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From: "Ronald" rdukarm AT roadrunner DOT com
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:33:13 -0400
Subject: Re: (erielack) RE: Mills on BCK
"Grain_Train_1-19-64.jpg" - image/jpeg, 1369x2808 (256c)

Paul & List,

Here are two more articles I found on the first "unit" grain trains. It
states the train made it in 5 days from Duluth to Buffalo. The rail cars
were unloaded by longshoremen. Perhaps the union was pleased with getting
some work during the off season.

Grain trains would have a negative effect on the grain scoopers union, which
was a strong union in Buffalo. I'm attending a meeting today with some
documentarians who want to do a TV documentary on the scoopers. Finding
these articles was very timely. The decline of the scoopers was always
attributed to the loss of the grain trade in Buffalo, the St Lawrence Seaway
and the use of self-unloaders. I don't think "Unit" grain trains were ever
considered. However, I wonder if these "longshoremen" were actually from the
scoopers union.

The Erie used to have its own elevator in Buffalo up to (IIRC) 1912, when it
burned. The NYC also had its own elevators. By owning half the BCK RR the
Erie/EL got a piece of the action on nearly every grain car that moved in
Buffalo.

Ron Dukarm


Grain_Train_1-19-64.jpg

Image EXIF Data:
Image Creation Date   2010:09:29 21:49:41
Software Version   Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0
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Y Resolution   266 Pixels/Inch
Exif Image Width   1369 pixels
Exif Image Height   2808 pixels
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