому +1

      Right and you just happen to see this video. With multiple comments saying their relatives were on board.

  • @toni_275
    @toni_275 11 місяців тому +591

    I honestly can't belive we get to watch this quality content for free. Thank you so much for your work!

    • @nb7466
      @nb7466 11 місяців тому

      They get paid

    • @zingxiu6123
      @zingxiu6123 11 місяців тому +1

      Ye same

    • @GermanShepherd1983
      @GermanShepherd1983 11 місяців тому +3

      Not free, you have to watch the ads.

    • @aerofiles5044
      @aerofiles5044 10 місяців тому +14

      ​@@GermanShepherd1983 🤦‍♂️ Is watching ads taking money out of your bank account? And plus, ad blockers exist.

    • @The_Robbing_Narrator
      @The_Robbing_Narrator 10 місяців тому +7

      I personally hope he makes more high quality train wreck videos like this!

  • @stuff___idontknow2610
    @stuff___idontknow2610 11 місяців тому +170

    I love how you animated the whole train crash for this video. It really gave me an understanding of how things played out

    • @KingofCrusher
      @KingofCrusher 11 місяців тому +17

      The unreal engine 5 stuff is a great low cost alternative that looks amazing for like 100th of the price, lol. Couple that with 80's PBS-level actual info and you got a winner. Excellent channel.

    • @aquagamer1212
      @aquagamer1212 2 місяці тому +1

      @@KingofCrusher It’s actually free! Which is even better. 😊

  • @CodyRushDriving
    @CodyRushDriving 11 місяців тому +169

    52:10 Documentarians DREAM of capturing moments like this. What a beautiful, visceral, and heartbreaking moment. Even decades later you can see how genuinely deep these scars run for those who were there. Astounding documentary. Please keep up the amazing work.

    • @mmw4990
      @mmw4990 11 місяців тому +3

      Was there honestly any need to do that to the old man? Just crushed the only hope he has that those people may have survived just for a reaction for the camera. Seemed to affect him a lot

    • @MatNichols-iz9dy
      @MatNichols-iz9dy 11 місяців тому +17

      Honestly, it was gonna come up at some point, so yeah
      Being told by a documentary crew that thier memory will live on was probs the best way it could've been done

    • @FerretKibble
      @FerretKibble 10 місяців тому +16

      @@mmw4990 It answered a question he'd had his entire life, and finally gave him the names of the couple he'd wondered about.

  • @elmcreekrr
    @elmcreekrr 11 місяців тому +91

    I use to teach a forensic engineering class and you nailed it, especially with water baffle and tender frame. Awesome graphics. I've also had the pleasure of being the engineer on a steam passenger train at 60-70mph. The water slosh is real. Well done.

    • @giggiddy
      @giggiddy 5 місяців тому +1

      Surprised there was no sound. People just sitting on the cars, uninjured, making no sound. Not typical for a scene like that.

  • @Chris123NT
    @Chris123NT 11 місяців тому +230

    This documentary is absolutely amazing, the visuals really give you a sense of how it all unraveled. Probably the best recreation of the accident we can ever have.

  • @robinsea
    @robinsea 11 місяців тому +131

    This is TV level production value with the level of detail TV hasn't reached in a long time, thank you so much for creating it.

    • @pellkovy27
      @pellkovy27 4 місяці тому

      Yep, so many just show the same scene over and over, repeat the same sentences, as if we had to wait for a week to get past that weird commercial break with no commercial.
      This really does just keep giving good information, gets into great detail, and the various visuals are great too! Really great job.

  • @thomassecurename3152
    @thomassecurename3152 11 місяців тому +126

    This is living reenactment artwork unparalleled that sets a new high standard going forward. Grateful for every frame. Thanks Tom. Poulsbo, Washington

  • @RoadkillbunnyUK
    @RoadkillbunnyUK 10 місяців тому +46

    This was so good! The algorithm suggested it and boy was it worth the watch. This is TV ready, and not just the cable channels but the BBC (I’m in England).
    Be very proud of this work for not just its quality but its content and its fantastic handling of the sensitive parts of the story with real respect for all the victims.

  • @soiouz
    @soiouz 11 місяців тому +139

    What an amazing documentary, done with respect and talent. Thank you for this!

  • @Triplex5014
    @Triplex5014 7 місяців тому +30

    So, being a train engineer myself, from the other side of the pond in Croatia, I see some things never change even after decades.
    When an accident happens:
    1) The engineer is the first to blame.
    2) Maintenance wise the equipment is in excellent condition just on paper. Shops just don't maintain the equipment as they are suppose to. Engineers and other staff call out the defects but the maintaince crews just ignore it.
    3) The railroad will say that everything was fine with the signalling and with areas of restricted speed.
    Seems railroads all over the world suffer from the same chronic problems and it's something we've been dragging along for decades. It's all good until an accident occurs.
    Great video! This is how, unfortunately, we must learn from mistakes.

    • @keyportproductions
      @keyportproductions 4 місяці тому +3

      You are correct on all points and I am an engineer in NJ.

  • @theofficerfactory2625
    @theofficerfactory2625 11 місяців тому +183

    Highly ironic that this VERY well made production was recommended to me and I am watching it on this Tuesday, Feb 6, 2024; 73 years later to the day.

    • @mapupuce1
      @mapupuce1 11 місяців тому +5

      I am watching this great video on Feb 7, 2025.

    • @kleetus92
      @kleetus92 11 місяців тому +1

      @@mapupuce1me too!

    • @roadtrain_
      @roadtrain_ 11 місяців тому +1

      ... Holy fuck I didn't even realize that until now.

    • @barryduff5058
      @barryduff5058 11 місяців тому +5

      ​@@mapupuce1it's 2024

    • @naughtyskweet6
      @naughtyskweet6 10 місяців тому +1

      Almost like he purposely uploaded it for the anniversary!

  • @cougrs48
    @cougrs48 11 місяців тому +21

    After only just watching 25 minutes of this, and the many people who opened their doors and helped. This is the America I want and need to see first-person. You've done an exceptional job covering this subject, this is by far, more informational than TV itself. That and I like steam locomotives too, keep it up friend!

  • @Rico_G
    @Rico_G 11 місяців тому +85

    I've been living just a few miles from the crash site for over 30 years and have NEVER heard about this incident. Outstanding job as always, PTE!

  • @feron450
    @feron450 9 днів тому +2

    I lived in NJ about 30 minutes from this location my entire life… and had no idea this ever happened thank you for teaching me about my home

  • @gregorykayne6054
    @gregorykayne6054 11 місяців тому +59

    Tom, great to see you again. You have been missed. My parents and half brother lived in a small town named Neptune City, 2 miles from Asbury Park. My father commuted to "the City" to work at a stationary company everyday on the Bay Head line
    The sense of lingering horror in the community lasted for at least a decade. The plunging of a 1958 train off an open bridge into Newark Bay, bolstered that mood. I would not exist if Dad had been killed in that club car he sometimes frequented. I was born in September 1953. Thanks so much for your sober and intelligent commemoration. The tone is actually very like Cronkite on CBS in the '50's and '60's.

  • @WillArtie
    @WillArtie 11 місяців тому +69

    52:05 - oh my goodness. man, what a tragic, powerful and heart breaking scene. the type of live, raw scene doco makers dream of capturing, and here it is sitting in a UA-cam doco, which is by most measures actually superior to the majority of TV doco over the decades.
    edit - when we going to get some proper recognition / awards for the excellent programs independently produced from very talented folks here on UA-cam and other places like Nebula?
    Don't let corporate interests get their dirty, mucky, bottom-line driven crooked fingers into these productions. They are what they are because of their utter absence.

  • @maryannebeauchamp1649
    @maryannebeauchamp1649 11 місяців тому +98

    Such a terrible tragedy. Those passengers were probably terrified. Tom your recreation of the accident was fantastic & helped me visualize what actually happened that fateful day.

    • @kleetus92
      @kleetus92 11 місяців тому +1

      Honestly, in the moment of the crash it was all over by the time they realized what was going on. Just like a vehicle accident, but you're not the driver and you're in the back seat sleeping.
      Now the minutes and hours after the crash... ooooo... that would be awful if you were one of the unlucky ones. God bless them all.

    • @joeylamuel5828
      @joeylamuel5828 4 місяці тому

      Probably?

  • @de-fault_de-fault
    @de-fault_de-fault 11 місяців тому +79

    As a lifelong New Jersey guy who has always been interested in our rails as an integral part of our past, present, and future...not to mention a constant consumer of disaster investigation content on UA-cam, I have no idea how I only had a very basic awareness of this story before. But I really enjoyed learning a thorough version of it by finding this video. Amazing work.

    • @pickles3128
      @pickles3128 11 місяців тому +6

      It's crazy how this has animations that make _Mayday: Air Crash Investigations_ (even later seasons) look bad and (the admittedly antiquated) "advanced computer graphics" in _Seconds From Disaster_ look like something made in Windows 95's MM3D. Wish there were more modern shows that weren't so sensationalized, and pandering, constantly cutting away like the audience is a classroom full of ADHD-ridden elementary schoolers off their meds.

    • @alanabyss9246
      @alanabyss9246 11 місяців тому +3

      Well your state had one of the most luxurious Trains in the US
      The blue comet

    • @Voucher765
      @Voucher765 11 місяців тому +2

      ​@alanabyss9246 Same, Thanks for mentioning that as a Jersey Central fan

    • @davewallace8219
      @davewallace8219 11 місяців тому +3

      It was the tender....it was the force of 10 steel passenger cars behind it....its that simple....

    • @davewallace8219
      @davewallace8219 11 місяців тому +1

      The train was traveling waaaaay to fast!!!!

  • @hodros48bowl
    @hodros48bowl 11 місяців тому +50

    Having grown up a few miles from the disaster, it's amazing how few people from the area even know it happened. I remember when I was younger speaking with some neighbors who were teenagers when it happened and helped collect remains :/ such a tragedy.

  • @FanFavorite-s8b
    @FanFavorite-s8b 8 днів тому +3

    I remember seeing three documentaries talking about it, but none were as detailed as this one.
    I hope you do another rail disaster documentary someday.

  • @kanervakukkulla5425
    @kanervakukkulla5425 11 місяців тому +18

    This documentary is a thing of beauty. Honest, analytical, informative, unflinching and very, deeply kind. We live in a big world where such stories are easily lost, thankyou for bringing this to so many

    • @mainerockflour3462
      @mainerockflour3462 10 місяців тому +2

      ..And that at some level, we are all connected.

  • @MrDeez1117
    @MrDeez1117 7 місяців тому +3

    I actually kept my phone out my hand and watched from start to finish, fantastic work.

  • @blueriver5269
    @blueriver5269 11 місяців тому +18

    Oh . This was one of the best documentaries I have ever had the pleasure of watching . VERY WELL DONE. BRAVO BRAVO

  • @JohnAnderson-hl5mq
    @JohnAnderson-hl5mq 10 місяців тому +9

    Sir..a 70 years old Texan and a lifelong train addicted dude going back to my first Lionel train set back in '59..you nailed it brother in a first class absolutely top notch production that can easily rival AND surpass the crap that the major players put out there..kudos to you for your striving for excellence and delving into often overlooked details that would probably be omitted by less conscientious video producers..my respect and admiration for your endeavors and hard work.. God bless and I'm subscribing of course..

  • @homeboy_roy1570
    @homeboy_roy1570 11 місяців тому +53

    Yours are some of the best documentaries on youtube. Thank you sir

  • @Geoffrey-we4yo
    @Geoffrey-we4yo 11 місяців тому +13

    This has got to be the best documentary I've yet seen about the Woodbridge wreck. Those recommendations from the eyewitness pov made me appreciate how horrific it must have been seeing that from your own house window.
    Hearing the engineer describe it added to the realism.
    One item of note, the NY&LB was jointly owned by the PRR and the CNJ, but it was not an equal partnership. The CNJ provided full passenger and fright service, maintenance, and even the station agents and tower operators. The PRR ran many passenger trains, and even delivered freight to the yards, but did not serve fright customers directly.
    The Signal system and operating rules were patterned after the CNJ, and signals were very different between the two railroads, adding to the challenges faced by the Pennsy crews.

  • @musicaldoge9412
    @musicaldoge9412 11 місяців тому +18

    this is a stunning documentary, everyone else is going to have to take note of the sheer quality and effort put into such a fine film

  • @jaminova_1969
    @jaminova_1969 5 місяців тому +3

    Excellent documentary about this tragic accident. I'm sure my grandparents who were living in NY knew about this train crash. I really liked the story about the two welders, the one who happened to have his tools with him and the guy who came home from work and both of them got right to work! As a semi-retired welder and fitter, I know most of those men and women have a strong work ethic.

  • @KristianMartin-o8w
    @KristianMartin-o8w 7 місяців тому +3

    My heart goes out to those families torn apart by this wreck. Terrible tragedy.

  • @toetagm
    @toetagm 7 місяців тому +5

    I'm currently a Co-worker of contributor A.J. Turkelli, I'm lucky to have access and a pleasure to listen to him speak about his history and knowledge of the railroad system. He's a real good guy !!!

  • @johnnicholas1488
    @johnnicholas1488 11 місяців тому +24

    My compliments for a highly well done piece. And my thanks.
    The reconstruction animations impart the
    "HORROR " (JC) of this
    tragedy. I feel the vibrations
    of it in my psyche. The animation of the turbulent
    water in the tender could not be put into mere words.
    So ominous.
    This author does a wonderfull job on these
    videos. I have observed many of them with much
    gratitude.
    A little negligence can go a
    long way in long protracted
    suffering. We must be very
    carefull and foresighted in
    our activities to avoid disaster as the dominos may fall in deep and far distant suffering of folks
    like you and me.
    A bundle of kindness to all of human kind.

  • @brandonproulx9583
    @brandonproulx9583 11 місяців тому +11

    As being a railroader this touch’s deeply.. amazing video and we definitely need more because you are preserving our lost history

  • @GrunkleJam
    @GrunkleJam 11 місяців тому +23

    This was utterly remarkable. Thank you. I wasn't aware of this accident and now feel fully engaged with finding out more.

  • @roberttrometter5788
    @roberttrometter5788 11 місяців тому +9

    I would like to personally say thank you for a great job on the Accident of the Broker train 1951. I also give my condolences to the people who lost their loved ones at the time of the accident. Robert Trometter, Jr.

  • @keyportproductions
    @keyportproductions 4 місяці тому +3

    This production was one of the finest I have ever seen. Excellent job. 5 stars.

  • @lillypad9960
    @lillypad9960 2 місяці тому +3

    Thanks to all who are keeping this tragedy alive. Never forget. Blessings from Michigan.

  • @Noah_Levy
    @Noah_Levy 11 місяців тому +26

    Kudos to Tom, Gordon, and everyone else who made this possible.

  • @tractorjunkco9431
    @tractorjunkco9431 11 місяців тому +15

    This is better than any modern TV station. Thanks for all the hard work you all into this documentary!

  • @linb4985
    @linb4985 11 місяців тому +16

    High quality, professional documentary. Really great. The animations really helped illustrate the chain of events.

  • @CaptainSloose
    @CaptainSloose 11 місяців тому +23

    I'm a lifelong NJ resident and occasional rider of the long branch line - i had no idea this happened.
    Sir, I want to commend you on your work and animation. This is...just....incredible. Every single video you put out impresses me - this one might be my favorite - but i have so so so many favorites of yours. Thank you again.

  • @stevencastiglioni9430
    @stevencastiglioni9430 11 місяців тому +18

    Tom, this was simply a superb piece of work! It was an hour of my time that seemed like 15 minutes, It maybe your best work and the best documentary that I've ever seen. Well done!

  • @warrenbridges4095
    @warrenbridges4095 11 місяців тому +15

    I started watching this on my phone but only after a few minutes I got comfortable and watched it on the big TV. Quality content comparable to the old Discovery & History Channels. Awesome work on this piece of history.

    • @indridcold8433
      @indridcold8433 11 місяців тому +1

      Do you not like aliens and Bigfoot? What kind of person does not aliens and Bigfoot? Aliens and Bigfoot are what have changed The Discovery Channel and History Channel into the television networks they are today. Show some appropriate respect, some very, very, appropriate level, respect. Besides, how will you ever find out what happened to the mermaids? I think there is another season coming up. I also want to see how the Ohio Grass Man turns out. I think he laid some eggs somewhere. Ewww, I hope someone finds his eggs!

  • @PegLeisen
    @PegLeisen 11 місяців тому +7

    Thank you for this detailed documentary. Our dad was one of the Woodbridge First Aid Squad responders and we can remember that night and the grief. Somehow our aunts survived the crash.

  • @bmack5265
    @bmack5265 10 місяців тому +6

    I am NOT a huge "disaster history" documentary watcher in the least, namely for the way a lot of other channels seem to sensationalize the horror and the sadness of the tragedies. However, something about the way you present these stories gives me a sense of enrichment and even comfort--obviously not comfort for the disaster, but about how I'm going to learn about a genuine account than something hyped for the horror of the situation. I think it's your own compassion towards those involved as well as your desire to get the fullest story you can from everything and everyone available. I really appreciate that--and like another commenter said, you deserve awards (and more subscribers) for your work.

  • @daviddryden8088
    @daviddryden8088 11 місяців тому +10

    As a fan and consumer of K&L's models for many years in the Trainz simulator franchise, it pleases me no end, that his models were chosen for this great documentary. Steve Lerro is a genius at his craft.

  • @skychief7716
    @skychief7716 11 місяців тому +16

    This is by far the finest documentary I have listened to, bar none!!! Excellent work. Thank you for your time, patience, and quality effort to produce this program. 👍🏻👍🏻

  • @Miralee01
    @Miralee01 10 місяців тому +3

    I have watched many documentaries by professional groups and UA-camrs alike...none of them hold a candle to this one. I was listening to this on my lunch break & started crying. I shared this to friends to watch, and thank you so much for placing this together but also for the genuine caring you showed for the victims. May they rest in peace.

  • @Historybuff_769
    @Historybuff_769 11 місяців тому +11

    Just Your animations alone put shows like mayday to shame not to mention the high quality, great storytelling/ narration, this has been my favorite channel for a while now, keep up the great work

  • @aerofiles5044
    @aerofiles5044 10 місяців тому +6

    These just get better every time. The exclusive interviews of the people personally involved, getting to know the backstory of the engineer and crew, it all makes the story really come to life.

  • @RobDeHaven
    @RobDeHaven 11 місяців тому +6

    Tom another home run! You have a special gift that I am grateful you share with all of us. Your passion for history and ability to capture historical events accurately without making them boring is awesome! I watched this last night and my wife only saw the last 20 minutes but even she said it was really interesting, and I know you don't know her, but that is a very BIG compliment.

  • @bethzolin6046
    @bethzolin6046 11 місяців тому +9

    What a truly outstanding documentary programme, one of the best I’ve ever seen. You have made an outstanding production here, and this English grandmother found it very interesting to watch. Thank you so much for sharing it

  • @RedNightDragon1
    @RedNightDragon1 11 місяців тому +7

    Nicely done, Tom and all involved. Life goes on and I can see that Freeman St. and Woodbridge itself will never forget the event of February 6, 1951.

  • @spingleboygle
    @spingleboygle 11 місяців тому +4

    this puts the you in youtube, not a tube pumping out sludge and content farms, but a place where you can express genuine creativity and tell stories

  • @nathantuff8814
    @nathantuff8814 10 місяців тому +4

    An incredible documentary. That you're putting out work of this quality and exceeding what big budget TV/streaming can do is insane. Massive respect to everyone involved.

  • @CPorter
    @CPorter 10 місяців тому +5

    I saw this back when it first came out in a discord-share screen with another fan of this channel. But only now getting around to commenting. This is a great documentary, one of your very best you've ever done, but some how each time you manage to top your last ones! The only thing I wish you'd done differently is spent a LITTLE more time on the actual wrecksite today, but all in all amazing. Heartbreaking to have that survivor realize on camera the people in his dreams did die that night. Your skills as a storyteller and producer keep on getting better and better. Always love your content, Tom.

  • @mariekatherine5238
    @mariekatherine5238 11 місяців тому +10

    I was four days old when this happened, third of 11 children. Our Dad used to regularly drive through this area when he was stationed at Lakehurst Naval Airbase. I’m amazed this is the first time I’m hearing about this tragedy.
    I give it ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️. Well done!

  • @ApproachMedium
    @ApproachMedium 11 місяців тому +50

    Really enjoyed the premiere on Saturday and I'm looking forward to watching it again with my wife tonight!

    • @JimmyProductions
      @JimmyProductions 10 місяців тому +2

      ApproachMedium? Love your content man! You inspired me when I was like 8, I can’t believe I’m nearly 15 now. Keep going man!

  • @jjcastaldo4125
    @jjcastaldo4125 9 місяців тому +2

    Fantastic work, Tom! Keep doing what you're doing.

  • @laxingpiper23
    @laxingpiper23 11 місяців тому +9

    As a big fan of this channel, and even more so as someone who just became a foreman for a major railroad providing on track safety, work site safety and placing flags/markers along the track in intervals of 2 miles and then 1 mile from construction sites on a major project, this one hit different. Very well written and respectful, but not shying from the reality and major disaster that could unfold. This really means a lot and is something I can refer to in relation to my job which I take very seriously.

  • @lorineharner2189
    @lorineharner2189 9 місяців тому +2

    This was so well done. So fascinating!!!!! Thank you for all of your work. I am looking forward to learning more about this.

  • @chickenqual
    @chickenqual 11 місяців тому +5

    You have an uncanny ability to make me watch for hours about a topic I never would have heard of otherwise and be completely entertained the whole time. Keep up the good work and great research! I'd love to see you do a video one day on the Knox mine disaster. I know you'd knock that out of the park.

  • @makik3762
    @makik3762 10 місяців тому +2

    While still in the middle of this incredibly well-made documentary with such in-depth analysis, I thought it would do very well to be used for training purposes.

  • @KARENARNETT-q5n
    @KARENARNETT-q5n 11 місяців тому +5

    I just want to say, how amazingly impressed I am about the work, time, and energy you spent telling this sad event. Outstanding work! Outstanding.

  • @ZeroGT_
    @ZeroGT_ 10 місяців тому +2

    i grew up in woodbridge back in the 80's and 90's and never heard of this. nobody ever mentioned it or talked about it. glad i found this! great job!

  • @marvwatkins7029
    @marvwatkins7029 11 місяців тому +8

    A great effort Tom, perhaps your best yet. Your docs just keep getting better and better.

  • @angelachouinard4581
    @angelachouinard4581 10 місяців тому +2

    This was a great piece of work. Your integration of all the elements and the work of the other contributors is flawless. Such attention to detail without any repetition is so rare these days even from big budget studios. I used to live in New Jersey and know that area of Woodbridge but never heard of this wreck. Thank you and all the contributors for preserving this piece of history with such respect and care. Now I'm off to find more of your work.

  • @RFakaWRXringland
    @RFakaWRXringland 11 місяців тому +3

    OUTSTANDING WORK!! This may be the best documentary on a train tragedy on any platform. Big train fan so more like this would be epic. Seen all your videos and this one is definitely the magnum opus. Going to rebinge now

  • @Raptorman0909
    @Raptorman0909 10 місяців тому +3

    I can't even believe the professionalism of this documentary, every aspect is well researched and brilliantly told with respect for all involved. The animations are as good as I've ever seen so thanks to the team that put that together. This was no superficial account, but a detailed telling of a story I knew nothing about even though as a resident of the area (lower NYS from 1956 onward) I would have thought to have heard about it. Most of the major names in telling history, most notably the History Channel, would never dream of telling a story like this without exaggerated controversy and hyperbolic language.

  • @dianeo3284
    @dianeo3284 11 місяців тому +6

    This documentary was wonderful! My grandmother lived 1 block from Fulton street. I was told our family ran to the scene with sheets to cover the deceased.

  • @danasimcho310
    @danasimcho310 10 місяців тому +2

    I was an "Army brat" living at Fort Monmouth in 1957 when I heard stories about the Broker werck. My dad, a history buff, took us to Woodbridge one Saturday afternoon to view the site.
    Thank you for a very informative & tastefully done documentary.

  • @xlnuniex
    @xlnuniex 11 місяців тому +8

    👋 Fellow resident of New Jersey here 👋 I never heard of this disaster before. Thank you for your content!

  • @garybrown1404
    @garybrown1404 10 місяців тому +2

    I have a passion for documentaries, and have watched & enjoyed many hundreds, but I can't remember any that could have cleared the bar that you set with this one. Deeply researched, clearly reconstructed, the human side of this tragedy revealed through witness interviews & statements, hauntingly woven together between past & present by 1951 photos, excellent animation and the perfect sountrack that you chose.

  • @anwolfs9804
    @anwolfs9804 11 місяців тому +5

    This is what History Channel should show! Amazing work!

    • @T128Productions
      @T128Productions 11 місяців тому +2

      I agree. The quality is impeccable!

  • @wxwatcher9315
    @wxwatcher9315 11 місяців тому +2

    A huge THANK YOU to everyone who worked on this amazing project. These true stories will be studied and remembered generations later because of your dedication to the complex, intricate details. Everyone can learn and grow from your well-documented research of this tragic incident.

  • @uhlijohn
    @uhlijohn 11 місяців тому +8

    The animations truly ARE stunning! Great work, my friend!

  • @RsTrainsonYT
    @RsTrainsonYT 11 місяців тому +4

    @PartTimeExplorer you did it again!! Easily your best railroad documentary to date, the wonderful story telling, animation and first person testimony’s are what make this SUCH A GREAT documentary!! You really get a better understanding as to how the wreck unfolded and what survivors / witnesses would’ve seen that fateful night. I’ll be looking forward to the more wonderful films you’ll put together 👍!

  • @bees5461
    @bees5461 11 місяців тому +3

    I love your new opening. The quality of your storytelling makes your channel one of my favorites. When I found your channel I started going back to listen to all of your videos. Great work, thank you so much!

  • @Hailfire97
    @Hailfire97 11 місяців тому +6

    Its been fun watching this channel grow into what it is today. This video looks like you've had a network TV budget, and the execution is amazing. The new channel/video intro is great, and the animations may be the best you guys have put out yet (and that's saying a lot).
    I hope you feel the love of the community, because you definitely should.

  • @heathersissons6922
    @heathersissons6922 11 місяців тому +4

    Holy shit, this is an amazing documentary. Seriously, this is so high quality and must have taken so much work. You did an amazing job with it.

  • @4kVenRec
    @4kVenRec 5 місяців тому +2

    I just came across this channel, love it and subscribed immediately. And it isnt clickbait titles like discovery channel, and history channel. This Channel is quailty video and I'd highly suggestion watching it.

  • @poc329
    @poc329 11 місяців тому +6

    This is great work. I love watching your channel. It seems to get better & better. You do it with great skill, understanding & humbleness. Well done.

  • @DD-wd7ku
    @DD-wd7ku 10 місяців тому +1

    A well researched and put together documentary. Considering the number of passengers on the train, the toll could have been much higher. It's amazing how the bosses can make a decision about not needing yellow signal lights, but then try to blame the engineer totally for the accident.

    • @wxwatcher9315
      @wxwatcher9315 10 місяців тому

      I agree. Redundancy is absolutely essential to help avoid such critical disasters. Thankfully the railroad company eventually was compelled to learn from their fatal flaw.

  • @sirmatsdubois2509
    @sirmatsdubois2509 11 місяців тому +7

    I Watched a previous documentary from somebody else on this disaster and I must admit I did not know half of the things that were happening in this accident that were explained in This documentary. and I really must applaud the animators and the people behind the animation of the locomotive and the disaster. really talented people. and I also really want to really say that those people who are willing to talk about the disaster were very brave and I am really sorry that that happened to them. Let's just hope that the lessons learned from this accident will always be a reminder to everyone.
    Also I hope that the engineer can at least rest easy now knowing that many more people are aware that he wasn't purely responsible for the accident.
    heck if the tender didn't have all of those problems with it I bet if it would have been shaken but the train might not have derailed. the keywords being might.
    but still it's also good to know that there are many plaques to remember that day. and let us hope that this documentary will assist in keeping the memory of this accident alive.
    Also the73rd anniversary of the Accident is tomorrow for anybody wondering.

  • @arts.4014
    @arts.4014 8 місяців тому +2

    Really well done. I really appreciated how many of the nuanced details you got right. Only possible minor error I caught was the pronounced sound effect added for the welding/cutting. The sizzling is normally associated with MIG welding, the oxy-acetylene process is generally quiet with the sound of the gas flowing through the nozzle being dominant. Not sure its worth fixing but it stood out given the focus on accuracy and how many details you got right.

  • @JamesGoetzke
    @JamesGoetzke 11 місяців тому +4

    I was born in Summit New Jersey in 1961. I took the train to high school every day from Short Hills to Madison. The old electric Erie Lackawanna. Wicker seats and all. I never heard of this. Wow. On a side note pertaining to disasters and Woodbridge...on December 29th 1972 Eastern Airlines flight 401 from JFK to Miami crashed in the Everglades. The Woodbridge connection? Next to the New Jersey Parkway in Woodbridge was the Eastern Airlines Reservations building. My mother just started her career with Eastern. She had to take the calls from family members...this was the time before the internet and cable news. It was a time that affected Sarah deeply all of her remaining days. 401. All because of a 29 cent light bulb. Again thanks for the post.

  • @sharonconstant399
    @sharonconstant399 10 місяців тому +1

    Marvelous work--Your failure analysis and the animation work are outstanding!

  • @washingtonradio
    @washingtonradio 11 місяців тому +40

    I like how you pointed out PRR had serious deficiencies in how they signaled information to their train crews. This was accident waiting to happen when the engineer was alerted about the conditions ahead even he had orders. Also there appears to be some sloppy maintenance by the PRR that contributed to the accident. Both are issues that the crew are completely blameless for.

    • @thestainmorephoenix8632
      @thestainmorephoenix8632 11 місяців тому +5

      We had tons of previous accidents that involve human memory and it's shortcomings, yet we never learned that lesson.
      Hawes Junction 1910
      Quintinshill 1915
      Two that come to mind when stating memory is faulty

    • @redwolfpiping5701
      @redwolfpiping5701 11 місяців тому +4

      @@thestainmorephoenix8632 don't forget the wreck that changed the name of a PA town of Wissahiken to Ambler, memory played big in that accident

    • @washingtonradio
      @washingtonradio 11 місяців тому +9

      @@thestainmorephoenix8632 Even without faulty memory add difficult conditions, no other warnings, etc. this was an accident waiting to happen.

    • @raymondpaller6475
      @raymondpaller6475 11 місяців тому +5

      The PRR could/should have, in engineering parlance, added to "the margin of safety" by installing those distance-paired yellow lights. Yet to say "that the crew are completely blameless" is complete dripping twaddle. The 7 previous trains passed here with ZERO incident.

    • @NHGMitchell
      @NHGMitchell 11 місяців тому +15

      @@raymondpaller6475 Ah, but they passed in daylight. This train was one of the first, if not the first, to pass after nightfall.

  • @rcnfo1197
    @rcnfo1197 11 місяців тому +2

    Thank you for documenting this tragic train wreck with clarity, empathy and amazing animation. It was hard to tell the difference between stock footage and animation. Well done!

  • @pennsy6755
    @pennsy6755 11 місяців тому +33

    I simply cannot say the same thing again from the trailer and teasers, but _this documentary was amazing!_
    Not just in the technology involved in part from Unreal and our good pal Steve from K&L, but the level of footage, audio recordings, photographs, _everything_ is something a lot of UA-camrs just simply cannot try to compete (small rant but said channels that do wreck documentaries try to put Thomas music over taking over discussions like this before and try to hide it or make simple troll jokes and make OCS out of it!! It’s outrageously offensive)
    I’m sorry about that… had to get it out of my system before this video goes public.
    My heart goes to the survivors of this disaster, and I cannot wait to see what else you got in store.
    Oh and I was curious, not to sound like a requester but have you put any consideration in other train wrecks like the 1918 crash? Or even stuff nearby like Altoona’s Red Arrow disaster?
    I would absolutely love to see someone try and pull a high quality documentary on them as they are mostly forgotten to the public outside the select few living in Nashville and Altoona respectively.
    That’s all I really have to say. You nailed it and all I ask is to never stop doing this line of work.
    See ya in the next documentary. - Pennsy

  • @davidjohnson497
    @davidjohnson497 5 місяців тому +1

    At 34:11 is a photo of a QST, the monthly publication of the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL), the national organization of USA in support of "ham radio". I am a member! Someone on the train was interested in amateur radio and maybe reading the magazine from the League when the train crashed. Sad story but thanks for sharing. I am an amateur radio operator and also a model train enthusiast focused on the "Pennsy" (Pennsylvania Railroad, PRR). Thanks for this interesting video, it is really an amazing documentary for many reasons, good story, video, pictures, and compassionate view. Good job!

  • @robertmeyers7907
    @robertmeyers7907 10 місяців тому +7

    My dad rode the broker every day for years. He was a little late getting to Newark that evening and didn’t get his usual seat. The gentleman who took his seat that night did not survive the wreck. My dad suffered only an injured knee and continued commuting from Belmar to Newark five days a week until he retired. I still have his scrapbook of the wreck. I was just a kid that night but as I approach my 80th birthday my memory of that night lingers.

  • @GevoJoe
    @GevoJoe 10 місяців тому +1

    This documentary was incredible. I couldn’t stop watching it!!! STUNNING!!!! ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!!

  • @jessicadavis8865
    @jessicadavis8865 11 місяців тому +7

    This is SO COOL. Can’t believe this is free content. You’re filling the hole in my heart that Saturday morning TV used to fill. Thank you for making content like this!

  • @kamokev_92
    @kamokev_92 4 місяці тому +2

    26:00, that also had to have been one of THE worst things to have happen to someone, a coach literally on top of you and yet you're still somehow alive while being crushed....