Freight Car Department

Some research work has been done and thanks to the generosity of several owners of vintage images we are able to share them here with you.

Don Vaughn Collection Photo

I really like this photo, and it is an early color image, shown here in Clarion, Iowa about 1950.  I THINK this represents the second paint scheme our plow wore, still in the scheme with the classy Corn Belt Logo, but with air horns revised and wedge and wings painted black. Lettering and logo in white.

Don Vaughn Collection Photo

As close to a builders photo as you will likely find, this is our plow as delivered to the CGW at Oelwein, Iowa in 1936.  The headlight is covered for transit, and there is the temporary ladder at the plow end, an AAR requirement to allow crews to climb to the roof from either end.

Don Vaughn Collection Photo

Don Vaughn Collection Photo

And these photos are true Builders Photos, but of the X 37, identical and one number lower than our X 38.  Both images taken at the Russell Plow Works in Ridgway, PA in 1936

Rex Beach Photo, Joe Pierson Collection

Finally here is great image of our plow in Oelwein, Iowa wearing what I believe is the fourth paint scheme in the many colors it wore.  In this case almost everything was dipped in a bright safety orange color.  Black numbering, no herald.

I hope you all enjoyed this picture essay, we will have more coming.  In the meantime, we have not covered all the acquisition costs, not accumulated money for materials to make repairs and restorations of various parts of the plow.  The fund has been set up using its original service number, fund R X 38, but do not be confused, it is the same piece of equipment.  Thanks

Spring is here and that means on good weather days, the Freight Department crew is at work in our outdoor 'shop'.  Here is a sort of photo essay (not much text) on work this week, lots of participants and onlookers encouraged to learn and get a 'feel' for this sort of blacksmith work and tools involved.

Rust Out

Gerry Dettloff is getting ready with an acetylene torch with Dick Cubbage and Simon Harrison looking on.

Cutting

Some sections of the side at the bottom were badly rusted out.  The first step here is to use an acetylene torch to burn off the old rivet heads.  Gerry is using the torch and Victor Humphreys ready to help as needed.

Peeling

The metal is being peeled back by Victor, Gerry, and Dick.

Next

After cutting the rivet heads form the outside, shards of old metal siding and layers of rust are removed.  Some additional grinding of the torched off rivet stubs might need to be done.  Then out with the small sledge hammer and a punch pin to poke the rivet out the back.

The Stubs

Not much left after the torching, but some medallions of remaining metal sides need to be peeled away, pried away, or otherwise coaxed to leave.

Punching

Then on to the satisfying part of punching out what remains of the rivets.  Sort of like an 'aggression therapy' session.  Jim Leonard takes a turn.  That entire section is complete.  The next step is to fit and cut a new metal patch, drill it for placing new rivets, weld it in, grind, fill, paint - you get the idea.

CHICAGO GREAT WESTERN 4051

IT IS HERE, safe and sound!  Now all we need is some snow. 

Front and Right

Left and Rear

Builders Plate

This winter was not typical but who knows what the future will hold.  Here is the plow as it sits today on our Yard 8 Connector Track.  It has been little modified over its life, but there are some changes we will probably do like close up the doorway cut into the rear end of the plow.  And of course make new windows and doors to replace those that are missing.

Diagram

Here is a railroad diagram sheet of the plow supplied by Erich Russ courtesy of Chicago & North Western Historical Society.

The plow was delivered as number X 38 and sported at least three color schemes on the CGW. More research is needed, but it seems right now that it was maroon with the railroad name and Corn Belt logo, then maroon with black plow faces and roof and reporting marks only, and finally all over bright orange.  That could change as we get more research done.  Morning Sun Books has published data so if you have a copy of their book, please review that section.

The final scheme was in C&NW yellow with the ball and bar herald (after the merger) but still retaining CGW reporting marks, renumbered as 4051.  Note that there was a temporary drawbar that was removed from the plow when working snow to provide a smoother face for shedding the snow.  If we were to paint our plow in the maroon scheme, it would be a perfect match to our restored CGW 601 caboose, and could stage a credible plow train consist for photos.

Amazingly, it seemed to sport only these few color schemes over its service life, and of course was always lettered for CGW, even after CNW absorbed that line.

I would be remiss if I did not take time out here to recognize our member, Mr. Lucien Opperman, who has supported the project and done a LOT of legwork and research into the history.  He resides over 2000 miles from us in Union, but has taken the effort to help on this.  Isn't the internet wonderful?  Thank you!

But wait, I am getting ahead of myself.  The FIRST thing we need to do is to cover all acquisition costs which may include purchase, transportation, and associated track charges.  We have had some very generous support, especially from IRM members, and some of these were making good on pledges made five years ago when the possibility of first acquiring this plow first came up.  I have a list and if any of you are unsure of your promise, please contact me separately so I can refresh your memory.

But as new equipment goes, this happened quickly and on a fairly small budget.  Getting this plow - PRICELESS.  PLEASE, let's begin its IRM history by erasing all charges and starting off with a clean slate.  Donations may be sent to

Illinois Railway Museum

Box 427

Union IL 60180

And designate it for the CGW Snowplow or for fund  R 4051.