Dear esteemed Mr Hedgpeth
I find it hard to believe that anyone on this List would intentionally
criticise you or be discourteous, especially recognising your extreme
sensitivity and fragile mental state J
According to Wikipedia (for what that may be worth) 39 foot rail appeared in
1880 to fit 40 foot gondolas, although the Burlington didn’t get its
first 40 foot gons until 1903. The first 40 foot I.L. stock cars didn’t
appear until 1937 but the photo was dated 1907. At that date, the longest
stock cars were only 37’ outside length, so did the rail extend over the
couplers at each end or were they still using shorter rail?
Respectfully yours
Rupert Gamlen
Auckland NZ
From:
CBQ@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CBQ@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: Friday, 17 October 2014 7:07
a.m.
To: CBQ@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [CBQ] Polo,IL ?
Here's a
little "aside" which I once heard and it does make sense...at least
to me...Did you ever wonder how the 39 ft rail came to be???
Well, here's your answer...Rail was
shipped in cars as described which, as we all know, were all of the 40 ft
variety...Well..VOILA..a 39 ft rail fit nicely in a 40 ft car.
I'll welcome comments as to this
matter...pro or con...please speak kindly and courteously to me...I'm very
sensitive to negative comments and unwarranted criticism due to my extended
exposure to a variety of railroad operating officers who didn't always understand
how important it was to my self esteem to treat me with kindness and
civility.