While not the D&RGW, this photo taken on the RGS shows an engineer storing what I assume to be his tool box out on the running board.

[digital.denverlibrary.org]

This discussion is very interesting. My first thought paralleled Mikes in that those boxes looked mighty big and were presumably very heavy when loaded with even the most basic of tools. When I saw this picture however the tool box doesn't appear any smaller. It would make sense that someone would not want to have to carry one of those very far if they didn't have to. Although storing them on special built platforms on a turntable does seem odd for this type of service.

The Gilbert Gould text is also interesting, if not a little entertaining. Tools, especially when issued always seem to find a way of "growing feet" and not being returned to their point of origin. I can only imagine this to be especially true when issued to crews who travel from terminal to terminal. This would lead one to assume the standard practice for engine crews (and train crews for that matter) was to supply their own tools when not able to be supplied with them by the company. That being said, if I had a tool box loaded with personal tools, the last place I would want to store it is outside, open to the elements and other people walking by.

This is just my take, and it doesn't help explain the reason for the boxes on the turntable. Puzzling!

Alan