Viewing page 43 of 99

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

34

[[image - black & white photograph of a still locomotive on track]]
^[[NYC T-3]]

We'd go aboard and present our credentials to the engineer, some of whom were cordial, some polite but non-commital, and a few just plain cold. There was always the possibility of creating suspicion that we were emissaries of the management looking for something--non—comp1iance with rules, incorrect operating procedures, such things as this. Usually, however, the reception was pleasant although seldom with open arms.  A great deal of thought went into the layout of a locomotive operating cab, frequently involving fullsize mock—ups, but the end result was primarily utilitarian and not aesthetic although the comfort of the crew was kept in mind. The engineer and fireman (helper) had comfortable seats and footrests, with operating controls conveniently located, and with excellent visibility. There was a bulkhead between the operating cab and the apparatus cab which housed the control and ventilating equipment and was noisy, particularly the large fans for force—ventilating the traction motors. Also, in one of the two operating cabs, was a small steam boiler, oil—fired, for train heating. Quite often, the engineer would be dressed in everyday clothes including a white shirt and soft felt hat and not at all in the usually preconceived idea of a locomotive engineer's costume of enveloping overalls, blue denim shirt and long—peaked cap. The fireman frequently offers his seat politely and we decline, preferring to stand up and be able to walk around the cab a bit. Presently, the engineer begins consulting his watch as departure time approaches and in due course, and usually right on the second, he gets the cab signal indication to leave. Then the real fun begins.

Reaching for the controller handle, which is the equivalent of the throttle of a steam locomotive, the engineer advances it to the first notch. Behind us in the apparatus cab, we hear the clicking of the power switches as they close to establish the initial circuits from the third rail to the traction motors. The locomotives moves ahead very gently, taking up the slack so smoothly the passengers are unaware the train has started.