An awesome photo for sure. Where is this train departing or arriving? Those are some gigantic tanks in the background. A very profound image of tonnage on the move. Just wish I could have heard that locomotive bark, and struggle under the load. Merry Christmas everyone.
Thanks Don. Fabulous! Amazing how fast Laclede Gas rebuilt the gas holders for the picture. Cold as it looks like it is, I'm surprised they are both so full! Seriously, super pic! Ken
Tom - The train is arriving behind SLSF 4010, up the River Division as it joins the Eastern Division at SE Junction, heading into Lindenwood Yard in St Louis. The tank holders are natural gas tanks. The side and top of each tank rises and lowers given how much gas it contains. The open bottom of the tank is sealed by water. The weight of the tank keeps the gas under pressure. The tanks were removed several years ago. Merry Christmas to all. K
It is arriving at Lindenwood yard after coming up the River Division in 1942. Bill Barham photo, neg my collection The tanks are Laclede Gas Co natural gas storage tanks in Shrewsbury.
Thanks for the details, I note the 2nd and 3rd car behind the power are "high cube" compared to the rest of the tonnage. 1942, lets hope it is ammo for the war effort. Or beans, bullets or band aids for that most honorable of efforts.
As a kid traveling on vacation the blue tanks were the landmark we had made it west. They were as much a landmark for us as the arch. It was disappointing to see when they were gone.
Something to be said for a River Division freight in the snow behind a 4000-Mike and rolling into the Southeastern Jct interlocking. Thanks very much for that, Don - put a big smile on my face. A Merry Christmas, happy holidays and best wishes for a safe, prosperous and more-sane new year.
