Bill,
A track profile is a pair of line drawings, usually on a single piece of paper, that shows grade and curve data for a specific part of the RR. As I recall, it shows grade as a change of elevation and percentage and it shows curves in degrees and direction (right or left). It is not a track diagram which would show the layout arrangement of tracks at a specific location, switches, sidings, etc. as though you were looking down on it.
Both documents are engineering files and, on most railroads, including the Q, were updated continuously, so old information could disappear. I have a track diagram provided by another lister, which shows my home town of Downers Grove. The latest revision was fairly recent (it is now a BNSF document), but it is not consistently updated. For instance, switch layouts and signal type and location were up to date at the time that I received the document, but the yard, which today is almost gone, shows most of the track arrangement and the turntable. The turntable and much of the yard was removed in the mid 1950s after the RR stopped using DG as a commuter train turn around point. Some track is often shown as removed and may be in shadow form.
Bill Barber
Gravios Mills, MO
Wed May 15, 2013 7:06 am (PDT) . Posted by:
Hi All,
Want to say thanks to all who responded to my earlier posts. I have learned a great deal about the Short Line between St Louis and Kansas city as a result of your replies. I have also acquired two really nice friends!!
New questions have come up as a result of my study of earlier replies.
I am wondering what a track profile is? does it show the track layout at a given point? How can I get access to a track profile for the short line? or at least the profile in New Truxton?
The 1939 time table sent to me by Conrad shows a daily Train called "The Robin" Can anyone identify the consist? Diesel power? Steam? Heavyweight cars or modern cars??
I am especially in need of the track arrangement in New Truxton for the museum project.
Bill Canelos
sharronbillc@yahoo.com