footnote-from-the-steam-to-diesel-transitionhttps://www.trains.com/trn/footnote-from-the-steam-to-diesel-transition/Footnote from the steam to diesel transition - TrainsReading Company steam locomotives were being put out to pasture by new diesel locomotives in the early 1950s. This fireman out up a fighthttps://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-05-at-3.39.45 PM.pngInStockUSD1.001.00articleTRN2025-05-052025-05-09227940
The steam to diesel transition was a major milestone in railroad history. Forgotten is the human side of changing times. The rise of diesels would soon mean fewer employment opportunities for railroaders, but that fact was probably not on the minds of the men in this photograph, who are intent on getting their picture taken. Reading Company steam locomotives were being put out to pasture by new diesel locomotives in the early 1950s. The fireman standing on the steam locomotive’s tender deck wasn’t going to let it happen without a fight. Holding a hose, he has carefully positioned himself to drench the passing diesel crew with water. Reports the delighted photographer, “He did, too!” George W. Gerhart
