Train DSL-1 being switched by a Mikado

NG501031

Train DSL-1 being switched by a Mikado

Steam Freight Train

Until just recently, DSL-1 was handled at Bellefontaine in almost the exact reverse of the manner in which its eastbound counterpart, SLD-2, is still handled. As shown in the preceding photograph, the train was pulled past the tower on the northbound main until it's caboose cleared the plant. A yard engine was then coupled to the rear end, and, with the latter pulling and the road engine pushing, the train was coaxed up the hill past Sandusky Street and BN yard to a point on the eastbound main opposite East yard. It was then crossed over in forward motion again and yarded in BN yard, where the necessary switching was performed and the train was prepared to go west. Needless to say, these shenanigans consumed a lot of time - even more than the SLD-2 procedure because of the grade and the additional move consequently involved - so a method has been worked out whereby the train proceeds directly around the wye between the Sandusky and the Indianapolis lines at the high tower. Head-end crews are changed at Columbus Avenue, and rear-end crews are changed as the cabooses are changed, after the train has pulled by the plant. There is no switching - the consist remains the same (if the train has less than 50 St. Louis cars, it is usually yarded in the former manner). In the picture, a yard engine, H-6 no. 6364, is on the rear end of a 97-car DSL-1 as it is pulled and shoved (by geeps 5630 and 5660): past the depot on its way to BN yard.

Jeremy Taylor

Jeremy Taylor

2-1/4x3-1/4 neg

Apr-53

To buy a copy of this photograph; click here NG501031

302

H-6a

#6364

Bellefontaine, OH

See NG501031a