Train carrying parts to Boeing derails in Montana

Still, I’d expect Wichita Spirit plant can soon produce replacements, so it’s not a huge issue, but I’d suspect it might cause some jiggling of production at Spirit and Boeing.

Actually, I’d think it quite an issue to conjure up 3 fuselages [without having a cascading effect on subsequent production]. The supply chain is just not rigged to yo-yo rates quickly.

I would think Boeing will just have to rejig the delivery slots and that’ll be it, they’ll probably catch back up the fuse shipsets vs. wings in a few months.

Jim apparently there were 6 fuselages and 777 and 747 parts too. So there could be delays. Overheard at Boeing : “Please call Lloyds and tell them they have just bought six 737 fuselages, good condition but slight water damage.”

Farnborough is in 1 week and the usual “head to head” between Boeing and Airbus is on. Potential customers sometimes may read too much into these sorts of incidents.

I live not far from where it happened, and derailments frequently occur.
A local auto wrecking yard has the salvage contract with General Motors, they always have some brand new, but written-off, autos.

As General Curtiss LeMay once said..ar at least my father attributed it to him…”You’ve got to expect losses in a big operation like this…”. 🙂

Sure it will not cause a massive delay but if as is expected Boeing use JIT then getting three replacement fuselage structures into the construction pipeline will take some time and carry a cost penalty all round (even if insurers pay up).

Farnborough is in 1 week and the usual “head to head” between Boeing and Airbus is on. Potential customers sometimes may read too much into these sorts of incidents.

The writer wins the “Stating the obvious” award for the month…”Sources tell KING5 the parts were heading to Boeing in Renton.”…gee, brand new 737 fuselages headed for the only 737 final assembly point.

I’d wonder if losing three new 737 fuselages will disrupt production and planning a bit?
Still, I’d expect Wichita Spirit plant can soon produce replacements, so it’s not a huge issue, but I’d suspect it might cause some jiggling of production at Spirit and Boeing.

I’ve seen the fuselages on rail cars before and have wondered if they get and damage or suffer from vandalism since they’re in the open.

These aren’t simply parts they are entire fuselage segments.

Not going to help the Boeing delivery schedule.

Hope they identify the cause of the derailment in ‘lonely’ Montana.