Near Avery in Shoshone County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Section Gangs
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, July 22, 2011
1. Section Gangs Marker
Patrolling for problems on the track was the job of the section foreman and his “section gang” of 2 to 7 hardy laborers.
In the early 1900s the Milwaukee Road’s mainline was divided into 5.5 to 9.5 mile-long sections. A “gang” was assigned to each section for the inspection, safety and upkeep of the track, bridges and culverts. The foreman would walk over his assigned section every other day or once a week, depending on the weather.
The gang’s work was hard and ongoing. It included: clearing ditches, cutting weeds and grass along the right-of-way, keeping ties and rails secured, the track in line, fixing fences and signs, filling water stations and barrels, and clearing snow from switches.
Larger “floating gangs”, often working out of special work trains, handled major projects like ballasting, installation of new rails, and construction projects.
Keeping the electricity flowing was the job of special crews dispatched to problem areas in “troubleshooter” gas-electric rail-cars, and later, road-rail trucks.
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In 1949, the Milwaukee Road created a 10-truck
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1949.
Location. 47° 21.347′ N, 115° 38.582′ W. Marker is near Avery, Idaho, in Shoshone County. It can be reached from Cliff Creek Road (Federal Road 506) 1.8 miles north of Loop Creek Road (Federal Road 326). Located along the Route of the Hiawatha Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Avery ID 83802, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Idaho — Idaho’s Panhandle. It is also in the American Mountain West and specifically in the Pacific Northwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, July 22, 2011
2. Section Gangs Marker
More about this marker. On the upper right is a photo with the caption, "These proud, pipe puffing, section hands man a Sheffield motor car or “speeder”. With its single cylinder gasoline engine, the little cart could make 25 to 30 miles an hour carrying a small work crew and their tools." Photograph courtesy of Idaho State Historical Society
On the bottom is a map with the caption, "On the mainline segment from St. Regis, Montana to Avery, Idaho, the Milwaukee Road put section gangs at Drexel, Haugan, Melroe, Bryson, East Portal, roland, Adair, Falcon, Kyle and Stetson. Over the years, section divisions grew larger, while the number of sections dwindled."
Also see . . . Route of the Hiawatha Rail Trail. (Submitted on August 4, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 716 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
