Re: CB&Q #537

Posted by Mike Trent on
URL: http://c-sng-discussion-forum.254.s1.nabble.com/CB-Q-537-tp550p1305.html

Hi Chris,

The first of your most recent photos is of #537 between 1927 and 1931, at which time it received #70's tender. You will note that the bunker side sheet is different than you'll find on any other C&S tender, and that the headlight at that time was mounted slightly behind the front edge of the smokebox.

Hol Wagner and I discussed this photo back in the days when I was building the model, and at that time we were convinced that what this tender was is a mystery. Maybe someone here can figure it out. The rivet patterns are not in any way consistant with #537's tender from the Black Hills. For whatever reason, when #70 was brought in for conversion to oil in '31, it's tender replaced this one on #537, and these Bettendorf trucks were fitted on to the old #537 tender which we all know was one of #70's distinctions.  

The second photo shows a great and rare view of the lower coal slats in #70's old tender. These lower boards were held by steel brackets, which I believe were usually vertical, but I'm pretty sure I've seen a hint, if not this clear, of at least one of them being angled like this one. #71's brackets are verticle. #60's may be missing, I don't remember. #74's are definitely missing, having been removed by the RGS when it received a four piece steel door coal gate.  

There is a photo of DSP&P Mason Bogie #42 that shows a wood coal gate, so that would be another item to list with respect to early UP roots of later C&S practice.

Chris, do you think that is the rolled curtain attached above the coal gate so that it could be hung on the cab roof overhang?