Nostalgia & History > 2nd #17 at Salina

Here’s a very interesting print-scan image that had me questioning the info attached in red to the bottom of the frame. Even allowing for the 70-80 year time gap I just couldn’t place that coaling chute anywhere in Salina, KS. After a detailed phone chat with retired local UP hogger Bob Helling (aka “PRose”) I am now assured this image is in Salina after all. Bob tells me the old coaling cute was located on the south side of the main line, very close to the yard office. That would mean the buildings now standing in & around Front St were still a ways in the future. This would explain the emptiness in the far right side of the frame.

Bob also theorized that a train carrying “2-17” in its number boards was most like some kind of military transport dealing with Ft Riley. But with the Junction City roundhouse/shop facility still active in the 1940s it’s a bit of a mystery why this empty(?) train would be as far west as Salina. Any & all speculation welcome... :^)

1. UP 2860 points 2nd train #17 at Salina, KS. Date estimated to be ‘Circa 1940s’. With the fireman, or whomever looking back from the cab it’s reasonable to guess the train is shoving back to a coal chute or water spot on this main line track.
Original photographer is unknown. Digital scan from the George Anderson collection via Art Gibson (WAG Jr).

Thanks for looking back!
Lance Garrels (santafe199)
Art Gibson (wag216)



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/20/23 00:57 by santafe199.

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Excellent image and background information.
Bob

Nice shot, Lance!

RC Lundgren

Great shot Bob!  Old UP RR Kansas City MO based passenger train crews worked to and from Ellis, KS.. Salina engine crews worked Salina-Ellis-Junction City-Salina.

You can see a tall pile of coal on top of the tender/cab roof.

you have just entered the TwilightZona

Nice looking steam train!!

Larry

To me it looks like two people, one with a white shirt in the cab and the second person standing in the gangway? Those are Pullmans behind the baggage car and running as a second section of 17 suggests its a troop train. If its the forties there were lots of millitary bases all around the country.
Great photo, nice and sharp too.

It could have been pullman section of # 17.  with 1st 17 having the head-ed and chair cars.
Next time one visits the coal tower, check it out as to what train !!  HA!

Great image, thanks for sharing.

Jan Austin
Chico, CA
Photography by Jan G. Austin