On turntable. Ex B&A #50

NG503046

On turntable. Ex B&A #50

Steam Locomotive

When business is good, Shelby Street is the scene of a great deal of activity, and even in slack periods, the amount of work done here is far out of proportion to the pitifully small force employed. For many years, layoffs at Shelby Street have been almost automatic during the economy drives which follow every decline in business and there have not been any rehirings of any consequence. No roundhouse of this size and importance could be expected to function effectively in the face of such odds, yet there have been periods recently when Shelby Street has turned out an average of 40 dispatchments a day. The fact that this has been accomplished with a total working force of about 100 men is nothing short of miraculous, in view of the rundown condition of the facilities and the worn out steam engines handled. (During power shortages, all available steam power is pressed into service, of course, and on these occasions, Shelby Street has furnished the power for as many as half the trains out of Brightwood in addition to practically all of those out of the Hill.) Unfortunately, because an unwanted steam facility is in- ; volved, the efforts of those who have kept this shoestring operation from disintegrating have been little appreciated. In the picture, a grimy L-2 clumps off the turntable. She, too, has been belittled, but she, too, has done a good job notwithstanding.

Jeremy Taylor

Jeremy Taylor

2-1/4x3-1/4 neg

Apr-56

To buy a copy of this photograph; click here NG503046

4/8/2002

412

L-2c

#2829

Alco-Schen

Shelby St., Indianapolis, IN

See NG503046a