NW-Mailing-List Digest, Vol 198, Issue 26

[NW Mailing List]

Thanks for the reply David. I really enjoy the first hand recollections. I often look at google maps in satellite view and try to imagine things where they might have been. 

Tom Lewis

> On Apr 19, 2021, at 1:04 PM, NW Mailing List <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org> wrote:
> 
> 
>> Tom, as to your question
>>    1. How did the railroad work Jenkin Jones (NW Mailing List)
>> 
>> I was the 3rd trick and then 2nd trick yardmaster at Wilcoe in 1978 and early 1979.  I only made it up to Jenkin Jones twice as I recall.  Once with the Trainmaster orienting me during the winter coal strike in 1978, with my 2nd trip on the 2nd Tug when I became part of the crew as the Clerk's strike picket line prevented the full crew from coming to work the first day of the strike.  I must admit to having very little memory of the operations, I had worked a double shift and probably slept all the way to Jenkin Jones.  What I do remember most distinctly is sending the 2nd Tug up to Jenkin Jones with 60 short loads one day.  The mine typically called us early each morning and told us what they wanted, calliing much earlier than the General Yardmaster coming on duty at 7:00.  I don't remember what a typical day was, probably 20-30 short loads and mayby more empties.  We had 60 short loads at Wilcoe, I sent them to Jenkin Jones.  What I learned was that our 2nd Tug power, 3 SD units, could only get 16 short loads up the mountain at a time.  They didn't double the hill, they had to make at least 4 trips.  I had sent far too much out with the 2nd Tug and I was informed in no uncertain terms that I was never to do that again.  Looking back at my track charts, the climb up to Jenkin Jones was 2.5% compensated, little wonder they had to work so hard. 
> 
> David Ray 
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