Hello, I just heard today (30 July 2010) that The Frisco Shop (don't know which one) in Springfield, Mo., is getting torn down. Here is a link: http://www.ky3.com/home/video/Railr...end-of-an-era-in-Springfield-MO-99602179.html Please read article and see video. Thanks, Brian Waller
It's the shops near Kansas Expressway that are getting torn down. I think they were the last remaining Frisco era engine shops in Springfield. The KY3 footage kinda brings tears to your eyes. George
Sad... but very much a part of today's railroading and failing US economy. However, I don't quite agree with the news opening "End of an era." IMHO, the "era" truly died when the Frisco died. The BN was the end of it. From that point on, it was only a matter of time before Springfield facilities became the shell it is today. Andre Ming
Some very neat stuff happened down there in those shops through the years. End of an era indeed. Sad but inevitable. Ken
Think they might allow some Frisco Folks down there to pick up something of a " piece of the rock"? My McGilvry family worked for Frisco for about 100 years. Seems a shame if I couldn't get just a bit of memory from there. Yeah, I'm just sentimental. [ or just mental!!??] Pipe dreams!! Dan
Sorry to hear this. I'm from a Frisco family with both my parents having worked for them, Mom was 3rd generation in her family. My Dad worked at Lindenwood Yards and first BNSF removed the Frisco sign from the office and later, the office was torn down. I'm glad Dad was not alive to see it. Mom didn't like to see the name removed Dad went to Springfield one time for training on his job. Mom had a cousin's family who lived there and visited a few times But I had never visited there. That's the only reason I didn't work for Frisco too, because a lot of the general office jobs had been moved there and I didn't want to move out of town. A piece of history disappearing and a piece of my life too. But the Frisco will always live in our hearts. Gone but not forgotten.
I think they should take the FRISCO of the building and put it on the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge. Atleast let people now which railroad ran under the bridge!!! Is anyone gonna try to get some goodies from this or is the railroad not letting anyone at it? Ship it on the Frisco!!! Murphy Jenkins
I'm calling my cousin, Larry Phillips, and see if he can get me a "piece of the rock"!! He is retired Frisco [ bnsf!] Dan
I would like to note that I saw on the news tonight that the KCS shops in Pittsburg are being torn down. So this has been a sad week indeed.
Excellent point, Andre. Or, for those to favor steam power, the old erecting hall seemed rather anachronistic. But, the majesty that came out of that building! I still think that a condensed version of the West Shops would make a good small layout topic. Overall, the demoltion is not surprising, I suppose. However, it's still a bit of a shock to see (rather like going to see them implode the old St. Louis Arena - you knew it was inevitable but it was still tough to watch).
