Original post: Suggestion for an unusual trackside industry [ Former Diamond Match Company, Springfield, MA, bookmatch manufacturing plant, which closed in mid-80s ] Upon unpacking all my stored-for-yrs. HO, discovered letter from a gentleman who actually worked at plant: Additional incoming ingredient item for bookmatch manufacturing : Ground glass. Used in striker strip formula, adding friction[enabled match head ignition]. He personally unloaded product, which arrived via boxcar in wood crates, holding paper-lined burlap sacks. Crates were hand-unloaded onto forklift skids on receiving platform. Sack leaks very common. Made entire unloading crew ITCH something terrible & was understandably, much worse in hot weather. TTFN.....Tom
One industry, lots and lots of different freight cars to service it. I couldn't do better if I invented something.
THANKS STEVE: Added item: Plant Sinage. The old Diamond Match sign/logo I remember, is a diamond shape, white background, w/medium blue capital D M [san serif letters, just like I typed] across center. Really simple but effective. Happy to answer any questions as best as I can....Old Tom aka papasmurf in NH
