Historic Hood River
Track Realignment
8-1-2017
Notes
We saw this 1901 Benjamin Gifford image a while back as part of a photo book Gifford published. This copy is from Earl Conser’s album, and I’m reprinting it because it is a clearer version of this wonderful image. Now that we know the story of Earl Conser and the track realignment it means much more. Those men are removing the old track now that the new track is in place. This looks like the same spot we saw yesterday.
Buzz
I like the before and after picture. I know nothing about laying out railroad tracks. But I see little to be gained from the difference in curvature of the two tracks. Maybe the big curve on a trestle was what they wanted to eliminate.
Stever
Seems they now have one less wooden trestle – I’d suspect the developement of 84 has perhaps now altered any seasonal water flow current day. The area now seems more wetland south of the tracks since the dam was constructed.
Nice nice views across the river at the structures …. and hillsides …
L.E.
Interesting the grassy hillside west of Catherine Escarpment on the Washington side, compared to the tree covered hillside of today.
http://columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Places/coyote_wall_locke_lake_straight_point.html
Lance
Curvature drags a train down, the straighter the track the less power and fuel needed. A trestle on a curve is at risk because of the side thrust. this one worse than most because it appears to be flat with little or no super elevation ~