Based on the fact that the photo appears to be taken in summer (green grass), which is of course the normal season for circus performances, and on the attached two-page letter dated Nov. 14, 1951, and explaining the split-up of the A/B/B/A sets of F-units into A/B sets, ad the consequent application of painted A and D unit designations on the noses of the cab units, I think we can date the photo to the summer of 1952 or later. I've been wanting to share this letter with the group for some time now, and this circus train photo has provided me with a relevant reason to post it.
Hol
To:
CBQ@yahoogroups.comFrom:
CBQ@yahoogroups.comDate: Wed, 19 Aug 2015 13:42:49 -0500
Subject: [CBQ] Re: Circus Trains
Agreed that is Davenport, Iowa with the Centennial bridge and ballpark
on the left. Train is Northbound, most likely coming off the Milwaukee
Road's KC line and onto the DRI Line headed for Clinton, Iowa. What is
interesting is that no white flags are shown, although the white class
light may be illuminated, since such a train would usually be operated
as an extra. One possibility is it is to be interchanged withe the RI.
The date might be earlier than1960 (note the '46 or '4y auto on the
extreme left.
Jack Ferris