Here's one that's probably for the ol' timers on the board.

Was going through some pictures and video of my screen namesake here on RYPN and got to thinking about a story I was told about old NJT E8A 4272. All photos prior to 1980 show her engineer's side flanks in perfect condition. Post 1980, there are clear signs that plate steel has been welded over some pretty severe damage. Many years ago, I recall having a conversation with Walt Grosselfinger, founder of the URHSofNJ, about her scars and he told me it happened when a runaway car(s) came off of the RRRR connection with the North Jersey Coast Line at CP RARE and slammed into NJT 4272 as she sat with the other diesels used for the venerable South Amboy engine change.

So my questions include: When exactly did it happen? As this was 1980 or shortly after, was it the fault of the Raritan River RR or did this happen after they were absorbed by Conrail? How many and what type of cars?

If anyone has a detailed recollection of this event or knows someone who might, I'd sure love to hear the tale.