What Yard (and location) did the ACL use in Atlanta and how were interchange operations handled in the 50's to/from the AWP-GA, CGa, L&N and Southern?
ACL arrived in Atlanta in 1946 following its merger with AB&C in 1946. From 46 to 1959 ACL used the old AB&C yard, Bellwood. In 1959 ACL became a tenant at L&N's Tilford Yard which was the former NC&StL's Hills Park Yard acquired following L&N's merger with the NC&StL in 1957. Tilford was enlarged and modernized in 1958. Passenger trains used ACL (ex-AB&C) for access to Union station. The A&WP shared the Georgia Railroad's Hulsey Street Yard so would think that traffic for both these roads would be handled in the same transfer movements. Central of Georgia's Industry Yard was located in East Point on the CofG's main to Macon. Southern's Inman was almost "cheek by jowel" with Tilford or Bellwood. Noted that you didn't mention Seaboard's Howell Yard which like Southern's Inman,was real close to Bellwood and Tilford. And you don't mention it but keep in mind that until the early 70's transfer run's were "one way" that is cars being interchanged went one way and the engines/caboose returned "light" to their originating yard. If you're really interested you might want to purchase Mr. Paul Faulk's book "Trackside Around Atlanta 1956 - 1976." If you're a member of the ACL/SAL Historical Society they have it available or you might want to contact the publisher, Morning Sun Books, Inc.
