Nostalgia & History > The Fan Frenzy of a Steam Trip

Whether a long time railfan, or someone being aware of a special occurrence, steam specials in the diesel era of railroading have always attracted the public. There's a good chance these trips led some into an interest in railroads. In this series taken by Frank Tribbey, the attention in the crowd shifted from CB&Q 2-8-2 4960, to a freight that appeared to be shoving through Mendota, IL where 4960 stopped for coal. Pictures apear in sequential order, so it appears the freight was shoving/switching unless someone may be able to clarify.

1) People of all ages gather on and around 4960 while servicing is made.

2) It seems the fans are torn between shooting the steam engine and watching two EMD's work away. A father points out the freight to his excited son while some aim at 4960 to the back of Mr. Tribbey.

3) Up towards the junction, the crowd thins out where the F unit and GP20 look at a clear signal.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/23/18 07:30 by BNSF-6432.

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4) Only three guys are seen taking in a good look at the CB&Q freight led by F3 116-D

5) People standing at the depot are treated to the sounds of the F3 and GP20 that appear to be making a switching move.

6) The freight now appears to be departing with a mini crowd on the platform with cameras raised along with some using 4960 for elevation.

Frank Tribbey photos April 1966
Patrick M.

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Flash forward to October 26, 2016 when 844 was making it's return debut passing through Claremore, Oklahoma and the tracks are crowded for steam once again.

PQM

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Wow, people everywhere! I can just see a CB&Q safety official pulling his hair out. And that's gotta be the most gnarly, ugliest F-unit pilot I've ever seen...

Lance

santafe199 Wrote:
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> Wow, people everywhere! I can just see a CB&Q
> safety official pulling his hair out.



Did the CB&Q even have a "safety official" back then?


And that's
> gotta be the most gnarly, ugliest F-unit pilot
> I've ever seen...


Tell me about it! Wonder what it hit, to bash in/up that lower portion?


> Lance


Wonder what year all that took place?

HotWater Wrote:
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> santafe199 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Wow, people everywhere! I can just see a CB&Q
> > safety official pulling his hair out.
>
>
>
> Did the CB&Q even have a "safety official" back
> then?
>
>
> And that's
> > gotta be the most gnarly, ugliest F-unit pilot
> > I've ever seen...
>
>
> Tell me about it! Wonder what it hit, to bash
> in/up that lower portion?
>
>
> > Lance
>
>
> Wonder what year all that took place?


CB&Q ended steam excursions in '66 so sometime prior to that. I did a google search trying to find pictures of 4960 pulling the new commuter cars but the private car in these pictures doesn't match up

That interlocking tower in photo 3 looks interesting. Any closer photos?

Thanks for posting.

King_Coal Wrote:
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> That interlocking tower in photo 3 looks
> interesting. Any closer photos?
>
> Thanks for posting.


https://www.google.com/search?q=Mendota+IL+interlocking+tower&client=firefox-b-1&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjx3bm-u5zbAhVH0YMKHRHiBZkQsAQINg&biw=1920&bih=945

Ok, so it's a little dirty. What is bashed in? Are you referring to the open coupler pocket?

Victor A. Baird
http://www.erstwhilepublications.com

wabash2800 Wrote:
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> Ok, so it's a little dirty. What is bashed in? Are
> you referring to the open coupler pocket?
>
> Victor A. Baird
> http://www.erstwhilepublications.com


Yes, the bar at the bottom of the pocket that is bent up like a "V"

Did they have to do their switching right then no matter what while the yard is full of people?

Copy19 Wrote:
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> Did they have to do their switching right then no
> matter what while the yard is full of people?


Sure, why not? Besides, the crowd probably loved it anyway. Lets remember that steam excursion riders were far more disciplined and knowledgeable than what we have today.

Really? Is that why they climbed on signals and railroad cars to take pictures?

Victor A. Baird
http://www.erstwhilepublications.com

HotWater Wrote:
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> CoLets remember that steam excursion
> riders were far more disciplined and knowledgeable
> than what we have today.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/25/18 19:55 by wabash2800.