This post will conclude the series focusing on one train, powered by F-units, on the former Chicago & Alton, later GM&O/ICG.
We begin at Ridgely Yard, Springfield, Illinois, where our train is approaching a signal bridge adorned with a color position light for each main track. The second image has the train crossing over North Ninth Street, while the third shows it south of downtown Springfield at Iles Tower. You may be able to see in that last image that the engineer is leaning out of the window, arm extended, so he can pick up train orders on the fly.
Three images by Richard Koenig; taken November 21st 1976.
Train orders, in the form of paper flimsies, are set up in both the upper and lower forks here at Effingham, Illinois. The train approaching the station is an eastbound Amtrak National Limited.
While the fireman is ready to grab the orders while rolling by, it seems the conductor might get his by walking over and snagging them while on foot in this case, once the train is stopped, but I can’t recall if this happened. Once the train is at rest, we see the Amtrak employees ready to gather some baggage on an ancient cart.
This is all happening on the Conrail line between Indianapolis and St. Louis, which is the former Pennsylvania (and then Penn Central) here seventy miles west of Terre Haute. The diamond for the Illinois Central north-south mainline is just behind the locomotive in this image.
One image by Richard Koenig; taken in June of 1979.
Train orders, in the form of flimsies, are set up in both the upper and lower forks here at Effingham, Illinois. This images shows a westbound National Limited approaching the station.
This is happening on the Conrail line between Indianapolis and St. Louis, which is former Pennsy here west of Terre Haute. The diamond for the Illinois Central mainline is just behind the photographer. It seems the train will make a stop given the baggage person at the ready. While the fireman is ready to grab the orders while rolling by, it seems the conductor might get his by walking over and snagging them while on foot in this case, but I can’t recall.
One image by Richard Koenig; taken in June of 1979.
You're welcome. EVERYONE: remember that the coaches on the Blue Unit (as well as the Red Unit, now in Texas) have those flood lights atop the vestibules on both sides -- which light up the right-of-way VERY brightly at night, which should aid night-time photography for both still and motion-capture cameras.
12/07/01 18:33
Blue Unit Circus train schedule
3rdswitch
Here is the "transportatin order" "SCHEDULE" (remember to use that term LOOSELY!)for the Ringling Bros and Barnum &
Bailey RED unit Circus train for NEXT WEEK.
At Fresno, CA, train SHOULD be loaded and ready for switching at
0100 hrs Mon 7/16
Depart Fresno, CA via UP 0530 hrs Mon 7/16
Arrive Bakersfield, CA via UP, deliver train to BNSF, water animals and fill tanks on cars 1030 hrs Mon 7/16
Depart Bakersfield, CA via BNSF (UP trackage) 1130 hrs Mon 7/16
Arrive Barstow, CA, change crews 1630 hrs Mon 7/16
Depart Barstow, CA 1645 hrs Mon 7/16
Arrive 120th Street (LAIRPORT) on BNSF Harbor Sub, set out stock and pig flats, 0030 hrs Tue 7/17
Depart 120th Street 0130 hrs Tue 7/17
Arrive Lawndale siding (Marine Ave.) 0230 hrs Tue 7/17
Spot coaches LOCK AND BLUE FLAG EACH END OF TRACK 0330 hrs Tue 7/17
Circus opens in INGLEWOOD, CA at 1930 hrs Wed 7/18
MAX speed for this train SIXTY (60) MPH
NOTE ON SCHEDULE **train can run ahead of schedule but do NOT hold for schedule.
Joe B
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Keep your scanners pealed: Circus Radio Frequency is 151.625 AND 151.925. They usually start alerting each other (in the huge expanse of coaches) to up-coming scenic areas, like T. Loop, so you'll be able to hear what they're talking about.
THEY HAVE TO STOP SOMETIME MID-DAY TO FEED & WATER THE ANIMALS ON BOARD, so you'll hear the engineer &/or conductor discussing exactly where that's to take place with the Circus Trainmaster, Tim Holan. All this unusual radio chatter should keep you abreast of what's planned for the movement as they go along.
