Mike, I am glad you found our site to be a valuable resource. I like to think we have one of the best railroad sites on the 'net, especially considering the fact it is supported solely through voluntary contributions and generous submission of materials and resources by everyone here.
I'm thinking of representing the Brilliant Branch, or at least the interchange at Winfield, on my next layout. 1. Were there any industries/freight on the Brilliant Branch other than coal at any time from it's construction until it's dismantlement? 2. What was/is a "carload of staves" that I read about in the Interstate Commerce Commision Report below, starting at page 37... https://books.google.com/books?id=1...q=Illinois Central Winfield Brilliant&f=false
Wooden staves were used to make barrels. The cooperage business was an important source of revenue for many railroads. Prohibition had a negative impact on this business, and hence the railroads.
Thanks, Karl. I've never heard of any traffic on the Brilliant branch other than coal. Apparently someone near the line was making staves and shipping them to Paducah in 1918. What type of freight cars were used to ship staves?