August 9, 1937 - Washington, DC
The War Department has published a solicitation for a new weapon for the US Army. This weapon is to be an intermediate weapon in between the Garand and the M1911 pistol, for use by soldiers whose primary role is not combat but who might find themselves in combat and in need of a weapon with more range than a pistol. Requirements: a bullet weight of no less than 100 grains, a muzzle velocity of no less than 1900 feet per second, a semi-automatic action, and a weight of no more than 5.5 pounds empty. Small size and handiness are extremely desirable, as the weapon is expected to be carried at all times by personnel whose duties do not involve the use of the weapon.
[Ie, the War Department has put out a solicitation for a weapon similar to the M1 Carbine. Here in WW, it might not be the same weapon, but the same requirement now exists.]
September 19, 1937 - Washington, DC
A new company, the Great Alaskan Railroad Company, has been formed to build a rail line from Libby, Montana to Fairbanks, Alaska. The new company is a joint venture of the Great Northern and Northern Pacific railways. Surveying work, on the American sides of the border, is expected to begin immediately, with surveying on the Canadian side of the border to begin as soon as feasible. Some note of the difficulties in winter operations in the northern latitudes has already been taken, as there are enquiries outstanding with EMD, Baldwin, ALCO, and Fairbanks-Morse on freight-capable diesel locomotives.