The Southwestern Limited is just west of Midland [Paris, IL] in 1951, and up to track-speed. Next stop Mattoon, IL. Lawrence Baggerly Collection.
I cant tell you how much I love seeing the photos and descriptions you post. I dont post all that much, but I am on here almost every day looking forward to what you will post next. So I guess what I am getting at is a hearty thank you for your efforts. Very much appreciated.
Great photo, you can almost feel the speed. I wonder if the steamer is a deadhead with another train in the distance at the other end of the siding? On the other hand the steamer could have left its train and is waiting for the SWL to pass so it can use the main to get water.
I'll repeat what Hunter said, Roger. You have a treasure trove of historic photos. I wonder what the steamer is doing on the siding> :tb-biggrin:
That would be my guess! He is cut away from his train and is ready to make his move once the lineup is made and the signal clears. I am just guessing that this is CTC territory and the steamer will most likely get behind the governing signal for that switch and wait for it and the lineup before he can run back to the tank! Easy move for him, inconvenient for the railroad,that's one of the reasons why diesels took over. Charlie
Why would the water crane be on the main and not the siding? Or more logically, between the two tracks where it could serve either side....?
Hytec - I was wondering the same thing. Roger, thank you for sharing all these nostalgia-filled photos. I love seeing every one.
I am guessing for convenience reasons. If a train is on the main, it needn't take a siding, just pause briefly and take water. If it were on a siding, then there would be a problem when the siding is occupied. Putting in in-between would be awkward since it would require a widening of the R.O.W. where the tank "footprint would be. Remember these tracks were engineered on technology and practice from the late 19th century. The move that steamer is making was neither difficult or exceptional, just inconvenient. There were later instances where water cranes and smoke standpipes were located between tracks, but I've only ever seen that in terminal areas, not in the middle between somewhere and somewhere else. You can see another example of main line servicing in Sycamore IL. There is a coaling tower straddling the main line of the UP, formerly C. & N.W. To my knowledge it is still there and looked to be in good repair the last time I saw it. Somebody from the C.& N.W. historical site will probably verify that. Charlie
