This list has had prior comments about the the slow pace of change in the rr
industry.Here's an example::
On June 4,23 the general mgrs of lines east and west write to O.R.C general
Chrmn Wright that "authority has been given to supply bulbs and batteries to
passenger trainmen where they purchase the electric latern and yardmen
serving in yard and refinery terminals((Greybull,Booneville,Casper and
Guernsey are mentioned specifically). "It being understood that passenger
trainmen will NOT be permitted to equip themselves w/red bulbs to use while
flagging"."The oil latern MUST be continued for this purpose-they are not
only more dependable but furnish facilities for carrying torpedoes ...."
In 1941 (4/18/41) an agreement is signed between the BRT and Western
railroads stating the carriers will supply to trainmen and yardmen electric
laterns at a cost not to exceed $2.00. The agreement is 4 pages long and of
course spells out the deposit,replacement and even reimbursement to the
deceased trainmans estate of the deposit fee.Item 11 states "the railroads
will continue to use oil burning laterns w/red globes for flagging.......".
In 1951 the deposit was raised from $1.75 to $1.90.
On May 4 1951 trainmasters notice #18 advises that "red electric laterns are
now available for employess working on the Aurora-Chicago div"."In freight
service the lantern will be assigned to the way car......In passenger service
the laterns will be assigned individually......those to whom the latern is
issued will held responsible....".then on 5/24/51 things are rethought due to
the high turnover(bumping rate) on suburban and Notice #20 states "the new
electric flagging laterns will be issued to the assingment in suburban...".
And so progress was made.
Leo
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