I posted some info a couple of weeks ago about a new book that is out on the many, many St Louis city and St Louis County parks. I had mentioned it because, of all things, one of the pics they used in the book when describing the National Museum of Transportation (a StL Cy park) was the smokebox front of SLSF 3695/Scullin Steel 95 (an 0-6-0). 3695 is in a sad state of repair, but is at least now positioned out in the museum such that you can see it from all sides, and don't have to fight the poison ivy to approach it as was the case for the last 60 years. I keep bugging NMOT to cosmetically restore it, which they have not done, but maybe that helped them to reposition it. One of you asked me for specifics on the book, but I forgot who, and I can't seem to find the posting string either. Sorry about the delay. Here are the specifics on the book: "St. Louis Parks" Authors: NiNi Harris and Esley Hamilton hardcover, copyright 2012 Reedy Press, St Louis, Mo ISBN: 978-1-935806-09-7 Library of Congress: 2012935046 Cost was around $30. Caroline bought one directly from Esley as he is a friend of hers. Ken
I inquired about obtaining a lease or loan on the3695 a couple of years ago, moving her to the RR park here in Pacific and offered to lead the cosmetic restoration project. I would have restored her as Frisco 3695 in her original livery (no whitewalls, red wheels, silver smokebox or striped running boards). I didn't get anywhere with the request and haven't followed up on it with a formal plan. I hope she does get a paint job. There's no paint left to strip, so that part is done.
When I was there last summer, she was no longer out in the open. When I inquired about her, I received nothing but puzzled looks.
Yikes! The caboose is a goner - it was in bad shape when they got it, and has gotten significantly worse obviously. RPO SLSF 251 "Normandy" upsets me a whole lot. It was in good shape when they got it and now look at it! That's my namesake town as a teen. I used to love seeing it come through Rolla on #9 while at MSM. Now look at it - laying on the ground! I have to get out there. I've been a TMA member for over 30 years and expect more than this. Ken
My father-in-law, having sorted mail in the Normandy once, would be in tears at her present condition.
