November 2008
If you are new to
columbusrailroads.com, welcome. You should know that something new is added
each month. While my offerings intend to document Columbus, Ohio
railroading in the 1950-60's it is impossible to ignore what came before
that time, hence the reader will find a wide range of articles and photos
that help tell the back story of the 50's and 60's.
Photo of the Month - When I was learning about
railroads more than fifty years ago it seemed to me there were two types of railfans. B&O railfans and everybody else. I now appreciate the
attraction of the B&O - the first railroad, always the underdog, especially
against the P Company on the Northeast Corridor. And, of course, there
were those
magnificent steam locomotives. Over the years I've tried not to be seduced
by B&O fandom
and still
remain a generalist interested in everything. However, the POM for November will give
the reader an inkling into what drives that B&O passion.
Columbus Streetcar Roster - Cars 253-496
- This month I am adding to the
Columbus Streetcar Roster started last February.
When the streetcar company electrified and got rid of those horses, the
service just became more popular. They had to continually add new
equipment to handle the demand. The period from 1895-1903 was a growth
period with single truck streetcars giving way to double truck streetcars.
Cars were ordered from four builders and the Columbus Railway and Light Co.
even built the bodies for 26 streetcars. Two hundred Forty
double truck streetcars were added to the roster in just nine years.
That was a substantial investment to make based on a 5 cent fare.
Sounds of Railroading - This
month's sounds highlight the Pennsy K4s, 4-6-2 passenger locomotive. I never saw a K4s in action, I only
saw a few sitting abandoned in the bone yard here in Columbus. The K4s
lasted a long time, almost forty years. When trains got heavier the Pennsy just used two K4s's. The Pennsy tried to replace the K4s with
the T1, but they still stayed in service out lasting the T1. The final blow was the
diesel, ending the need for the K4s. Those K4s's did have a nice whistle,
listen for yourself.
Alex Campbell
