rmorgan918@a... wrote:
>
Some additional info to what Rick wrote...
> - The 1947 Hannibal ETT #88 (28 Sep 47) lists the line as a Main, with two
> through (St Louis-KC) passenger trains a day as well as a daily except Sun 2d
> class freight that ran St Louis to Mexico. Francis is shown with engine
> facilities (turntable, coal, water). Trains 32/33 show an average speed over
> the sub of about 60. Overton's "Burlington Route" implies the passenger runs
> ended in 1949.
The passenger trains ended when the Q failed to gain ICC permission to
purchase the Alton's Kansas City line from the GM&O. This is documented
in Overton's book.
Hannibal Division TimeTable #95 issued January 31, 1954 lists the engine
facilities at Francis. TimeTable #96 issued April 24, 1955 shows they
have been removed. One would expect the removal was the end of steam use
on the line. The number of trains using the line was unchanged between
the timetables. It is interesting to note that the gas electric that
operated on the line was listed as a second class train because it was
scheduled as a mixed train. The gas electric was listed in TimeTable #99
issued May 4, 1958 as 123/124, but had been discontinued when TimeTable
#1 was issued April 30, 1961
> -The 1965 Hannibal ETT #6 (25 Ap4 65) calls it a branch, with only a 2d class
> freight that ran 6 days a week. Francis still has an operator for 2 shifts a
> day, but there are no facilities shown. (presumbly removed at the end of
> steam). The speed limit is listed as 40.
The branch designation started with Hannibal Division TimeTbale #5
issued April 26, 1964. The speed limit of 40 mph began when diesels were
used on the line for freight. The steam freight speed restriction was 35
mph. A 59 mph speed limit for passenger service was listed on the time
tables through the late 50's.
Bill
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