The IC bought their first diesel switchers in the 1930s. They were used in Chicago to comply with the anti-smoke ordinances. Passenger trains started dieselizing in the 40s with E units. But outside of the diesel switchers (mainly in Chicago but some at the other end of the main line) and the E units pulling the passenger trains, it was pretty much a steam railroad until 1955 when the last through mainline freights were dieselized. USRA clone 0-8-0s bought in 1920-21 continued to handle switching duties at some of the larger yards until the end of steam in 1960. There was plenty of steam on the mainline especially on the St Louis division and the Kentucky divison until the end of steam.
The big yard at Centralia was all steam switching until 58 or 59.
Jeff White
Alma, IL
RobertSchuknecht wjstix However, some railroads continued using roundhouses for diesels even after all their steam engines were gone. This 2012 photo shows the old Pere Marquette Railroad roundhouse in Saginaw, MI still standing and used today by the Lake States Railway.
wjstix However, some railroads continued using roundhouses for diesels even after all their steam engines were gone.
This 2012 photo shows the old Pere Marquette Railroad roundhouse in Saginaw, MI still standing and used today by the Lake States Railway.
Well, well.
That picture prompted me to look at some slides from the olden days. Turns out I was there at the roundhouse taking pictures on a rainy day in early 1963. They are not my best.
I realize that I should be posting one or two. At this time, posting pix is, uh, difficult.
Ed