Monon Gon X-405

[Mike Aufderheide]

All,

I have attached a snip from a photo on Cookie's CD (ME WRKAshGro912) showing a USRA gon or clone with a Hutchins-type end.  This is the first I've seen like this, they usually have corrugated or spiral ends.    I wonder what the story is?  The whole photo shows the hulk of one of the wrecked F3s from Ash Grove in 1947, a sad sight indeed.

Also, what is "M of E" stand for?

Regards,

Mike Aufderheide

[Ken Weller]

M of E = Maintenance of Engineering (I think)

[Ron Marquardt]

Ken may be correct, but it's an unusual designation for a car and I'm not sure what it stands for.  Engineering cars were usually lettered MOW for Maintenance of Way, but in checking through the archives I did find one other car lettered MOE.  I don't know what this car was used for, but I have attached an image of it.  / Ron

[Ken Weller]

See attached - yet another M of E car, this time X-214.

[Mike Aufderheide]

Boy, you start looking and they are everywhere!  See the attached photos of the wrecker tender (maybe a clue?) and yet another car with special racks for holding rail and ties.  These photos seem to span a time period of about 20 years.  SWD 1 only had the script hoosier line on it for a few years in the late forties and I think the photo of 80044 is from the '60s.  Maybe the wrecker outfit that was a separate "department" from MOW?

Mike Aufderheide

[Ron Marquardt]

The Maintence of Way forces were part of the Engineering Department (track & bridges), and the wrecker and associated cars fell under the Mechanical Department (locomotives and equipment).  It appears the M of E designation was used by the Mechanical Department.  Interesting.  / Ron 

[George Lortz]

I agree with Ron.  MoW (W = Way) was basically track and bridge related whereas MoE (E = Engineering or Equipment) was the locomotives and rolling stock.  I think these photos are consistent with that designation.

George L.