Many years ago a trusty engine crew and equally, almost, trusty Road
Foreman of Engines were asked if they'd be kind enough to bring 5632
back from Savanna light to Clyde. Of course they agreed and took
the call.
At Savanna RH the `32 was waiting for its crew and burning fuel as
she waited. The first order of business was to put some fuel on `er
from the tank car so thoughtfully sent to Savanna by the Q. It
should be noted that the weather was typical for Savanna at the time
of year this event took place: hot and humid. As the fueling
operation progressed the RFE became anxious to depart since he was
only going as far as Aurora and was looking forward to a few cool,
adult beverages when he got there. He insisted that they had enough
fuel on `er for a light engine move but the Engineer, "Sport"
Becker, suggested they put a little more fuel on since the RR had
been nice enough to provide them with a whole car full of the
stuff. Well, the RFE won the battle of words and, after a little
water was added, they departed.
The trip was uneventful, if not hot, `till somewhere east of
Shabbona when the Fireman, Honest John S., became aware of the fact
that his fire had gone out. After several attempts to re-light it,
it was determined that they had run OUT of fuel. Boy, if we only
had that tank car now - - -
Well, in an effort to keep from blocking the ML, Honest John
suggested to Sport that he let `er drift down Waterman Hill and
pinch `er up so John could run ahead of the engine, get the unlock
and switch and let `er roll into the clear on the elevator track at
Waterman. This was accomplished and the C&I was open for business
again.
After the engine had rolled into the clear John lined the switch
back for the main, locked the electric unlock and notified the DS of
the current location and condition of extra 5632 east. The response
John got from the DS was both surprising and humorous. The DS
screamed "my God man, ya `bout gave me heart failure". Seems the DS
had been watchin' the progress of 5632 east on his board. One track
light on, two track lights on, one track light off, ALL track
lights OFF. He told John all he could picture was the engine layin'
on `er side in the ditch since ALL indications of her presence on
the RR had disappeared. After gettin' the "skinny" on conditions
the DS, after recovering his composure, was grateful that his RR was
usable again.
After takin' inventory of their situation the crew looked for, and
found, a fuel oil dealer in Waterman from whom they purchased
approximately 1500 gal. of no. 2 fuel oil. The RFE mentioned to
Sport that he should claim the amount of the purchase on his expense
account for reimbursement to which Sport mentioned to the RFE that
the whole thing should be FORGOTTEN since the Q had been so nice to
provide them with a whole tank car of fuel for the sole purpose of
avoiding an event like this.
Well, the engine, its crew and the RFE finally made Aurora. The
engine and its crew finally made Clyde. The engine remained on the
property for future service and the crew was also kept around for
use at a later time. The RFE, however, came real close to ending
his career with the Q after submitting his expense account.
Shouldda listened to "Sport"!
Karl
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