Guys, what was the purpose for the hump yard in Grand Junction? I can't see a reason for them breaking up and reblocking trains there. Denver or SLC, yeah, but GJ? Can any of you explain why? btw, it was this picture that got me thinking. http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=275757&nseq=0 Mike
I could be wrong, so anyone correct me. I think its because Denver and/or SLC might need help. SLC is also on the main UP LA-CHI route so they are a little busier.
This I don't have a good idea on, so I'll pass to an expert. Where's Mr. Bateman when we need him? Oh, Mike??
hump in GJ This is all from memory, so please forgive any errors. In D&RGW times, the hump in GJ was used primarily to break eastbound trains going to Pueblo or Denver. They primarily came from Ogden or SLC off the SP or WP in blocks set up by those railroads. Trains going to Denver were assigned the number 6, and Pueblo the number 8 after leaving GJ. For example, train number 36 would be Train #136 from Utah, the numeral 1 meaning the first section, and would then be designated 136-6 out of GJ to Denver and 136-8 out of GJ to Pueblo. There were eastbound trains that were not humped in GJ, Train #100 (hotshot TOFC) and #102 (the Railblazer) are examples. I or someone else can go into a more detailed explanation of the numbering system, but that would be another topic all together. As far as westbound trains, cars were dropped off for local traffic to be humped, but usually WB trains were set up in Denver or Pueblo and run through GJ. If anyone would like to add or correct my comments, please feel free to do so. In the near future, I will try to add a scan of a railroad publication from 1984 trying to show the traffic pattern then. Thanks.
Rod, thanks for the info! That makes total sense for eastbounds. I forgot that back then Tennessee Pass was open, and that GJ would make a good place to block cars for either route over the Rockies. Thanks again Mike
1984 Freight Train Schedules Here is a publication from the D&RGW transportation department. There are two pages, one for eastbounds and one for westbounds.
