NYC Big Four at Donovan

rhensley_anderson Oct 4, 2018

  1. rhensley_anderson

    rhensley_anderson TrainBoard Supporter

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    A couple of photos with text I received some time back...

    From: "Larry Bedore"
    My grandfather worked on the Big Four at Donovan. Family lore has it that he was a repair foreman for 90 miles of track out of that station.

    [​IMG]

    The attached photo is of Ed and his repair crew at the Donovan siding car house. I can't quite make out what the wording on the tank to the right reads.

    [​IMG]

    Roger :)
     
  2. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    It's a guess, but the script on the tank looks like Fairmont's, renown for their speeders and gang equipment.
     
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  3. Kurt Moose

    Kurt Moose TrainBoard Member

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    Possible Fairmont weed sprayer car? That's a mighty big tank for just water or fuel!
     
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  4. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I am betting "repair crew" is likely just civilian terminology for a section gang.
     
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  5. fitz

    fitz TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for more history, Roger.
     
  6. Doug Gosha

    Doug Gosha TrainBoard Member

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    Yeah, section gang. My maternal grandfather was a foreman on the one from Taopi, MN to McIntire, Iowa on the CGW.

    Fairmont Machine Co. was the original name of the company in Fairmont, MN, manufacturer of railroad equipment, later changed to Fairmont Railway Motors. It eventually merged with Harsco in 1979 and still operates in Fairmont to this day. I once knew a mechanical engineer who designed one of their tampers. He became the plant manager of Telex where I worked. A great guy!

    Doug
     
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  7. ddm502001

    ddm502001 TrainBoard Member

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    Still remember Gandy Dancers along the CB&Q in IL in the early sixties, was impressive to see them align track. Dad saw the gang where he stopped and let us watch/listen. Mostly Black men, a couple of whites, all handling rail crow bars, singing and shifting in rhythm. Duane T at EA station said they could align two miles a day on a good day.
     
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