ALCO "Code" Mystery

[BigJim]

Here's a mystery for you. I just purchased an old ALCO pamphlet (48 pgs.) about Pacific type locomotives. There is some text, some plans, and a lot of pictures w/specs much like the N&W builders cards.    

Here is the mystery. At the bottom of the first page it says; The Code Word for this Pamphlet is "CALLIGENIE".      

Also on each page with a loco picture it will say; Pacific Type Passenger Locomotive Built for the Missouri Pacific Railway CODE WORD "AGARROCHO". Each locomotive pictured will have a different 'code word'. Any ideas on what this is all about?

[tsgtbob]

Jim, those code words were used for the old telex/teletype communications system, sort of a precursor to the fax machine of today.
Lima as well as most all manufacturers prior to the depression used them in their catalogs, as a part number could get scrambled during transmission, especally on international orders.
IRRC, the grates for a Shay were code worded "face of a dam"
The actual word, well, the forum software doesn't like it too well!
You know my e mail, if you are REALL courious about the code word, for a Shay's grates contact me!

[Lost World]

That's a good question, with a good answer (I didn't know it).  I wondered the same thing many years ago while looking through Erie Power.  In the chapter on the Russian Decapods there is a technical drawing of the locomotive as rendered by Baldwin, with a code word--IBMEQEPFYZ--at the bottom.  Al Staufer--ever witty--wrote in the caption, "All those who can pronounce that code word, please raise your hands."  I found that rather hysterical; hell, it's still pretty funny.

[PBenham]

Jim, those code words were used for the old telex/teletype communications system, sort of a precursor to the fax machine of today.
Lima as well as most all manufacturers prior to the depression used them in their catalogs, as a part number could get scrambled during transmission, especally on international orders.
IRRC, the grates for a Shay were code worded "face of a dam"
The actual word, well, the forum software doesn't like it too well!
You know my e mail, if you are REALL courious about the code word, for a Shay's grates contact me!

And there are those that say we're more inclined to think nowadays!!

 

[BigJim]

Bob,

Thanks for the "Flash from the Past" on how things were done.

[wjstix]

FWIW the pre-war Lionel toy train catalogues had similar code words for each product.