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(erielack) Palomar telescope mirror blank

Stolen from the Freight Cars list.  This shipment originated on the ERIE.

SGL


Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2002 03:39:20 -0800
From: Dan Tillmanns <tillmanns_@_iwvisp.com>
Subject: Palomar telescope mirror blank

I notice in your list some interest about the shipment of the Palomar 
telescope mirror blank. This is described in detail in this book. At 
the time it was the most valuable single item ever shipped by rail. 
The railroads went to extreme caution during the shipment. Special 
trains accompanied by Vice Presidents. Spiking shut all switches. 
Vacating adjacent main line tracks. Halting all trains. The route was 
circuitous because of the clearances required. The blank was shipped 
on edge in a well flatcar and cleared the track below by inches.

Woodbury, David O:  THE GLASS GIANT OF PALOMAR

It is out of print, but can be obtained:
Go to http://www.biblio.com

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