Ok, I'll tell the story. Neither crew mentioned in previous posts was involved but I suspect the same process was probable used by most crews on the job. Once 85 was settled into the siding at Yagan Pit its crew pretty well knew it was going to be quite some time before 86 came by. The next siding that could hold the train was Serena,which was also the point where 86 would double to when doubling Wedron hill.
So.....
Once everything came to a halt the waycar crew, which carried a ball of kite twine, would stretch a string from the waycar grab iron to one of the ever present trees across the main. They then went into a nice slumber. Of course, unlike today such cat naps, were expressly forbidden under the operating rules. This particular night the Condr awoke and went into a fright when he realized they had forgotten to put out the string.
While he thought about his options and had pretty much decided that he would have to Walk to the phone and inquire as to the location of 86(and hope to God it wasn't past already). He heard 86 whistle for the meet !
Leo
86 did setout southwye congress park, 602/603 still ran to lasalle dec 69, last time i worked aurora tower till i exited the army aug71. only story i heard abt yagan pit was the nite 85 was waiting in the sdg and all dozed and did not know if 86 went. but was doubling the hill out of wedron?
Dave,
That brings to mind three questions,
1)so if WLS, is bringing down bills,that was 86 setting out on south wye ? 2)was it the change to 602/603 that made the job an overnight Streator turn or was that post BN ? 3) have you heard the string story at Yagan put that occurred on one turn every night ?
Leo
while i was working congress park in 68-69 granville and caldwell were on one turn and shoener was rear brakeman often and would bring waybills down to the office. midkiff or tripp was on the other turn much of the time with red krull. 85/86 became 602/603 late oct 68.
Eric,
Thanks for all the info. But this would not be the IV&N with that power. It's got to be 85 heading to LaSalle where that job laid over. The last entry I can find for the IV&N is Aurora DIV. ETT #48 of Oct 1957. Job left Streator 7:00AM for Zearing and return. At best they would have had a NW or a GP7. From Further research in "The Burlington Waycars", near the back are several listings of assigned waycars on the Aurora Div. in 1968-'69. No mention of an IV&N wayfreight. Interestingly "Granny" is shown as Condr. on one of the 85/86 turns in '68.
Leo
Leo,
One other thing: Note the switch in front of the Uboat is lined to diverging since the red board is visible on the switch stand. I am speculating here, but this may be the IV&N heading out on the wye switch which would be the diverging route of off the main at this point.
Eric Mumper
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