The Handcart Race  | Ranger Bill (04-04-56)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode Summary: "The Handcart Race | Ranger Bill (04-04-56)"

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Broadcast Date: April 4, 1956
Podcast Release Date: June 20, 2026

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Overview

In this digitally restored classic episode from the "Ranger Bill" radio drama, listeners are transported to the heart of railroad country during a raging storm. The plot revolves around the rangers and a team of railroad men as they race against time—and an oncoming passenger express—to prevent disaster after a trestle is threatened by flash floods. Full of suspense, camaraderie, and the signature mix of danger and humor that defines "Ranger Bill," the episode explores themes of responsibility, quick thinking, and the heroic spirit of the American frontier.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

Introduction to the Setting and Crisis

• [02:15–03:48] The railroad dispatcher’s office at Junction City is introduced as the operational hub.
• Heavy rains and the risk of flash floods threaten the safety of trains, particularly around Knotty Pine.
• "I'd say there's a good possibility [of flash floods]. Al, reroute the Fireball Express at Centerville. Put them on the southern route." – Unk/Wilson McFadden, dispatcher (04:24)

The Dispatcher’s Dilemma & Railroad Operations

• [04:23–07:09] Unk and his crew debate the best course of action, attempting to redirect or delay trains to avoid disaster.
• The tension builds as logistics, weather, and tight schedules make safe operation difficult.
• High-stakes discussion around the Fireball Express, which is carrying 400 passengers:
  • “That Fireball's got 400 aboard.” – Carl (06:42)
  • “I'd hate to be in [Unk’s] shoes if he misses on this one.” – Pierce (06:48)

The Rangers Seek Shelter

• [12:04–13:59] Ranger Bill, Henry, Otto, and Grey Wolf brave the storm and reach a ranger’s cabin near the railroad tracks.
• Passing time, they consider games and reading by the fire as the intensity of the storm keeps the stakes high.
• Memorable banter:
  • “Nobody carries Scrabble game in pack, Henry.” – Judd (13:46)
  • “Well, now, I think the feller who wouldn't carry Scrabble game might be a little touched in the head.” – Stumpy/Narrator (13:52)

Trestle Testing & Mounting Tension

• [15:02–16:29] Carl and Pierce, part of the trestle testing crew, voice their concerns about Cougar Canyon's massive 800-foot-deep trestle.
• “Remember, Pierce, 400 lives depend on us making sure that trestle will be there when the train gets to it.” – Carl (16:13)
• The dual pressure of responsibility and treacherous conditions becomes evident, with the crew feeling the weight of potential disaster.

Catastrophe Strikes

• [21:18–22:33] The storm worsens, another cloudburst pours into Cougar Canyon, and the crew rushes to inspect the trestle.
• “We just tested it.” – Ranger Bill (21:39)
• Suddenly, the trestle collapses, sending an engine and caboose into the canyon.
  • “Jumping catfish. The trestle's gone and how.” – Otto (25:32)
  • “They're smashed a bits down there.” – Narrator (25:35)
• Fears mount for the missing crew: “If they were, it won't make any difference now … they didn’t have a chance of getting out alive.” – Ranger Bill (25:43)
• Relief comes when voices are heard from across the canyon—the men survived.

The Handcar Race to Avert Tragedy

• [28:17–32:22] Realizing the oncoming Fireball Express is unaware of the missing trestle, Bill and his team scramble to a handcar shed.
• Intense race to get the handcar running and flag down the express:
  • “All right, get on. I’ll start the engine. Pour your light over here, pal.” – Ranger Bill (28:54)
  • “Come on… Here we go! The lock horns with the Fireball Express.” – Narrator (29:33)
• The two crews dramatically intersect on the tracks, the handcar riders jump to safety just before the massive train approaches.

Aftermath and Recognition

• [31:27–32:38] The railroad president convenes a formal ceremony to honor Ranger Bill’s team for their heroism.
• New streamliner to be named "The Ranger" in their honor.
• “But we weighed the value. Four against four hundred. There was only one decision to make. No alternatives.” – Ranger Bill (32:12)
• Episode closes with humble reflection and gratitude.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If we goof this one up, the whole world will know about it.”
  — Carl, regarding the trestle check and the immense responsibility, (16:29)

• “I've got it. They want us to go back down the track. The Fireball Express is due along here anytime now.”
  — Ranger Bill realizes the urgent threat, (26:07)

• “There’s got to be a section hand car along here someplace. Let’s start back down the track on the double...”
  — Ranger Bill rallies the team for the high-stakes rescue, (26:23)

• “But we weighed the value. Four against 400. There was only one decision to make. No alternatives.”
  — Ranger Bill explains the split-second, selfless choice, (32:12)

• “It’s an old saying that all’s well that ends well. In this case, it’s true.”
  — Ranger Bill closes with understated Western wisdom, (32:38)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Key Segment | |--------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:15 | Ranger Bill episode proper begins | | 04:23–07:09 | Railroad dispatchers manage storm crisis and reroute trains | | 12:04 | Rangers arrive at cabin; storm intensifies | | 15:02 | Trestle testing crew discusses Cougar Canyon's danger | | 21:18 | Second storm front threatens trestle, building climax | | 22:33–25:35 | Trestle collapse; engine and caboose fall; crew missing | | 26:07–28:17 | Realization: The Fireball is still coming; action plan with handcar | | 28:17–30:43 | “Handcart Race” sequence: Rangers rush to warn the Express | | 31:27–32:38 | Ceremony and honors; wrap-up reflection |

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Episode Tone and Takeaways

• Language and Tone:
  The episode balances urgent suspense (“My heart gets pains when I think of that train load of passengers.” – Otto, 27:07), classic Western humor (“Who’s got a Scrabble game with them?” 13:38), and moral conviction (“Four against 400. There was only one decision to make.” 32:12).

• Engagement:
  Audiences are drawn in by a combination of technical railroad details, the interplay of various crews under duress, and the timeless values of courage, ingenuity, and sacrifice for the greater good.

• Noteworthy:

  • The signature soundscape—thunder, train whistles, rain—amplifies the drama and immerses the listener.
  • The lighthearted cabin scene offers a pause in the tension, contrasting with the life-and-death urgency outside.

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Final Thoughts

This "Ranger Bill" episode is a showcase of Old Time Radio Westerns at their best: thrilling, character-driven, and capable of both entertaining and inspiring. Through quick thinking and collective courage, disaster is averted by the narrowest of margins, immortalizing the rangers and railroad men as true heroes of the wild frontier.

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For more classic Western adventures, visit otrwesterns.com.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

Ranger Bill, Warrior of the woodlands.

[Ranger Bill]

Ranger Bill, Warrior of the woodland. Struggling against extreme odds. Traveling dangerous trails, Fighting the many enemies of nature. This is the job of the guardian of the forest. Ranger Bill Pouring rain, freezing cold, blistering heat, snow, floods, bears, rattlesnakes, mountain lions.

[Listener/Interjector]

Yes.

[Ranger Bill]

All this in exchange for the satisfaction and pride of a job well done. Hello boys and girls. This is Ranger Bill. Have you ever stopped for a railroad crossing when the gates were down and waited for the train to show up? And then all of a sudden, along comes a hand car putt putting away. It's rather a letdown to what was expected, isn't it? But nevertheless, the little vehicles save many hours when the section hands want to travel short distances. In our story today, the Rangers and I get involved with one of these contraptions that we've been talking about. They come in mighty handy, especially when you need them. No, I'm not going to tell you any more about the story. You'll just have to listen to the handcar race.

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[Ranger Bill]

This is the railroad dispatcher's office at Junction City, the nerve center of the railroad for quite an area around, even as far north as Canyon City. Wilson McFadden, who's been nicknamed Unk, and his staff of highly trained men keep the trains rolling. And it's also their job to smell trouble and do everything possible to avoid it. Let's get a little inside view of Unk and his boys hard at work.

[Carl]

Hey, Unc, here's trouble.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

Let me see the teletype. Roy, get me the station agent at Knotty Pine right away.

[Ranger Bill]

Here I thought we were getting a

[Carl]

nice spring rain and now we find out it's storming cats and dogs at Knotty Pine.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

Don't tell me there's poodles of water all over the place or I'll show you how to win them.

[Carl]

Okay, I'll save the corn.

[Pierce]

Pick up the phone.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

How are things up your way?

[Judd]

Pretty nasty, Dispatcher.

[Listener/Interjector]

We're getting cloudburst after cloudburst and it

[Ranger Bill]

looks like there's plenty left.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

Okay, thanks for keeping us informed. Goodbye.

[Carl]

You think they'll have flash floods up there?

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

I'd say there's a good possibility. Al, reroute the Fireball Express at Centerville. Put them on the southern route.

[Otto]

It's too late.

[Judd]

She's left Centerville.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

How about the freight route? No good.

[Judd]

Jim Stockman special just pulled onto the freight line. They'll be dropping cars at every rancher's siding for the next day.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

Yeah, and we don't have a bypass siding long enough to take the cattle train till they cut out about 40 cars. Boy. Get me the engineer on the Fireball.

[Pierce]

Right.

[Judd]

Old Sienna Limited's pulling out in three Minutes. Which route?

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

Over the high country.

[Judd]

She'll be two hours late.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

That's better than ending up in the bottom of a canyon. Send her over the mountains.

[Judd]

Okay.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

Jim, tell Carl and Pierce to get an engine at caboose and run up to Canyon City. I want all those trestles watched. I'm going to try and send the Fireball Express through on time and in one piece.

[Pierce]

Ready to be a guinea pig, Pierce?

[Carl]

Yep. We can always jump if there's a washout.

[Pierce]

Sure. That's why I picked the oldest iron horse we got. We lose this in the canyon, it won't mean much.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

Right.

[Carl]

Boy, I'd hate to be in Ox shoes if he misses on this one. That Fireball's got 400 aboard.

[Pierce]

Well, he ain't missed yet. But I guess there's always a first time for everything. Like you say, I'd hate to be in his shoes if he makes a mistake.

[Carl]

Ah, well, Unk's been in his game a long time. I think he can smell a busted trestle a hundred miles away.

[Pierce]

I hope so. Well, Otto and Keith are aboard the caboose. We'll shove off.

[Carl]

Right. Full steam ahead.

[Pierce]

And don't spare the horse.

[Carl]

Why are we stopping here?

[Pierce]

Why? We're too far ahead of the Fireball. We got to kill some time. Okay.

[Carl]

What do you say we kill it back in the caboose with a coffee pot?

[Pierce]

Yeah. Suits me fine. Let's go.

[Carl]

And don't get wet on the way back.

[Pierce]

I run between the drops like a sidewinder.

[Judd]

Wow.

[Ranger Bill]

Look what we have here.

[Otto]

Can't say as I recognize them.

[Ranger Bill]

Me neither.

[Otto]

They look like a couple of wet hens coming in to get dried up.

[Carl]

Should we throw them outside and see how dry they can stay, Carl?

[Pierce]

No. Wait till we come to a canyon full of water. They'll get soaked better that way. How's the coffee?

[Carl]

Out of right tolerable.

[Otto]

Help yourself.

[Pierce]

I will. Here, let me fill your cup with this varnish, Pierce.

[Carl]

Thanks. Don't drop any on the floor. It'll probably eat a hole right through the boards.

[Pierce]

Say, how long's it been since you fellas put new beans in the pods?

[Otto]

What are you hollering about? They're only a day or two old. We always change them once a month, whether they need it or not.

[Pierce]

Sure.

[Ranger Bill]

Far be it from us the way.

[Otto]

Imagine, Otto, how much it would cost if we put fresh beans in every day.

[Carl]

Why, the superintendent had put fresh beans in your head if he tasted this stuff. But this is the kind of day when anything Hot goes good.

[Otto]

Say, Carl, how come you stopped here?

[Pierce]

Why, we're too far ahead of the fireball. This is flash flood country up here, you know.

[Otto]

Now I know why they always put you on the job of testing trestles.

[Pierce]

What do you mean?

[Otto]

Well, we could go along testing trestles and be too far ahead of the express. Then if a flash flood occurred after we passed the trestle before the fireball crossed it. Man, what a mess that would be. You sure know your stuff, Carl.

[Pierce]

It's just that I'm such a moley old codger that I've lived long enough to learn all the tricks of the game. This is rugged country up here, and many an inexperienced man's been caught short. You don't believe me? Talk to a ranger sometime.

[Judd]

I can believe it.

[Ranger Bill]

Every time we go over those trestles, I get the shivers.

[Carl]

Yeah, it's a long way to the bottom.

[Pierce]

That sure is one good flash flood. Carrying the right size boulders could powder a trestle. And nothing flat. Well, we better get going. The old fireball will catch up to us if we don't.

[Judd]

One more curve and get a straight run through Junction City. Emo.

[Ranger Bill]

Yeah, we ought to be able to

[Listener/Interjector]

pick up five minutes.

[Judd]

Ah, to man we will, and then some.

[Ranger Bill]

Full throttle.

[Judd]

We'll do 95 CHUD the signal's flashing

[Listener/Interjector]

on the radio telephone.

[Judd]

I get it, Speed. Probably the dispatcher of Junction City.

[Ranger Bill]

I hope he doesn't give us a

[Carl]

take it easy notice.

[Judd]

We'll soon find out. Hello, Judge speaking.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

Judd, this is Unk.

[Judd]

Hello, Unk.

[Pierce]

What's up?

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

Is it raining down your way?

[Judd]

No, we're under clouds, but no rain so far.

[Pierce]

What?

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

Make up as much extra time as you can. When you pull into Junction City, see me personally. I'll give you orders.

[Judd]

Okay, but what's going on up there?

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

There's a bad storm at Knotty Pine.

[Judd]

Isn't a trestle buster, is it?

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

I hope not. We'll know more about that by the time you get here. See you then.

[Judd]

Okay.

[Listener/Interjector]

What's wrong ahead, Judd?

[Judd]

Storm at Mount Pine. Must be a real humdinger for Unk to make a special fuss over it.

[Carl]

Yeah, and how.

[Judd]

Pull all the stops, James. We're going to notch this speedometer close to 100.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

I sure hope we get to the cabin soon. We know what I'm going to be. Sh and wet clean through to my bones.

[Otto]

It said it's not me. Come on, vessel girl. Let's push along.

[Ranger Bill]

There's the cabin ahead, fellas. We'll put the Horses on the lee side to give them some protection.

[Judd]

Good idea. Even raincoat not help in this one.

[Ranger Bill]

Whoa, storm.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

Oh, man. Boy, let's get inside but quick.

[Ranger Bill]

Henry, you go in and start a fire. I'll pull your saddle and blanket.

[Otto]

Yes, sir.

[Ranger Bill]

On the double.

[Otto]

Hunter's not cut out to be a.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

Well. Sounds like the boom boom from the heavens is about ready to quit.

[Otto]

Yeah, but listen to the rain.

[Judd]

Wow. There's plenty heavy downpour. Maybe more water than we need.

[Ranger Bill]

It's beginning to look that way, Grey Wolf. I hope the railroad boys are out testing traffic just in case there's a flash floods.

[Carl]

Hey, we're not far from the mainline track, are we?

[Ranger Bill]

No. Almost reach out and touch it from the cabin window.

[Otto]

This is a good night to be home.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

It sure is, honey. Ain't fit for man or beast outside. No, siree.

[Otto]

The only trouble with this is there's nothing to do.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

Huh? Who said there ain't?

[Otto]

I did.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

Why, you got your New Testament with you, ain't you?

[Pierce]

Certainly.

[Otto]

I intend to get a lot of reading done this evening. But it's still early.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

How about playing a game of Scrabble?

[Otto]

That's a great idea. Who's got a Scrabble game with them?

[Ranger Bill]

Henry, you know better than to ask a foolish question like that.

[Judd]

Nobody carries Scrabble game in pack, Henry.

[Otto]

I didn't think anybody would. We've got enough to carry as it is.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

Well, now, I think the feller who wouldn't carry Scrabble game might be a little touched in the head.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

Rod timer.

[Otto]

None of us has one in his knapsack.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

Well, now, I don't allow how. That's true, sonny. How do you know none of us has one?

[Otto]

Well, she got me on that one.

[Ranger Bill]

I don't really know.

[Otto]

I'm just assuming.

[Ranger Bill]

Okay, Stumpy, you can get the Scrabble game out of your pack and we'll play it.

[Otto]

He's got one.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

I sure have, sonny. I'd get it out, but I don't think any you fellas can spell worth a hoot.

[Ranger Bill]

Oh, I suppose you won all the

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

spelling bees when you were in school. Yep, I sure did. You want to challenge me?

[Otto]

Sure I do get.

[Carl]

Well, so far so good, huh, Carl?

[Pierce]

Well, but now we're getting to the high trestles, Pierce. Not that the damage would be small as one of the lower trestles without.

[Carl]

How far down to the bottom of some of the canyons ahead.

[Pierce]

Oh, three, four, 500ft. There's one way up ahead there. That's 800ft deep. There's a ranger's cabin right close by. That's how I landmark the deep one.

[Carl]

800ft deep.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

Wow.

[Carl]

Oh, we better look that one over carefully.

[Pierce]

Yeah, I give the passengers parachutes before the fireball crosses it.

[Carl]

Why don't you give it more gas? We'll never make it up this great if you don't.

[Pierce]

Well, as long as you keep throwing coal in the firebox and we keep getting steam, we won't have a bit of trouble getting up this grade.

[Carl]

Carl, why are you stalling? Something's on your mind and you're keeping it to yourself.

[Pierce]

Well, it's the big trestle, son. The one over Cougar Canyon. That thing's been up there since Hector was a pup. Shouldn't that be proof enough that it's sound? Perhaps it should, but I'm dragging my heels. Just the same. I don't want too much time to lag from the time we cross it until the fireball comes along.

[Carl]

How are we gonna get out of the way of that fast jot?

[Pierce]

Why, there's a short bypass sign about 5 miles other side of the canyon. We'll pull off on it and stand till the Express goes. Remember, Pierce, 400 lives depend on us making sure that trestle will be there when the train gets to it.

[Carl]

Yeah, I know. We're just a couple of guys plunking along in an old engine in a rainstorm. Not very many people know we're here, but if we goof this one up, the whole world will know about it.

[Judd]

Foreign

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[Ranger Bill]

Listen here, you scare gramble hounds. Let's call it a draw. It's getting late. Okay, bro.

[Judd]

What do you say, Stoppy?

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

Yeah, I think so, too.

[Otto]

Hey, there must be something wrong with that engine. Sure going slowly.

[Ranger Bill]

That's a trestle testing crew, pal.

[Pierce]

A how come again?

[Ranger Bill]

I said that's a trestle testing crew.

[Pierce]

Oh. Oh.

[Otto]

Trestle testers. I thought you said wrestle tested, Henry.

[Judd]

I think you have too much scramble. Henry. You punchy from trying to think up and spell words?

[Ranger Bill]

Wrestle tested. Where'd you get that one?

[Otto]

I just thunk it up.

[Ranger Bill]

Well, let's have our devotions and turn in. We gotta be on our way up the trail first thing in the morning.

[Carl]

The big drizzle's right ahead.

[Pierce]

You said it. We'll know in a short while if it's going to hold or not.

[Carl]

So far, we're all right.

[Pierce]

I don't see much water in the bottom of the canyon.

[Carl]

We shouldn't have any problem then.

[Pierce]

No, I guess not. We're over. And the old trestle didn't even sway. I feel better now.

[Carl]

So do I. That old fireball's gonna be safe and sound as he snorts over this wood pile. A mile a minute or better.

[Pierce]

Yep. We better head for the siding and get out of the way.

[Carl]

I sure wish we could go back and stay in the ranger cabin. This cab leaks worse than a paper bag full of holes.

[Pierce]

We'll be able to go back to Junction City in A couple hours. As soon as the fireball zips by, I'll put this old relic back on the main track and give her full thrott.

[Carl]

What's the matter, Carl?

[Bluff]

You're jumping.

[Pierce]

Yeah.

[Carl]

You've been listening to that thunder and jumping with every crash.

[Pierce]

I don't like it.

[Carl]

Why? Only another squall line moving in.

[Pierce]

That's the whole idea. Another squall line means more cloud bursts and that means more water in tremendous quantities.

[Otto]

What's the difference? The trestle's sound as a rock.

[Ranger Bill]

We just tested it.

[Carl]

You've had that thing in your mind for hours, Carl.

[Pierce]

How come? I told you how come. That's an old castle. It worries me.

[Carl]

Aw, take it easy. We've done our job.

[Otto]

Now let's relax until the express goes by.

[Carl]

Then we can head for home.

[Pierce]

Sure.

[Ranger Bill]

Don't worry about that pile of lumber.

[Carl]

It'll stand.

[Pierce]

I'm not so sure about that. We're going back down there and make sure.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

Yes.

[Pierce]

I want to satisfy myself if everything's all right.

[Carl]

Well, we might get clobbered by the fireball through here.

[Pierce]

Now don't talk foolishly. We'll be back up here on the side in plenty of time. Let's go and that's final.

[Ranger Bill]

Great Scott.

[Otto]

Looks like a flash floods at the canyon. Look at the water.

[Carl]

Man alive. All say there's water now. I'm glad we listened to you, Carl.

[Ranger Bill]

I wonder if the trestle footings are okay now.

[Pierce]

I don't know. We'll have to stay here and watch it for a while.

[Carl]

Did you hear that?

[Judd]

Yeah.

[Otto]

The trestle's weakened.

[Ranger Bill]

How are we going to know if it'll hold the fireball?

[Pierce]

We'll back this old cradle down to it.

[Otto]

Oh, we get across if it goes down. Hope anybody to stop the express.

[Pierce]

Well, if the crestle collapses, the rangers will hear the racket and they'll know something's wrong.

[Carl]

I'll be glad to go across to the other side on foot and get help from the rangers cabin.

[Pierce]

Well, there ain't time. You'd eat up all the valuable time left just walking across the trestle.

[Otto]

Oh, what a mess. If we had listened to you, Carl, instead of arguing, we'd have to time to get across.

[Pierce]

Let's not waste time being sorry. I'm going to release the brake and let the rig roll back onto the trestle.

[Carl]

You fell.

[Pierce]

Stand clear now.

[Carl]

Make sure you don't get taken along, Carl.

[Pierce]

Don't worry. I don't have any intention of going down with my ship.

[Ranger Bill]

You fellas ready for lights out?

[Otto]

Yep. I just finished the Gospel of John.

[Ranger Bill]

Oh, what a wonderful book.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

I'm through, Sonny. I'm about halfway through the Song of Solomon.

[Judd]

You can put light out now, Vero.

[Ranger Bill]

Okay. Here goes. Good night, fellas.

[Otto]

What's that?

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

What's happened?

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

It's been a train wreck.

[Ranger Bill]

Grab the boat lights.

[Pierce]

Let's go.

[Judd]

Well, what's the word, Unk? Can we take off with the fireball?

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

Well, Judd, in this case I'd have to say no. News is good news, Truss.

[Judd]

Old testers haven't reported anything wrong.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

Haven't heard a word. If there are any out, they would have been back here by now to tell me.

[Judd]

Well, I guess I better get the fireball running.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

Right. Keep your ears open for dynamite caps on the track. Although the boys would put flares out if there's trouble.

[Judd]

Well, keep awake. All right. Got a full load and quite a few important people aboard. See you later, Uncle.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

Okay. Keep your eye on the radio telephone light in case I have to call

[Carl]

you in a hurry.

[Judd]

Yes, sir. I'll do that.

[Otto]

Al, give the fireball a green light.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

She's going out on schedule.

[Otto]

Jumping catfish. The trestle's gone and how.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

It's gone and so's an engine and caboose. They're smashed a bits down there.

[Judd]

That's plenty bad. I wonder if crew on train when it go down.

[Ranger Bill]

That's hard to say. They were. It won't make any difference now. Between the crash and the explosion, they didn't have a chance of getting out alive.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

Hey, shine your lights across the canyon. I hear voices.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

There. A train crew.

[Judd]

Foremen.

[Ranger Bill]

How'd they ever get over there? Safe and sound.

[Otto]

What are they doing? Looks like they want us to go back.

[Ranger Bill]

I've got it. They want us to go back down the track. The Fireball Express is due along here anytime now.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

You must be joking, sonny.

[Ranger Bill]

No, I'm not. I don't know how soon it's due, but it'll be along just as sure as I'm knee high to a toadstool.

[Judd]

We do something cool. Quick mill.

[Ranger Bill]

There's got to be a section hand car along here someplace. Let's start back down the track on the double. Look for a little shed where they keep the hand car. I'm the double men. I've worked.

[Carl]

Carl.

[Otto]

They're going down the track on the run.

[Carl]

Boy, what a relief. I hope they get far enough. That fireball takes about two miles to stop. When it's going full blast.

[Unk (Wilson McFadden)]

It's a sharp upgrade to the Trestle.

[Otto]

That'll help.

[Pierce]

Yes, thank the good Lord for them Rangers. They've averted a terrible tragedy.

[Carl]

I can't see their lights anymore. Well, I sure hope they make it in time.

[Otto]

You know, fellas, we could be praying instead of talking. My heart gets pains when I think of that train load of passengers.

[Listener/Interjector]

Sure good to know that everything's all right up ahead. Hey, Judd.

[Carl]

Yes, sir.

[Judd]

Those engines powerful. Not enough to jump across canyons, though.

[Ranger Bill]

It gives me the shivers just to think about him.

[Judd]

Get jumping, huh? Son, the crew that tests these bridges

[Ranger Bill]

is made up of old time railroad men.

[Judd]

They can smell a bad trestle on Bylaw.

[Listener/Interjector]

Oh, I'll be all right, Judd. Especially after we get across the Cougar Canyon trestle. After that, we won't have a thing to worry about.

[Ranger Bill]

There's a hand car shed. Oh, boy, am I glad we found one. Stumpy, stay out here on the track with your light. We'll get the hand car.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

Right.

[Ranger Bill]

All right, stand back while I shoot the lock off.

[Otto]

Okay.

[Ranger Bill]

Yeah, Good. No, swing those doors out. All right, let's get it on the track.

[Carl]

That's it.

[Otto]

That's it.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

That's it. Okay, right here. All right, drop her. She's on square.

[Ranger Bill]

All right, get on. I'll start the engine. Pour your light over here, pal.

[Otto]

Yeah, how's that?

[Ranger Bill]

That's fine.

[Otto]

It must be wet.

[Ranger Bill]

Run.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

All a fool pays for the thing not to work. Hey, we'd better run down the track and leave you to start it, sonny.

[Ranger Bill]

Sit tight till I give it one more word.

[Otto]

Bill, that's express coming now.

[Ranger Bill]

Hold your light closer.

[Judd]

Come.

[Ranger Bill]

I think this lever right here should be up instead of down.

[Otto]

Did you hear what I said?

[Ranger Bill]

Yes, pal, I did. All right. Now we'll try it again.

[Carl]

Come on.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

Come on.

[Judd]

Come on. Better go.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

Here we go. The lock horns with the Fireball Express.

[Judd]

Well, we've only got three miles till we'll cross the big trestle and then you can relax, emo boy.

[Pierce]

Yeah, I'll be glad to.

[Ranger Bill]

Hey, what are those lights on the track lights?

[Otto]

Hey, there's four of them.

[Judd]

Those are men in the handcar.

[Ranger Bill]

Four men.

[Otto]

There are four men in the trestle testing crew.

[Ranger Bill]

Don't get excited, son. We have plenty of time to stop.

[Listener/Interjector]

I know, I know, but you'll hear.

[Pierce]

Hit the hand car. Sure.

[Judd]

I can't stop any sooner without hurting the passengers. The boys will have to jump.

[Otto]

They don't see us yet.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

We better jump.

[Ranger Bill]

Not yet, pal. Just wait till we slow down. Still got a couple of seconds and

[Judd]

I think they see us, Bill.

[Ranger Bill]

Shine your lights in the engineer's eyes for a second. You'll see us then.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

He can't stop. He's short. Get ready to jump.

[Pierce]

Well, gentlemen, I have asked you into my office to bestow honor upon you. Honor for your acts of courage that exceeded all expectations. Bill Jefferson, we're putting a new streamliner on this railroad in six months.

[Carl]

And we're going to call it the

[Pierce]

Ranger in honor of you and your man.

[Ranger Bill]

Thank you, Mr. President. We'll be pleased to accept this honor, providing the men who are employees of your railroad receive their share of praise and credit.

[Pierce]

The employees involved have already received bonus checks and promotions for their part. Tell me, Bill, what compelled you and your Rangers to ride that high end car into the path of the Fireball Express? Surely you were aware that you could have been killed.

[Ranger Bill]

Yes, sir, we were aware of that. But we weighed the value. Four against 400. There was only one decision to make. No alternatives.

[Narrator (Ranger Bill Intro)]

That's right, Mr. President. We lost a hand car, but we won the race.

[Ranger Bill]

Well, we almost lost more than the hand car, old timer. Especially if we misjudged the speed of the express. Well, it's an old saying that all's well that ends well. In this case, it's true. See you next week for more adventures with Ranger Bill.

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[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

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