Re: [CBQ] Grain boxcar trains

["Leo Phillipp via groups.io" <qutlx1=aol.com@groups.io>]

Semi Unit trains of empty box cars on The Chicago and Aurora Divisions of the Q 
were mostly empty lumber cars returning north and west. Aurora division crews 
were ordered for an “Extra North”. From what was told to me these could be 
80,90 or more 40 and 50 foot box cars going back to GN and NP. They were routed 
“ Around the Horn”
Via Cicero,Mendota,Denrock and Savanna with minimum power to get over the 
hills,dales and Hog backs”. That routing kept them out of the way of the 
Northerns,Zephyrs and hot shot freights on the C&I.

Leo Phillipp

> On Apr 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM, Winton via groups.io 
> <runextra=gmail.com@groups.io> wrote:
> 
> In CB&Q days within 80 miles either side of Sheridan Wyoming there were 
> numerous grain elevators for the "Best Out West" Sheridan flour mill. Arvada, 
> Big Corral, Clearmont, Arno, Ranchester, Parkman, Wyola, Lodge Grass. During 
> grain season the thru freight 'local' would set out an empty grain boxcar or 
> 3 at these elevators and pick up loads to bring to Sheridan. Though the 
> Sheridan flour mill was closed before I came here in 1975 we still 
> occasionally set out & picked up grain cars at some of these elevators on 
> trains #368 and #369 for shipment elsewhere.   Most of these CB&Q era 
> elevators are still standing today but long out of service and with no track 
> connection. The Sheridan flour mill is still standing but has been a motel 
> for  40 years. Its concrete grain silos are still there next to it.  I 
> remember the first several years after I moved here from Alliance, a few 
> times I got 'unit trains' of empty grain boxcars though they were not called 
> unit trains then, just boxcar train.  I did not like running those trains 
> because those old iron brake shoes really grabbed as you slowed to a stop. 
> With all empties you had to be careful not to break in two from the extreme 
> braking force right before the stop.  By 1980 I think all the grain was moved 
> by covered hoppers. We still served the several elevators at Hardin Montana 
> up into the 1990s and yes by then we WOULD get unit grain trains from there. 
> We would get called for a caboose hop (3 SD40s and a caboose) at Laurel 
> Montana to run light to Hardin and pick up 56 car unit trains to forward east.
> AK
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> <_cbq_bn_elevator_clearmont6337.jpg>



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