Archive Record
Images
![TER Return to Questionnaire for Docket 16092 [pg 31]](https://s3.amazonaws.com/pastperfectonline/images/museum_1030/014/thumbs/cp2006cl110931.jpg)
Metadata
Object Name |
Application, Financial |
Title |
TER Return to Questionnaire for Docket 16092 [pg 31] |
Date |
ca 1948, April 26 |
Scope & Content |
Texas Electric Railway Return to Questionnaire (unsigned) to the Interstate Commerce Commision to abandon rail operations in total. This 32-page document was eventually signed, notarized and submitted to the Interstate Commerce Commission. [page 31 transcribed] Since Applicant's line was originally built for the transportation of Interurban passengers and local express, the construction is not comparable to that of a standard steam railroad. Rails, ties, bridges and trestles are lighter, grades heavier and curves sharper. When freight service was inaugurated, it was necessary, commensurate with means available, to make certain changes in the way of flattening curves, strengthening some bridges, constructing team tracks, platforms and equipment needed in the handling of a limited amount of carload freight. Among the things done by Applicant for the handling of freight was the construction in its shops at Dallas, Texas, of three freight locomotives and seven lighter so-called freight motors, the latter having been constructed from passenger cars. These locomotives and freight motors are equipped with four 100 HP regular passenger car motors. Such motors are not designed for freight hauling, the cost of maintenance thereof has been high, and they have a limited hauling capacity. Applicant's substation and feeder capacity is inadequate, and therefore it has had to set a limit of not more than ten cars to a freight train, and more often not more than five cars can be handled. Practically all of Applicant's passenger cars now in service are more than thirty-four years old. 2 passenger cars were purchased in 1908, 2 in 1912, 20 in 1913 and 2 in 1920. The express motors and trailers were purchased in 1908 and 1913, and they, like the passenger cars, are old and outmoded, and should be replaced if operations are to be continued. Also, more modern and suitable freight locomotives should be purchased if operations are to be continued. However, it is estimated that the cost of replacing the passenger and freight equipment would be in excess of $1,000,000.00. At considerable cost Applicant recently modernized its power substation located in Waxahachie, Texas, making same what known as full automatic operation. On February 12, 1948, the entire station, building and machinery, was completely destroyed by fire. To replace the installation would cost Applicant in excess of $60,000.00 and would require approximately two years for delivery. This large expenditure is not warranted by the future outlook. Applicant is now operating at this location its only portable substation which generates considerably less power and is inadequate to properly care for the power demands in the territory served. The original substation and feeder layout having been designed and installed for the operation of passenger and express motors, does not have sufficient capacity for the proper handling of the present volume of freight traffic, much less any considerable increase thereof. At several different times Applicant and its predecessors purchased secondhand substation machines and installed them at various points on it line to better care for its passenger, express and freight load. However, all these machines are old and are in need of replacement if operation of the line is to be continued. If more freight is handled, additional substation and feeder capacity must be added. It is considered that the cost of such replacements and additions is prohibitive. The trend of legislation by both the State of Texas and the Federal Government regarding motor traffic on the highways has been unfavorable to Applicant and its predecessors and has materially contributed to the reduction in revenues from the transportation of passengers and property. Applicant states that there is a substantial amount of deferred maintenance on its line, particularly on the tracks, bridges and trestles, and its rolling stock and substation equipment are old and obsolete and in need of modernization and replacement if operations are to be continued, and believes the present or anticipated earnings of the entire line sought to be abandoned do not justify its maintenance and operation. Applicant believes that the cost of repairing, maintaining and making needed replacements of, and additions to, its tracks, bridges, trestles, rolling stock, substation equipment, distribution system and other forms of property would be so great that same is beyond its means, and is out of all proportion to the funds available and the income that can reasonably be anticipated from the continued operation of its line and system. The communities and territory served by Applicant's line will not suffer for transportation in the event said line is abandoned, as said communities and territory are now served by steam railroads, as well as by common carrier motor bus lines and common carrier and contract carrier truck lines, and such railroads and bus and truck lines can furnish adequate transportation for the needs of the territory and communities involved. Respectfully submitted, TEXAS ELECTRIC RAILWAY COMPANY By____________________________ President. Dated at Dallas, Texas, April 26, 1948. --31-- |
Search Terms |
Abandonment of Service Finance Docket 16092 Freight Business Interstate Commerce Commission Monroe Shops Passenger Business Portable Substation Steam Railroads Waxahachie Substation |
Collection |
Johnnie J. Myers Collection |
Catalog Number |
CP.2006.CL.1-109-31 |