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Welcome to Columbusrailroads.com

A railfan sharing historic pictures, stories and articles from Columbus, Ohio

(A work in progress)

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

 

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This site was last updated 10/30/08