Number 90 posted:Stuart, I couldn't see your photo. Was it a steam engine sitting disabled with a tire or tires off of the driver(s)?
Belt Railway of Chicago was unique as far as I know, in specifying diesel locomotive wheels with tires on all their locomotives built from the late 1930's until at least 1975, maybe longer. They believed that it was the most economical answer for their particular operation. And they must have used a lot of engine braking, as they switched all day. I don't know how they made it work, but they did.
In my young adulthood, I waited for an hour to photograph their pair of Alco Century units (with tires) at a big crossing in Chicago. After an hour in the sun, I headed over to a grassy area under a tree, and a black cloud of the most vicious mosquitoes I have ever encountered rose up and attacked me. Fierce little fellows, they were. I was a naíve California boy, from country where rain is a novelty and insects are sparse, and that was a lesson in MIdwest etymology. No photo . . . too busy retreating, swatting, and scratching.
So . . . Stewart . . . about the photo . . . ?
Tom,
The photo is of a B&M 4-6-0 which broke the main axle on the left side. The main driver is laying against the ground, with the main and side rods bent, but still attached. Also, the air pump has been knocked loose and is barely hanging on the side of the boiler.
Stuart
