In 1940:

http://southern.railfan.net/images/arch ... dline.html

It is a sad photo, but I'd guess that after 12/07/41 (if they weren't already gone), these three would be rebuilt for further use, at least until after the war - yes?

My understanding of the term "RIP track" is that in its proper usage, it really means "Repair In Place" storage for locomotives going back into service. The 1941 date of this photo and the comparatively modern design of these locomotives suggests that they might be awaiting repairs rather than the scrapper's torch.

Personally, I find rip track pictures bitter-sweet. I hte to think of those lovely locomotives disappearing forever, but on the otherhand, it makes the few survivors all the more precious. It's also interesting to see how locomotives were prepped for scrapping. Hand the Diesel not been inflicted upon us by that date, each of these locomotives would have been replaced by a more efficient steam design again. Scrapping has been, and will continue to be, a necessary part of the evolving railroad scene.

Interesting as well, are the few railroads, like PRR were you see no scrapping photos at all!