Electronics in action

n NE OF the more visible results Vof the runaway population increase in the Southwest is a fast and steady increase in commercial, industrial and residential construction.

Correlating to this growth of the construction industry is an increase in the rate of traffic carrying building materials. One of the major carriers serving the swelling Southwest is the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Arizona, California and New Mexico are laced with Santa Fe tracks and these states depend heavily on the railway to supply their traffic needs.

Since Santa Fe dislikes paying expensive freight claims as much as shippers dislike receiving damaged goods, one of the railway's major concerns is insuring that the product arrives at its destination in the same condition as it was when it left its origin.

Modern electronic equipment, a special car handling program and constant maintenance and improvements are some of the means Santa Fe uses to attain the end of undamaged freight.

The railroad carries lumber in boxcars or on bulkhead flatcars that are designed to minimize freight damage. In the event of inclement weather, freight on bulkhead flatcars is protected by a covering which is securely strapped down by steel bands. These flatcars are also used to transport pulpwood, steel and gypsum wallboard.

ln 1976 the railway implemented a plan to eliminate overspeed car couplings. Evidence indicated that couplings made at speeds in excess of five miles an hour could resull in damaged lading. The Efficient Car Handling Operation (ECHO) program uses radar equipment to monitor the speeds of car couplings. A dozen of these highly sensitive, hand-held devices, which can track cars a quarter-mile away, are now being used extensively throughout the railway's l2-state system.

Santa Fe feels that continued use of the ECHO program will result in overspeed couplings becoming a thing of the past.Vice President of Operations Donald G. Ruegg said of the program, "The increased awareness for proper and safe handling of our customers' merchandise is exactly what will insure our continued and increased participation in handling goods."

In addition to its modern equipment and surveillance of operations, the railway is spending large amounts of capital to keep its 12,000 plus mile system in peak condition.

Recently in Eastern Arizona 56 miles of jointed rail was replaced with continuous welded rail (CWR). CWR consists of quarter mile sections of rail welded together to form a continuous ribbon of steel. Besides being more durable than the old type ofjointed track, the ribbon makes for a smoother ride for freight.

Sfory at a Glance

Electronic and ultrasonic equipment, plus a special car handling program, coupled with constant maintenance and improvements, helps Western railroad speed shipments and minimize damage.

The railway also uses electronic equipment to keep its trackage in good condition. A dozen converted carry-all type trucks use oscilloscopes and television screens that can detect internal track flaws. These "ultrasonic cars" which cost $85,000 each, have proven effective in detecting minute flaws that were then corrected before more serious damage could occur.

The ultrasonic car, ECHO, wellmaintained equipment and conscientious personnel all have enabled Santa Fe to promise fast service and a safe trip for their customers' merchandise.

As experienced, professional lumbermen, we deliver top quality, plus service and the largest diversified lumber and lumber products inventory in the West.

Our consistent delivery of prime quality hardwoods and softwoods since 1883 is no accident. Because at J. E. Higgins Lumber Company you do business with professional lumbermen who care about controlling the crualitv of our multimillion dollar stock every step of the rvay: Buying, stacking, air seasoning, kiln drying. milling, custom coating, selling, loacling and deliverine. All these ()penrtions are supervisecl by lumbermen you herve met in the course of tracle activities. men vou respect. Choose from 250 species of harclrvoods ancl sof trvoocls. clomestic or importecl. Flooring, butcher blocks, n-rouldings. zrnd even glues. stains ancl finishes. Also plywoocls. meclium clensitv fiberboarcls, harclboarcls.

and particle boards. available now, too, with custom coatings.

Looking for good old-fashioned service'/ Lumber distributors outside our marketing area can get it, together with prime lumber, by callinq Verlon McKinney, at our National Sales Division. Call him at Al5\ 471' 9330. Retail lumber yards, cabinet shops and specialty shops, contact your nearest J. E. Higgins yard/service center:

Union city. CA o (415) 171-4900

Sacramento. CA. (916) 927-2727

San Francisco. CA . (415) 824-8744. Reno. NEV o (702) 331-3033