|
[Attachment(s) from LZadnichek@aol.com included below]
January 23, 2018
Bill - For the modelers in our group, here's a good, clear front end view of EA 9907A Silver Knight showing the motor after it had been downgraded to booster status. The image was taken at Denver, CO, on July 23, 1953. Note the windows have been plated over, the strengthened draw bar and MU receptacles. Plus, it appears the front upper sheet metal has been removed and replaced with heavy mesh to improve air flow through the car body to keep the diesel engine from overheating in a trailing position. I do not see a back-up light. Not a pretty sight, but at least the Q was able to squeeze the last revenue miles out of the motor before it was finally retired.
My father who was a brakeman during World War Two told stories of riding in shovel nose cabs. He would relate how scary it was to being sitting a couple of feet above the rail and roaring along 100 mph at night through thick fog with just about zero visibility. The old head engineers knew every grade crossing by heart and even though they couldn't see where they were going were blowing for every one of them! As for watching and calling for signals under such conditions, the crews did the best that they could and silently prayed for high greens. Bob is correct, the shovel nose EA's were not missed when converted into boosters. Best Regards - Louis
Louis Zadnichek II
Fairhope, AL
__._,_.___ Attachment(s) from LZadnichek@aol.com | View attachments on the web 1 of 1 Photo(s) __,_._,___ |