On turntable

NG503047

On turntable

Steam Locomotive

Dieselization of the yards at East St. Louis and East Alton in. March of 1956 bumped a dozen U-3 switchers out of their jobs. Because a few of the diesels used to effect this changeover were taken from the Indianapolis terminal, some of the displaced U-, engines were installed here as substitutes (there were no other yard diesels available at the time). During this process, the 7722 above was transferred from East Alton to Indianapolis. East Alton was glad to get rid of her, and her welcome at Shelby Street was scarcely enthusiastic, but previous experience should have hardened her to this treatment. At a quick glance, she looks like any other sturdy U-3, but close inspection reveals the dropped headlight which distinguishes her from most others of her class. She is in fact a veteran New Englander, ex-Boston and Albany no. 50. She was accompanied on her journey to the Big Four by no. 49 (renumbered 7721), which was assigned to Midland. Here she is backed out of her stall, to be readied for a stint at the Hill. She was no great burden to the decrepit turntable, but frequent trepass upon it by larger engines, which were far too heavy for its construction, caused it to break down periodically. This was just one more obstacle to be overcome by the embattled men of Shelby Street.

Jeremy Taylor

Jeremy Taylor

2-1/4x3-1/4 neg

Apr-56

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0-8-0

413

U-3b

#7722

Lima

Shelby St., Indianapolis, IN

See NG503047a