Grand Junction
Author: Bruce Butler
Date: 02-13-2007 - 16:29
Great map, Jim. It aligns exactly with what I saw there yesterday, but my directions were off by by about 45 degrees. The NP line runs NW-SE, the UP runs SW-NE, and the MILW comes closest to running true North-South. As I recall, the depot was on the south side of the UP track and just west of the NP xing. The water tank was just west of the depot. Tom, the slab is on the SOUTH side of the UP tracks, not the north. Also, that road is different than it was 50 years ago, but I can't put my finger on what is different about it. For one thing, it wasn't paved back then.
My picture showed a switch stand that was MILW style. I must have moved further NE on the UP line and away from the depot to take that picture. The whole area north of the UP tracks and east of the NP is filled with new houses, including right on the old MILW grade.
Bruce K. great story about the Section Man. You have to admire someone who realizes they have a reading problem and takes steps to do something about it. Also, I believe that most operating personnel truly do appreciate the work and responsibility of the track people. Derailments, especially at any speed, are life threatening to the crews.