1908 - Idle Engines and Cars

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Roanoke Times - January 26, 1908

Idle Engines and Cars

   For a good many weeks past, side tracks in and near Roanoke have 
been more or less crowded with empty freight cars, which have been 
idle on account of the diminution of the volume of business of the 
Norfolk & Western Railroad. At the machine shops, there is an acre or 
more of locomotives, standing silent and deserted, and many of them 
are just from the manufacturer. These locomotives are standing in the 
yards of the machine shops, exposed to every kind of weather that 
comes along, and many of them are showing rusty places. The picture 
presented by these great machines is by no means cheerful; indeed it 
is rather doleful. They stand there with an appearance of utter 
dejection. They look as if they are yearning to stretch their limbs 
and rush once more into the activities of their natural element.
   But in spite of the silent locomotives and empty cars, there is a 
feeling of renewed energy in the air; there is a spirit of optimism 
that cannot be downed. Everyone is anticipating a turn in the tide, 
and everyone expresses confidence in a return of business prosperity.
   Idle cars and silent engines are not found alone in Roanoke. 
Figures recently prepared by one of the large railroads show that a 
week ago there were 320,000 idle freight cars in the United States 
and about 8,000 locomotives, which are laid up because of the falling 
off in traffic. As there 2,200,000 freight cars in the country this 
would show that 14 per cent. of all the cars owned by railroads are 
stored on sidetracks waiting for loads.
   Figuring the value of cars at $1,000 each and of locomotives at 
$15,000 each, the statement show that the railroads have $440,000,000 
tied up in rolling stock for which there is no present use. The great 
shortage in rolling stock last year caused large orders for cars to 
be placed by railroads. As late as last October the reported shortage 
was 87,000 cars.
   Estimating the average freight train at 40 cars, the 320,000 cars 
now idle would be equivalent to 8,000 trains, for handling of each of 
which four men are ordinarily required, so that it may be estimated 
that more than 30,000 men less are needed than if all of these cars 
were in service. Many men have been laid off - the New York Central, 
for example, since the beginning of this month has laid off enough to 
make a saving of $250,00 a year, in addition to previous cutting down 
of its force - and many others have been placed on short time.

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- Ron Davis, Roger Link