Adding to Steves comment about the test to convert the mainline from
Aurora- Galesburg to single track while EHH, was Supt of the combined Chgo
and Aurora Div.
I seem to recall two distinct stories around the
single tracking accomplished by blocking the CTC machine rather than
actually ripping up track.
There was a business special, forgot long
ago if it was full of major customers or the board of directors. But at any
point it came into Galesburg eastbound, came to a halt and sat and sat and
sat. Some exempt mgmt person on the train asked the DS over the radio what
the hold up was, he was informed that the train he was on stood ten times
out behind nine freight trains in front of it.
The second story was
that the FRA did a traffic review and determined that the tonnage being run
across the Aurora to Galesburg single track exceeded the amount allowed for
the tie spacing and either more ties were required or traffic had to go
elsewhere.
It is my understanding that shortly after these events EHH
moved on to the IC .
Of course I am just passing on second hand info.
That I
heard.
Leo