The Ready Line

Jack Delano spent considerable time at the locomotive servicing facility while touring the C&NW Proviso yard near Chicago. It’s December of 1942, and he has recorded this view of a line of steamers that have had their coal, sand and water replenished, and they stand at the ready. Four locomotives are lined up here, and one can faintly discern two others in the background.

Coal, Sand and Water Service