This scene shows a cut of oil tankers at Lawrenceville. I know that there was a sizable refinery there, but suspect that these tankers were part of the "Big Inch" World War II oil movement from Norris City on the Big 4. The story about the Big Inch that was in Farrington's "Railroads at War" book indicates that a substantial amount of the Norris City tank cars were interchanged there. - CAPT Rex Settlemoir It has to be the "LONG SIDING" beside the CAIRO LINE M.T. south of the B&O Xing. Only place that would be available for this perspective. I worked the "REFINERY JOB" at L'VILLE in 1950s--It was a crude oil facility now demolished, as are the MARATHON refinery at ROBINSON, ILL---and the oil loading 'racks/stge' at NORRIS CITY....... Lawrence Baggerly
Fascinating photo. Being from the east coast, I never saw, nor even considered tank strings that long. Interestingly, I remember "Big Inch" as being the name assigned to the first transcontinental pipeline installation in the late 40's. IIRC, the pipe had a diameter of 36".
I am surprised that you weren't aware of what went on here in the Midwest during WWII. Ah well, here are two more photos. I guess that I wasn't aware of the East Coast either.
Nice pix, though the second looks like Dust Bowl country, i.e. anywhere in KS, OK, or TX. Hardly what I'd expect in OH, IN, or IL.
Thanks, Roger. I don't remember any all-tank car trains but that photo sure brings back memories of single, double, and triple dome tank cars recorded in my childhood memory. Hmm, maybe even five? :tb-confused:
The Marathon refinery is still very much alive and well in Robinson. They just finished up a multimillion dollar expansion this past year or so. Not sure what the rail loading is there these days..... Dan
Roger,don't you have the photo at Alex when the B4 did not quite get stopped for the NKP oil train? LEW
