[CBQ] Oregon/Mt Morris Steam Locomotive

["Richard Gortowski via groups.io" <rgortowski=aol.com@groups.io>]

Bill S,

That would be my guess, as well, based on what I've heard.  Even to use the relatively close Rochelle coaling tower would require using the wye at Flag Center on the return trip every time you took on coal to orient the engine properly.

Another question, was did the Oregon switcher - 45/46 also switch out the sand plant (National Silica in 1950) or did the Oregon Turn do this once it reached Oregon - having completed all it's work?  My guess is that the Oregon switcher would do this job once it returned from Mt Morris.   

For reference, a great photo of the National Silica plant is in the BRHS Flicker members only page, in the Structures and Facilities album, page 14, about 2/3rds down.

Another picture on the Lake States site shows the Oregon turn at Rochelle in 1949 hightailing it eastbound with two Jeeps and two waycars (?!)  I purchased this fine looking Ritzman photo.  His photos all over Northern Illinois have been invaluable to me.

https://www.lakestatesarchive.org/FR-Ritzman-Collection/CBQ-Steam-Locomotives/i-G5fTJCx

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Schultz via groups.io <jwschultz9=aol.com@groups.io>
To: LZadnichek=aol.com@groups.io <LZadnichek=aol.com@groups.io>; cbq@groups.io <cbq@groups.io>
Sent: Fri, Jun 24, 2022 11:33 am
Subject: Re: [CBQ] Last Steam Locomotive in Mt. Morris?

My anecdotal understanding is that coaling facilities at Oregon (for the Oregon/Mt. Morris switch engine) consisted of a general-service gondola and a scoop shovel wielded by the (overnight) engine watchman.    

Bill Schultz

-----Original Message-----
From: Louis Zadnichek via groups.io <LZadnichek=aol.com@groups.io>
To: cbq@groups.io
Sent: Fri, Jun 24, 2022 11:04 am
Subject: Re: [CBQ] Last Steam Locomotive in Mt. Morris?

June 24, 2022

 

Bill - Yes, the Rochelle chute would've been used as it was more convenient being closer than the one in Savanna - Louis

 

Louis Zadnichek II

Fairhope, AL

In a message dated 6/24/2022 9:37:41 AM Central Standard Time, clipperw@gmail.com writes:

 

Bill and others,

 

The Mt. Morris job worked out of Eola, I believe. There was no need for coal at Oregon as there was a coal dock at Rochelle as shown in the attached photo from the members only Flickr gallery. A train working the branch could have easily taken coal at Rochelle in both direction if needed. The locomotives, in most cases, were likely R class 2-6-2s. The pacific, such as the one shown in Zephyr 47, were only used in the early 1950s as steam commuter service ended. No. 2816, shown in the Zephyr, was sold for scrap in 12-1952.

 

Bill Barber

Gravois Mills, MO

 

 

Re: Last Steam Locomotive in Mt. Morris? 
From: Q5632West
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2022 18:23:30 PDT 

Hi All:

Can't ID the last steam dinky to Mt. Morris but will note a few things:

1. My copy of a Jan. 2, 1952, "Assignment of diesel switch engines" shows 9100-, 9200- and 9300-series switchers all around Northern Illinois including the 9228 assigned to Rockford-Rochelle. Nothing on the list for Oregon. I was born in early 1951 and was told by my parents when I was fussy they'd take me to the depot to watch the steam switcher working, and when it took off for Mt. Morris, that meant it was time for my nap. That might get us to 1953.

2. There was a coal jobber near downtown Oregon on the city line, so could be a source of engine coal. When the 4960 backed into town with an Oregon way freight in 1966, it was coaled by a clamshell crane from a gondola (as I recall). Whether that was company coal or from the jobber I don't know.

3. Before my time, Oregon had two standard water tanks with the crane between the main and the siding. I've been searching for a news clip of them coming down but am pretty sure it's not dated but probably not later than 1955 when my train memories begin kicking in.

4. The last steam train out of Forreston before the Mount Morris-Forreston C&I tracks were pulled up in 1932 appears from my fuzzy photo of a photo to be K-10 4-6-0 958.

Bill

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