Re: SVR @ Tipton Loop vs. wyes

Interesting question about a spur to the warehouse. I just looked at maps and don't see it either. I don't believe Tipton was a very important location traffic wise after the mining boom ceased. The depot was retired on AFE 429 which is not dated but is between #'s that are Dec. 1936. The wye was built late 1936 or early 1937 as the AFE for this is #432 12-29-36. I agree with Eric on the purpose of the loop plus I think perhaps Tipton was the end of the line for a short while before the track was built on to Austin. If livestock were ever loaded at Tipton and I am not sure one way or the other, the loop would have made sense as a stock train would be returning to Baker? I have to wonder why they built a wye in addition to the balloon loop rather late in the life of the rr.? I have seen from rr paper work that the pattern of operation was as follows or a variation with a helper. One engine would double or even triple the grade from Austin to Tipton working loads to the top then moving the assembled train on to Whitney, where again the train was moved in short sections to Larch where assembled trains were often about 50 cars for the descent to S wye and on down to Baker. When available and perhaps more typically a helper was used on the Austin to Tipton trains so more cars could be moved at a time. In either case it was necessary for an engine to be turned on the loop several times a day during the busy years. Could it have been deemed quicker to turn the helper on a wye than going around the loop?