Could This be Jerome?

Discussion in 'Rolla-Lebanon Subdivision' started by Karl, Mar 11, 2021.

  1. Karl

    Karl 2008 Engineer of the Year Frisco.org Supporter

    Richard Crabtree of the FB Group, Frisco Rails Across Missouri, posted this image of 4303 passing through the a CTC OS section at a location unknown. The photograph was taken by US&S, which manufactured and installed the signal system. The photo is captioned, “Dillon to Sleeper, CTC - Frisco, 9/21/45, 95-C-1192”.

    Richard obtained the photo from this web site, which had a second photo at the same location of a 4500, which was traveling in the opposite direction.

    Eastbound 4303 with train at Jerome? Note that the searchlight signals are aimed to the photographers right.
    normal_95-c-1193.jpg

    A westbound 4500 (4503-4514) at Jerome?
    normal_95-c-1192.jpg

    http://rrsignal.com/photos/displayimage.php?album=search&cat=0&pid=1455#top_display_media

    http://rrsignal.com/photos/displayimage.php?album=search&cat=0&pid=1454#top_display_media

    One of the photos also appears on this Frisco dot org thread:
    http://www.frisco.org/shipit/index.php?threads/springfield-yard-operations-info-request.3121/page-2

    It should be relatively easy to pick identify this location, or so I thought.

    The givens from Frisco Annual Reports:
    1. During 1943, the Frisco completed the CTC installation between Dillon and Swedeborg ;
    2. During 1944, the Frisco completed the CTC installation between Swedeborg and Sleeper;
    3. On February 5, 1 945, the Frisco operated the first train over its new Dixon Hill Alignment.
    4. On April 30, 1946, the Frisco completed its new alignment between Helm and Bond. The old alignment was retained and the 3 mile segment was operated as double track.

    The April 22, 1944 Railway Age documents the installation CTC installation and includes a track and signal schematic. Using that schematic and my pole line book, I was able to select locations, which had the passing track and pole line to the left of the photographer. These locations were:
    1. West Dillon
    2. West Sills
    3. East Jerome
    4. West Franks
    5. West Helm
    6. East Crocker
    7. East Richland
    8. West Garnsey
    9. West Stoutland

    Clues from the photo:
    1. The A-Block is aimed for a right curve...i.e., the train (powered by the 4500) is leaving a right-hand curve(in the direction of movement);
    2. The train is headed toward a left-hand curve;
    3. The bluffs in the background imply a river or stream;
    4. There is a slight rise in the road to the left of the image.

    After looking through my topo sheets, one spot remains, and that is the east end of Jerome.
    Rolla 1912, 15 minute sheet. The map seems to be a good match to the photos.
    Screen Shot 2021-03-11 at 9.33.17 AM.png


    Aerial shot of Jerome from the 1946 Annual Report. The piles of material (chat/gravel) are present in both photographs, and helps to make a really good case for Jerome..
    aerial_jerome_annual_report_1946.jpg



    There are several flies in the ointment that are date related.

    This February 4, 1945 ETT poses a problem. This still shows the original alignment in operation. Based on the annual report, the first train to use the new alignment occurred
    on February 5, 1945. As we know, the new alignment bypassed Jerome. I have always assumed that once the new line was complete, the retirement of the old line followed shortly thereafter. So question one is, how long did the old line remain open?

    I can explain away the date conflict in this manner. Since the installation took place during 1943, I am inclined to date the US&S photos to that period. I would also opine that the caption date relates to the US&S “project” number 95-C-1192. The lack of foliage on the trees would seem to preclude the September 21st date. Anyone have other thoughts? If it is Jerome, it’s a rare shot.

    The Feb 4, 1945 ETT shows a 161 car-length passing track at Jerome; presumably over the old alignment.
    Screen Shot 2021-03-11 at 9.49.13 AM.png

    The Dec 13, 1946 ETT shows operation over the new alignment. The Jerome passing track was relocated to Arlington.
    Screen Shot 2021-03-11 at 10.47.44 AM.png
     
    Last edited: Mar 13, 2021
  2. gstout

    gstout Member Frisco.org Supporter

    So, after all that, what's the answer?

    GS
     
  3. Karl

    Karl 2008 Engineer of the Year Frisco.org Supporter

    I’d place a small wager on Jerome, but the September 21, 1945 date is troublesome. Just showing my work to how I got to my answer.
     
    gjslsffan likes this.
  4. Brad Slone

    Brad Slone Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Karl,

    I have seen both photo's before and often thought they were Jerome. While the dates are somewhat troubling, it's not that much of a stretch to say that some of the dates referred to in the articles could have been slightly off. Having driven through Jerome countless times despite the possible date issues, I'm convinced more than ever that this is in fact Jerome. In the view of with the west bound 4500 it would be interesting if one could make out the car in the distance as well as any other details in the background.

    Couple other closing points, towards the upper right in the air photo you can see the grade turning to the right and leaving the river bottom, today this is a county road that can be driven from Jerome up to this curve. I don't know what degree the curve was, but it is noticeably sharp when driving and it's hard to imagine how tight it would have been for a 4500. Seems like I can remember Jan Jester talking about riding the old grade as a child and mentioning that the train had to slow way down while going through the curve. Lastly in the photo you can see the old grade snaking to the west in the upper left side of the photo. Most of this grade is still intact and used as a feed road for the farm that now surrounds it. Several years ago I drove up most of it and there are several large cut stone viaducts that are still in place and in good condition. I took several photos of them and posted them here on a thread, but I can't recall which one.

    Brad
     
  5. Karl

    Karl 2008 Engineer of the Year Frisco.org Supporter

    Brad,
    Thanks much for the additional comments and filling in the details.

    The ETT places a 25 mph limit on those curves west of Jerome.

    You have added another item to the bucket list, ie, a drive over the old grade.

    keb
     

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