Edward,
I have two Q issued books titled Station Numbers to be used on
Reports to Manager, Car Accounting.
It lists all the stations on the Q along with their Station
Number. Each station is assigned a number for wheel reports (for
setting out cars) for train crews and the same numbers are used for
billing purposes by accounting.
These numbers correspond to their (nearest) milepost locations.
For example Chicago Union Station is #0000, Mendota, Illinois is
0083, Albia, Illinois is 0303.
When it comes to other lines they assigned a four didget number.
Each (branch or main line) has it's own beginning number as not to
get mixed up with other (branch or main lines). For example the line
between Galesburg and Savanna was issued 3000 series numbers.So,
Barstow was #3043. The first number 3 being the branch line
assignment and the 043 being the nearest milepost.
But, a problem arrises when you arrive at a terminal that is part
of another line. When this occurs they assign two numbers with the
primary number being the one used for identification. For example,
Aurora is #0038. It was assigned this number becuase it is 38 miles
out of Chicago. But,when you leave Aurora for Savanna the new number
for Aurora is 1400 and Savanna being 1507. Remember it goes by
milepost so Savanna is roughly 107 miles from Aurora.
So which number is used on wheel reports and for accounting
purposes. You use the stations PRIMARY number. Which in the case of
Aurora would be #0038, Savanna would be #1507 even though it is also
assigned #3099 if you are coming off the Galesburg line. In other
words, each station has a PRIMARY number. If the station happens to
be the beginning of a branch line or connects with another line the
PRIMARY number is used and the Second number is just a starting point
for the branch or other main lines sequence to begin or end.
Clear As Mud Right?
You might be able to find these Station Number books at RR shows
or from retired conductors as they would have used these books on a
daily basis.
Hope this helps.
Gary O.
|