Nostalgia & History > Track gang checking the work 1936

Columbus Ohio 1936. Train #226 The Fast Mail PRR M1a #6776.
Photo says 1-6-36 looks more like 7-6-36?
PRRFan

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Great shot. Lots going on here in a workaday scheme.

Checking the train....

Bill Deaver
Tehachapi, CA

I agree with the date in July. That large framework behind the locomotive looks like a coal gas tank frame. In January of that era, the gas would be in production so the tank would likely have risen near the top of the frame. In July, coal gas would not have been required for large steam heating plant use and would be resting near the bottom of the frame out of site in this photograph. Coal gas was the byproduct of heating coal in an oven. The gas produced was volatile and lighter than air causing the container to rise in the framework. It was used in large commercial steam-heating plants in cities where burning coal was not desirable. That process, steam heating plants and coal gas production was pretty much gone by the early sixties. Unlike steam locomotives, this industry was not mourned as it disappeared.

what a great pic......

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