Regarding speeds thru crossovers, and 50 mph crossover speeds, the Q did
not use turnouts larger than #20's. Number 20's first came into use in
about the mid-30's, and were used at the ends of double track, for example
at Flag Center. They were first used in the Suburban territory in 1941 at
Downers Grove, and 1947 at Congress Park. West of Aurora, they were
installed at Somonauk and Zearing in 1942, and Galva and Wataga in 1944.
While turnouts at ends of controlled sidings remained #15's, crossovers
between main tracks generally were replaced with #20's.
When first placed in service, the #20's were 50 mph for certain Zephyr
trains, 40 mph for secondary passenger trains, and 35 mph for freight
trains. Number 15 crossovers were good for 40 mph for Zephyr trains and 30
mph for secondary passenger trains and freight trains.
In the fall of 1958, speeds were reduced though #20 turnouts to 40 mph for
all passenger trains, and through #15's to 30 mph for all passenger trains.
The Q did install #20 equilateral turnouts in 1959 and 1960 on the line
between Kansas City and Napier, and the permissable passenger train speed
through these equilaterals was 60 mph. An equilateral #20 was also
installed at Winona Jct. in 1965. Number 15 equilaterals were also in use
South of Bushnell on the line to Centralia, but the speeds through these
turnouts were the same as through the lateral #15's.
The first #24's installed on Q territory was in Western Iowa in the early
70's when Creston to Red Oak was converted from Double Track ABS to
alternating single and two track CTC.
Glen Haug
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