Nostalgia & History > E8's, E9's and a Turntable.

Sunday mornings at Aurora (IL.) RH were always a mess 'till the RH Foreman showed up and decided where everybody goes.

The result of an "argument" between an E9 and a pickup truck.

qman

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I'd hate to see the pickup! Nice shots Sir!

Is the roundhouse in the photo the one that is currently the restaurant in Aurora or was there a second newer one? When did the Burlington begin push/pull operations? Until that time did they turn the power on the turntable or use a different option?

Thanks for sharing.

First I'd like to ask about the Aurora roundhouse. Was it just to service commuter E's? Since on the Q the E's were used interchangeably between commuter and long distance trains what servicing was done in Aurora for the E's that ended up there?

"Milwaukee" and "filmteknik": The RH pictured here was the "newer" of two RH's. at Aurora. The much older, stone RH is the bldg. that currently serves as the Transportation Center for Aurora and houses various eating and recreational facilities. The brick RH in this shot dates to 1917/1918 and was built as part of the USRA's expansion programs to help RR's. increase facility capacity. The TT at the RH served to handle the needs of the RH while another TT, located west of Aurora Depot and next to Broadway, served the daily needs of turning engines in the pre-push-pull era. Push-pull began in the late 60's and obviated the need for the depot TT as well as the requirement to test the cab signal equipment (ACS) prior to departing Aurora.

As a unit was returned to service it may find itself on the E Builder, NCL, Twin Cities Zephyrs or #47. This resulted in virtually the entire fleet of E units passing through Aurora RH at one time or another for FRA mandated inspections, routine maintenance, boiler inspections and maintenance and cleaning. EVERY unit passing through the RH recieved a chemical/steam bath as well as fresh paint on everything below the side sill. Trucks, fuel tanks, pilots, EVERYTHING !! A good reason that Q E units alway looked sharp and neat when out on the road.

qman



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 12/10/12 08:14 by qman.