When this subject first came up several weeks ago, I knew I had info that might be of value, but could not put my hands on it until last night.
In the May 1930 issue of Locomotive Engineers Journal, there is an article titled "Reminder of Olden Days". With the article is a photo of 1506 in the St. Joseph yard with 3 young ladies all dressed up (college gals) and 1506 was "spick and span".
The article goes on to say: "..this Burlington locomotive, which is said to be the pet of the CB&Q System and the best groomed locomotive in service in the United States, we cannot help but think of the good old days."
The engineer in the photo is W. H. Grafton. "No 1506 is used in switching passenger trains in the yards adjoining the union station at St Joseph".
"A very pretty orange and black awning is on the engine to keep the sun out of the engineer's eyes".
"..when the day's work is over, she is rubbed and polished and made as shiny as a new dime."
If you have a chance to obtain a copy of the article, it is well worth it as I only touched on some of the highlighted comments.
Ray Bedard
San Jose CA