West Alton, MO: Lost/CB&Q Depot

(Satellite, the trees clearly outline the other two legs of the wye at this junction.)

Lawrence Thomas posted
The St. Louis-St. Paul/Minneapolis Zephyr Rocket operated over the Burlington into St. Louis and over the Rock Island into the Twin Cities. At West Alton, Illinois the train headed north along the Mississippi River towards Hannibal. This Mar 23, 1950 view from the camera of David Beattie. Depot is lone gone.
Mark Slattery: What a great shot ! Caboose going away a train order depot and the Zephyr picking up orders thanks for sharing !
David Sandel: Did this train then cross the Mississippi River at Alton ?
Mike Cafferata: David Sandel No. There was a wye at W. Alton. The train headed north on the CB&Q toward Hannibal. The steam engine is heading east toward Alton.
Cliff Kierstead shared
Apparently this is West Alton Missouri fyi.
Cliff Kierstead shared
Robert McNeill: As I recall from studying maps the KATY RR accessed St. Louis Union Station over the Burlington right of way there... came across MO along the MO River to St. Charles and ended its track at West Alton...I thing the south bound train pictured is an MKT freight from Franklin, MO or a 'local' .... great picture... thanks for the info...
Archie Hayden: Robert McNeill it’s actually the local we called the Hide & Tallow which operated North St Louis to East St Louis and return. Lots of stock yards around E St Louis.
Robert McNeill: Archie Hayden, thanks. The Wabash had one that came down the "high line" from Omaha/Council Bluffs to St. Louis , too. The shoe leather & other industries needrd the grease & leather by products, but I am told the cars REEKED!
Dennis DeBruler shared
In addition to a caboose with a marker lantern on a short freight, this photo catches the depot agent hooping up train orders.
Ron Harrison: R/R STATION MASTER PASSING LATEST TRAFFIC REPORT TO ENGINEER..SECTION FOREMAN GAVE TO HIM EARLIER AS TO WHERE HIS CREW WOULD BE DOING BED/ RAIL REPAIRS..ZONE TO WATCH FOR RED FLARES WARNING ONCOMING TRAINS..SLOW DOWN, BE READY TO STOP. MY GRANDPA ED HARRISON WAS A SECTION CREW FOREMAN, RETIRED FROM THE FRISCO RAILROAD, FIFTY YEARS SERVICE. I HAVE A PHOTO ON MY PROFILE OF HIS GOLD WATCH /BOB ON THAT PAGE.

1946 Alton Quad @ 62,500

1941 Aerial Photo from ILHAP