I just discovered this group and joined. I found you through the 2008 discussion of the roundhouse in Moline. I too would love to find a photo of that structure. I am the author of the pages at http://atsfrr.net/resources/Sandifer/Howard/index.htm and I model several places on the Howard District of the ATSF including Moline. You can see my model at http://ssandifer.com/Lay/Howard/Index.htm.
I know many railroaders who use engine house and roundhouse interchangeable. Many "roundhouses" were not round and did not have a turntable. As was mentioned, the wye on the east side of Moline was available to turn engines. Grand Summit is a pretty steep grade on the railroad, so a helper engine was kept at Moline in the steam and early diesel era to assist trains getting up the hill. I was told that most of the helpers backed down to Moline, but if there was a turntable at Grenola they could be turned to return in a forward position.
Mention was made of doodlebugs, self propelled passenger cars. Therse ran daily east and west through Moline, but not up the Howard District. That train was a mixed train - freight cars followed by a passenger car instead of a caboose.
I know many railroaders who use engine house and roundhouse interchangeable. Many "roundhouses" were not round and did not have a turntable. As was mentioned, the wye on the east side of Moline was available to turn engines. Grand Summit is a pretty steep grade on the railroad, so a helper engine was kept at Moline in the steam and early diesel era to assist trains getting up the hill. I was told that most of the helpers backed down to Moline, but if there was a turntable at Grenola they could be turned to return in a forward position.
Mention was made of doodlebugs, self propelled passenger cars. Therse ran daily east and west through Moline, but not up the Howard District. That train was a mixed train - freight cars followed by a passenger car instead of a caboose.