U30Bs 844 and 845
U30Bs 844 and 845 at Memphis, Tennessee on August 6, 1974.
This sunset view was taken at the Mechanical Department’s diesel service facilities at Tennessee Yard. U30B 845 and three Union Pacific units are on the locomotive wash rack track. This track leads to and is an extension of Service Track 1. The sign to the right warns, “Close clearance. Do not ride side of equipment through the wash rack piping.” Further in the distance are company service diesel fuel yellow dome tank cars. They are sitting at the two fuel unloading tracks.
The fuel unloading tracks are serviced by eight fuel unloading standpipes. Each vertical stand featured pipes with upper flexible elbow joints to swing out and reach over the top of the fuel cars. On the outer end was a flexible rubber hose that was dropped or dipped through the dome of the car to pump out the fuel. Beyond the tank cars is the large bulk fuel storage tank.
On the left, additional units are being moved on the north end of other service tracks. An additional unit identified is GP35 719. On its nose are orange diagonal stripes intended to improve the visibility of the approaching engine. The TY diesel shop is to the southeast behind the photographer. The five service tracks, plus a runaround/turntable lead, number outward to the west from the shop.
Folks interested in operations will note the different illumination configuration of each General Electric lead unit. U30B 844 has only its number boards illuminated. This indicates it will be the identifying unit for a scheduled or regular train. In contract, U30B 845 in addition to having its number boards illuminated also is displaying white class lights. These lights are high on its nose near the outer corners. This combination indicates that consist is power for an extra train.
The view is looking northwest.
Special thanks to Mark Davidson.
