SDASM Archives

The smiles suggest this test team met their goal or schedule deadline. Note the pocket protectors and that there are no smartphones. Hand-carried phones didn't exist, had poor coverage, or were expensive. In higher resolution photos, some of the team nametags may be readable.

After some head scratching, I believe this is probably a structural test for some kind of engine pylon. This would be a tough test to design because the pylon doesn't just support the static load of the engine hanging off the wing. It also must support tens-of-thousands of foot pounds of maximum forward trust and reverse thrust.

Tags are locked on this image also.

The red steel column at right is marked as a fire extinguisher location. Ironically there are two flammable liquid storage containers and I don't see an extinguisher.

I call the fixture with the holes for a forklift by a generic name: "ground support equipment." The pylon is protected against getting dropped or crashing into something by the fixture. By the time all of the bolts are torqued and the bleed air lines are in place, a part like this might cost in the six figures range.

A Wikipedia article includes four photos of rail cars being prepped for paint at this facility. One is a former Great Northern Railroad car acquired by Amtrak. The dates are slightly different than other sources. Your comments are helpful.