r_i_straw
April 1st, 2005, 06:55 PM
Steve Goen, the author of a series of railroad color photo books, found a record of these transactions that took place at the Childress, Texas shops of the Ft. Worth & Denver. After every run from Wichita Falls, Amarillo or Lubbock, the engineers would fill out a form, called a "gripe sheet", which told shop personel about problems with the locomotive. Shop workers and the diesel maintainers would then correct the problems, document any repairs on the form, and then post it, allowing engineers to review the gripe sheets before the locomotive's next run. Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by FW&D engineers during the 1950's and early 1960's and the solutions recorded by the Childress shops.
(P= The problem logged by the engineer.)
(S= The solution and action taken by the Childress Shops.)
P: (FW&D #554) Tire on third driver, fireman's side, has serious flat spot and
almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced tire on third driver.
P: (FW&D #409) Last night's run from Lubbock OK, except worn out seat springs caused ride to be very rough.
S: Seat springs not installed on this locomotive.
P: (FW&D #605) Something loose in cab.
S: Something tightened in cab.
P: (FW&D #9981A) Dead bugs all over windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.
P: (FW&D #9980A) When running in excess of 79 mph, locomotive experiences severe vibrations.
S: Cannot reproduce problem inside roundhouse.
P: (C&S #9952A) Evidence of leak in steam generator.
S: Evidence removed.
P: (FW&D #857) This unit's radio volume is unbelievably loud.
S: Radio volume set to more believable level.
P: (FW&D 458) Grip lock causes Johnson bar to stick.
S: That's what they're for.
P: (C&S 701D) Sander inoperative.
S: Sander always inoperative in OFF mode.
P: (FW&D #9980A) Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.
P: (C&S #9950A) While climbing Wheatland Hill locomotive began to shut down. A running inspection was performed by fireman who reports that the Number 2 engine was missing.
S: Number 2 engine found after brief search.
P: (FW&D #750A) Locomotive handles funny.
S: Locomotive warned to straighten up, run right, and be serious.
P: (C&S 703A) Cab radio hums.
S: Reprogrammed cab radio with lyrics.
P: (FW&D #9980A) Mouse in engine compartment.
S: Cat installed.
P: (FW&D #859) Noise coming from under control stand. Sounds like a midget
pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget.
P: (C&S #9952A) Throttle sticks whenever locomotive operates over 79 MPH for an extended period of time.
S: Then don't go so damn fast.
P: (FW&D #701D) Mars light inoperative.
S: Have asked John Glenn to pick one up on next trip to space.
(P= The problem logged by the engineer.)
(S= The solution and action taken by the Childress Shops.)
P: (FW&D #554) Tire on third driver, fireman's side, has serious flat spot and
almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced tire on third driver.
P: (FW&D #409) Last night's run from Lubbock OK, except worn out seat springs caused ride to be very rough.
S: Seat springs not installed on this locomotive.
P: (FW&D #605) Something loose in cab.
S: Something tightened in cab.
P: (FW&D #9981A) Dead bugs all over windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.
P: (FW&D #9980A) When running in excess of 79 mph, locomotive experiences severe vibrations.
S: Cannot reproduce problem inside roundhouse.
P: (C&S #9952A) Evidence of leak in steam generator.
S: Evidence removed.
P: (FW&D #857) This unit's radio volume is unbelievably loud.
S: Radio volume set to more believable level.
P: (FW&D 458) Grip lock causes Johnson bar to stick.
S: That's what they're for.
P: (C&S 701D) Sander inoperative.
S: Sander always inoperative in OFF mode.
P: (FW&D #9980A) Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.
P: (C&S #9950A) While climbing Wheatland Hill locomotive began to shut down. A running inspection was performed by fireman who reports that the Number 2 engine was missing.
S: Number 2 engine found after brief search.
P: (FW&D #750A) Locomotive handles funny.
S: Locomotive warned to straighten up, run right, and be serious.
P: (C&S 703A) Cab radio hums.
S: Reprogrammed cab radio with lyrics.
P: (FW&D #9980A) Mouse in engine compartment.
S: Cat installed.
P: (FW&D #859) Noise coming from under control stand. Sounds like a midget
pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget.
P: (C&S #9952A) Throttle sticks whenever locomotive operates over 79 MPH for an extended period of time.
S: Then don't go so damn fast.
P: (FW&D #701D) Mars light inoperative.
S: Have asked John Glenn to pick one up on next trip to space.