Doug,
Lot of questions but I am afraid to say not a lot of definitive answers. Still have 2 more full boxes of BRT files to go thru but to date nothing on 14th st backup, etc in specific.
I think you and I passed the CUS test around the same time. Mine was fall of 74 w/o any back up required. Understand it was later reinstated.
I believe once there were enough control cars the tail house back up, except out online at "flip" points was pretty much done away with. Have neat story about Harley Peshia and a 14th st move for another day.
Also an awesome Ripper story about backing to 14th st with the downers Grove bread car on the west end when the chase engine didn't get down to CUS one night.
Back in the day of Zephyrs,etc at 14 th st for the most part "A" yard was for thru trains,"B" yard for the dinkies and "C" yard for head end equipment.
Keep in mind the # of dinkies and length of trains were nothing like you and I worked with. I have stumbled on the 1960s master agreement stating the minimum # of crews to be assigned to suburban.
The only thing I've seen in writing about trainman and 14th st is about on duty/ off duty times being tied to 14th st. The Condr, of course, went off duty at the the GB office with fed register duties.
Most of the drones took turns going to and from 14th st. Of course as an extra man most often the guy you were filling in for was responsible that day or week. But every so often an old head would say "kid you stay in,I'll take her to the yard".
Funny but the only time I ever recall a train going to 14th st sans a brakeman was with Archie. I guess he figured his Heriberto's position provided some coverage if something went on the ground,an air hose blew or a inter move back up moved needed to be made.
I understand that ever once in a while my brother will get a wild hair and go to 14th st to bring in his train for old time sakes. Even told its a major radio announcement when Condr Phillipp is spotted wondering around looking for his train
Leo
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful
Leo
Sent from my iPhone
Leo,
Do you know why and when back-ups from 14th Street into CUS switched from tailhose shove to control cab running? Did the BLE get some incentive or local agreement? Did the UTU get anything?
And after the switch, did brakemen still have to be tested with the tailhose to get passenger qualified?
And one more you probably know - was there a written rule or regulation or anything regarding a brakeman being aboard when the empty moved from CUS to the yard in the morning? (just curious, remembering all the old heads with side jobs during the day)
And - how did they manage operations in the coach yard back in the day when there were so many inter-cities? The yard seemed almost full with just the dinkies. 14th Street wasn't that big. (it seemes to me the Q had a thing for small yards) Maybe an article in the future?
Thanks, Doug