#9625, #5617, #1622, #8899 in view

NG503012

#9625, #5617, #1622, #8899 in view

Facilities

The Brightwood engine terminal, pictured here, is a prime example of the revolutionary changes in physical plant and manpower requirements brought about by the substitution of diesel for steam power. Brightwood "roundhouse", as the place is still known despite its present form, has simply been devastated. Of the former terminal, which included a 26-stall roundhouse supplemented by the usual turntable, coal dock, water plugs, and ash pits, plus numerous outbuildings (to say nothing of a working force of about 35 men on first trick), the following remain: the turntable, a small portion of the roundhouse used as a locker room, another remnant used as an office building, and - perhaps most astounding of all - a maximum force on first trick of seven men, including a foreman, machinist, electrician, hostler, laborer, engine dispatcher and clerk. The second trick doesn't even rate a foreman; the third, on a fill-in basis, has one assigned four days a week. The area is a sad sight, somewhat akin to a corpse in the late stages of decay, and of course all that was impressive is gone. What remains is starkly efficient (as previously characterized, a mere "filling station" for diesels), and the implications of economy are overwhelming. The smattering of power on hand when this was taken included yard engines 9625 and 8899, road freight unit 1622, and P&E road switcher 5617.

Jeremy Taylor

Jeremy Taylor

2-1/4x3-1/4 neg

Jul-56

To buy a copy of this photograph; click here NG503012

Turntable

376

DES-18d,DES-16f, DFA-2a,DRS-4c

#9625,#8899,#1622,#5617

Brightwood, Indianapolis, IN

SeeNG503012a