Train SLD-2, interlocking tower in view

NG501028

Train SLD-2, interlocking tower in view

Facilities

Here's one that didn't make the grade. For some reason or combination of reasons - bad grade, sharp curves, heavy tonnage, slippery rail, lack of sand, high wind, worn tires, poor steaming, inexpert. handling, etc., etc. - the 3009 was unable to hassle the 63 cars of SLD-2 any further than Plum Valley Street, a favorite stalling point not far from the scene above. A yard engine was called upon for help, hence this odd doubleheader, shown straining up towards the Toledo-Cincinnati or "Sandusky" line diamond at the high tower. The grade from DeGraff, about ten miles west, averages 38 feet per mile and, as noted before, stiffens to 42 feet per mile in downtown Bellefontaine. When tonnages exceed ratings, and on other appropriate occasions, helpers known as "backups" are sent west to Morgan tower at Quincy (13 miles) or to Ansonia (49 miles) to assist eastbound freights, and to Sands tower at Kenton (23 miles) or to Carey (49 miles) to assist southbound (the southbound grade approaching town reaches a maximum of 45 feet per mile). Diesels, although they have increased the ratings and minimized the helpers, have nonetheless: been found guilty of stalling on occasions. This has usually been blamed on slippery rails caused by oil dripping from journal boxes on elevated curves, but in any case, it shows that, as locomotives go, diesels exhibit signs of humanity once in a while, too.

Jeremy Taylor

Jeremy Taylor

2-1/4x3-1/4 neg

Apr-53

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Interlocking tower

308

DES-15a, L-3a

#8400, #3009

Alco, Lima

Bellefontaine, OH

See NG501028a