File:Memorial - Bell Memorial - Train No. 286.jpg

Summary

Bell Memorial - Train No. 286 This memorial commemorates the CSX crew of the eastbound Maryland Rail Commuter (MARC) train No. 286 that originated in Brunswick and was on its 49 mile run to Washington when it collided with Amtrak’s westbound Capitol Limited en route to Chicago. The collision occurred in Silver Spring, Maryland, in a snow storm. The commuter train’s three-man crew and 8 commuter train passengers were killed and 26 passengers from both trains were injured.

Inscribed; Preserve the memory of train crew by ringing this bell for Ricky, Jimmy and Jim.

The bricks which make up the base of the bell memorial came from the B & O roundhouse that once stood in Brunswick, Maryland. The bell is similar to the one that was aboard car #7762 on #P-286 on February 16, 1996.

The memorial, built from train car parts, encloses a control-car bell with a pull rope from the clapper to the outside that allows for the ringing of the bell.

The Bell Tower & Marker are both located on the property of the Old YMCA on E Potomac St.

Photos by Tom Fuchs and courtesy of HMdb.org THE HISTORICAL MARKER DATABASE (June 16, 2007)