Leo,
According to my records, the only steam excursion that was operated in September, 1960 was O-5B 5632 on Sept. 18, 1960 from St. Paul to Winona, WI and return. No. 5632 also operated a trip on Aug. 27, 1960, from Chicago - Aurora - Earlville as part of the NMRA convention in Chicago that year. The trip was sponsored by the NMRA and Kalmbach Publishing and included a tour of the Aurora Shops. No. 4960's only trips in that time frame were on July 31 and Dec. 18th. The July trip went to Ottawa and the Dec. trip went to Galesburg.
Looking at the photo in the Facilities book, I think the location and the date are both incorrect. The coal dock is obviously adjacent to a two track main line as indicated by the signal bridge in the background. Eola's yard coal dock was located on a hill side on the north of the yard and well away from the main line, which would have included three tracks in that area. In addition, the I believe that the Eola coal dock was larger. Somewhere. I have photos of the Eola dock taken in the late 1950's or early '60s.
Bill Barber Gravois Mills, MO
Thu Aug 14, 2014 7:52 am (PDT) . Posted by:Where did the Sept 1960 steam excursion operate ? Here's why I ask.
On pg 42 of the new Q Facilities book is a photo reported to be one of the Eola coaling towers.
I don't think this is correct based on my first hand experience at Eola rdhse(see Zephyr 65) it is not the one near the rdhse.
I base that on the curvature of the track behind the tower,the paint and the ballast. Also I doubt anyone would bring a passenger train into the west yard and up to the house.
If this photo is of the one at Eola proper,at the east end of the yard,next to the main. Which is confirmed by the line drawing on the page,also an earlier issue of the same line drawing in my collection,and as well as info. supplied to me by "Bones" Mathers (Q Eola switchman) talking about spotting cars at the main line chute. Then I am troubled by the fact,that even using magnification, I can't see,the E.J.& E. And the signal bridge is clearly for two trks. Not three.
The curvature of the trk. behind the chute leads to me think this a wye or a branch line.
It is not Rochelle as I checked the photo in Spoors first book of the Rochelle coal chute.
That eliminates the C&I. Leaving the mainline.
Can any one say where the photo was taken ?
Leo Phillipp
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Posted by: William Barber <clipperw@gmail.com>
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