Train - Repair - Danger from above 1943

by Mike Savad

Title

Train - Repair - Danger from above 1943

Artist

Mike Savad

Medium

Photograph - Colorized Photo

Description

Colorized photo from 1943
Original Title: An engine being carried to be wheeled
Photographer: Jack Delano
Location: 777 1st St SW, Albuquerque, NM

This is the Albuquerque railroad repair facility as seen in 1943. Opened in 1910, and eventually closed in 1980. But during those 70 years, this shop fixed many trains. As much as 40 trains a month rolled in here. They would fix it top to bottom, putting on new wheels, repairing the boilers etc.

It was said that working conditions were hard. Places to stand underneath were cramped and you had to work stooped over the whole day. So much grease you came out dark from head to toe.

Locomotives weren't standardized in those days, people there were craftsman, they made the parts custom for each train.

You always had to watch out, because just over head there might be a train flying at ceiling level. And there is not a hardhat or steel toed shoe that would protect you from that if it falls. Its probably why no one bothered to wear one. This train overhead is going to the wheel shop to get a new set of wheels. It was actually a common site in this shop, and really surprised new young employees.

Uploaded

September 9th, 2018

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