Small Dinosaur - Crane and derailment at Lyons, Ill.

Only two more hoppers to re-rail at Lyons Hump in 1951 - These derricks were used on the non-mainline trackages on account of their limited capacity - 100 tonners vs the 250 ton Big Hooks located at major terminals such as Indianapolis, Elkhart, Toledo, Cleveland, etc.
- Lawrence Baggerly Collection.

Great photo! 2 questions:

1. Where was Lyons hump?

2. What was the numbering system used on NYC hooks? Most of the ones I have seen were in the 2-digit series. X-29, etc but many of those were not 250-tonners. This has a 5-digit number.

The photo was taken in central Illinois, I believe.

I have no information on the numbering system. Sorry.

Lyons is about 5 miles south of Danville, Ill on the line to Evansville.

Not to be confused with Lyons NY, on the NYC main line.

Thanks for the info!