Re: Clearing the Line, Just like the Old Days

In John Norwood's book he describes the snow fighting of early 1952. It seems the 476 jack knifed hard into a slide around M.P 486 and the railroad was content with leaving it there until spring. The ICC more or less forced them into opening the line so cars of ore concentrate could be shipped by the Sunnyside. The engine was retrieved, onced over in the roundhouse and sent out with the 478 on a multi day snow busting trip that involved several nights spent in bunk cars in the canyon. A few return trips to the yard to fix the engines and then back out. He also mentioned bent valve motion rods being heated in the fireboxes and bent back straight.

It sounds like quite the adventure, though I can't help but imagine the shop forces were less than excited to see the results. I've heard stories of the 476's "working" cylinder saddle being caused at least in part to ramming snow on The Silverton. Based on the stories, and seeing the engine being on the point with another pushing from behind begs the question; Was this outing what started those problems?

Great pictures, Thanks Jerry.

Alan