by Allen Hazen
Photos of U-series diesels of the ATSR and Southern show dark rectangles-- I assume holes-- in the side frames just inboard (i.e. further from end of locomotive) of the stepwell at each end. (It shows up nicely on a light yellow U23B: photo, coutesy of "Northeast Rails," at http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=53421 I'm guessing that this might be an ex-Santa Fe unit retrofitted with FB-2 trucks, but perhaps not.)
What is it? I assume it is some sort of access or inspection hole -- ???? maybe for an emergency engine-stop button ???? that either was specified as an option by these railroads, or kept covered by the maintenance people of other railroads. (In which case the visible holes on Texas Central Business Railway U23B #101, in the photo, need not imply ATSF ancestry.)
What is it? I assume it is some sort of access or inspection hole -- ???? maybe for an emergency engine-stop button ???? that either was specified as an option by these railroads, or kept covered by the maintenance people of other railroads. (In which case the visible holes on Texas Central Business Railway U23B #101, in the photo, need not imply ATSF ancestry.)