Louis -
FYI:
This is not intended to be a "nit-pick", but I did want to call to your
attention that E.L. Potarf lived on the northwest corner of Hillgrove Avenue
(east/west street that paralleled main #1 on the north side of the tracks) and
Gilbert Avenue (north/south street that actually crossed all three mains) in
Western Springs. Gilbert
Avenue was the border line between La Grange and Western Springs. I might be
mistaken, but I believe Potarf's home was a duplex; I have a friend in Hinsdale
who could verify that for me. I do recall that in front of the home was a
light post from which hung an ornamental silhouette of a 4-4-0. Never did see
Mr. Potarf out in front his home watching trains, but then again, he may have
retired and moved from that location by the time I hired-out in engine service.
As I remember (that's a "tricky" word nowadays for me!), you were the one who
informed me, that Potarf was the person instrumental at the "Q" to switch
manufacturers and purchase General Electric locomotives starting in 1964 and,
thankfully, ending in 1966 (6 U25Bs in 1964, 12 U25Cs in 1965, 16 U28Cs in 1966
and 10 U28Bs in 1966). Take it from me, everyone of these GEs were a pile of
junk; piss-poor throttle response, slow top end and rode like shit, especially
the "Cs". We said they possessed "early Erector Set" design qualities.
Fortunately, the "Q" didn't purchase another GE until April,1969, when they
received nine, 12-cylinder U23Cs but I believe Mr. Potarf was not involved in
that purchase.
Bob Campbell
Bixby, OK
--- In CBQ@yahoogroups.com, LZadnichek@... wrote:
>
> Hol - When E.L. Potarf took-up residence in the Western Suburbs of Chicago,
> he chose a home (as I recall) in Clarendon Hills, a stone's throw away
> from the triple track mainline. That way, my dad said, Mr. Potarf could keep
> track of every train. You could look down on the home when seated on the
> upper level of a suburban coach passing by. .........
>
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