January 25, 2017
Group - Can anyone further identify the following inserted and attached
undated image of CB&Q Class S-1-A 4-6-2 type No. 2838 taken at Downers
Grove, IL, while in suburban service. Is that an Automatic Train Control
(ATC) box mounted on top the boiler?
I've never heard of ATC being applied to "smaller" steam power such as
4-6-2 types, particularly to those in suburban service. We're all familiar
with ATC boxes that appeared on top the boilers of Class O-5 4-8-4 types and
Class S-4 4-6-4 types. If this is not an ATC box on No. 2838, then what is its
purpose?
If indeed this shows an ATC installation, then, perhaps, it was a test bed
for what equipment was installed on the Class O-5 and Class S-4 locomotives. Too
bad the image is undated. The two-tone suburban coach behind the locomotive
might help to date the image. No. 2838 was sold for scrap in February
1952.
Comments appreciated. Best Regards - Louis
Louis Zadnichek II
Fairhope, AL
