Omaha daily bee., 1908-11-15

PRIZE SECTION. SHERMAN BALLAsTED DoUBLE-TRACK ON
UNION PACIFIC, JUST WEST OF KEARNEY..
shovel and tamping bar; who understands the handling of men;
at a glance he is able to know exactly the condition of a certain piece
of track. The responsibility resting on his shoulders is seen to be
great when one realizes what would happen to the Overland Limited
or some other fast train pulled by a monstrous locomotive at terrific
speed, should the track be excessively low In some spot, badly out
of gauge or rail broken in another, a defective switch. too many
spikes missing, bolts at the joints not properly frightened, or other
defects which might develop were it not for careful and continuous
supervision. That the Union Pacific may boast OF such supervision
is evidenced by a trip on one of its fast passenger trains from Omaha
to Ogden; also by a glance at the pictures.
With these men appointed as judges, the inspection train, consist
vernacular known as the "see More" carr and the locomotive. starts
out. This car is pushed ahead of the locomotive. -Four of the assist
ant division engineers the fifth being dropped out on the territory
over which he has jurisdiction) are seated in the front seat of the
inspection car, with officials in the elevated seats back-al watching
intently every detail of the railroad coming up before them the
alignment Of the track, Its surface, neatness, condition of the right
ofway fence. cattle guards, road crossings, etc. A stop is made on
each section and the gauge testedi switches r carefully examined
to ascertain whether they are properly lined up. bolts frightened and
everything o. X.
The inspection car is equipped with a bell, which indicates de-
fects in line, surface and gauge. A section must be, indeed, perfect
in these particulars II this inanimate inspector does not make
some musical protest II, however, the section is rough its continu-
Gus ringing is anything but musical to the airs of the roadmaster
of that particular section of track, who always occupies a conspicu-
Gus seat at the front of the car. A great many sections on the Union
Pacific were passed over in absolute silence, even the rounding of
curves failing to bring forth the faintest tinkle.
1t is. Of course, quite dimcult to Judge as between track sections
Of almost equal physical condition. The sharp eyes of the practical
inspector however, will find with the track gage some inequality
which would not be discernible to the layman-a loose bolt or other
slight defect-and its markings, which are made on an inspection
car. are computed in the chief engineers office; there is no oppor-
tuniy for favoridsm. The prize goes only TO the best section, which
is not definitely known until the annual book of the results is pub
Nshed soon after the close OF the inspection
The general and division officials accompany the inspectors
through depots shops and other buildings. comforting together as to
relaying of rails on main and sidetracks and as to other improve
ments that may be required in maintaining the physical condition
of the property Or adding to it. Frequently long walks r taken
over particular sections of track by the entire party to more closely
Inspect its condition.
Every building on the road. including tool houses. section houses.