Memphis, TN: IC Coaling Tower and Roundhouse Remnants

(Update: An overview and map of the rail yard.)

Cliff Downey shared

The coaling tower is what caught my eye, but Cliff's comment is also interesting:

In 1946 a IC company photographer photographed 2-8-4 8012 near the coaling tower at Nonconnah Yard in Memphis, TN. The IC bought a total of 51 2-8-4's (the original Lima demonstrator built in 1925 plus 50 production units built in 1926). These were among the first 2-8-4's ever built and were afflicted with design flaws that kept them from living up to their full potential. These locomotives were originally numbered 7000-7050. IC explored the idea of rebuilding the 2-8-4's as 4-6-4's for freight service. One locomotive was rebuilt in 1937 but wasn't successful and the plan was dropped. The remaining 2-8-4's were rebuilt "in-kind" and renumbered 8000-8049.

Lima refined the 2-8-4, with much success. It is interesting to speculate "what if" the IC had bought some of the "modern" 2-8-4's similar to those delivered to the NKP, C&O, and L&N. IC photo, Cliff Downey collection.

Satellite

I assume the tower was close to these roundhouse remnants. Four of the "stalls" are storing gondolas, three of which are full of wheelsets. But the other tracks are storing just wheelsets. I wonder why they tore out the tracks to some of the stalls.

You can see the tower on the leads to the roundhouse in Susan's picture.

Susan Caruthers McCammon posted
Johnson Yard, Memphis, Tennessee

Update:

Rick Shilling posted
1972 Illinois Central Railroad Roundhouse, Turntable, Shops and Johnson Yard, Memphis, Tennessee. Jack Harris Collection.

Robert Tomb posted
ICRR - Nonconnah Yard, looking east toward A Yard from the hump yard tower. This was taken after the hump was cut down, probably late 1940's or early 1950's. From my collection, photographer unknown.
[Unfortunately, I'm having to guess that Nonconnah was another name for the IC yard in Memphis.]

Jonathan Hearn posted two photos.
Daniel Williams https://youtu.be/VMXNdV1KSs0
Randy James Johnston yard, Memphis Tennessee, now called Harrison yard. The roundhouse was demolished about 8 years ago. [2009]

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Randy James posted
1970 aerial photo of Illinois central Johnston yard & roundhouse, Memphis Tennessee, Mike condren collection

Jerry A Lee posted
CN shop Memphis TN