Does anyone recall when 1501 was placed in Rolla? Also, was it a special movement from Lindenwood or was it tucked into a local or general freight for the ride? Was there a switch close to the park or was a new temporary switch cut into the main to facilitate the move? If so, how long would a project such as this take to do? Thanks in advance. Larry F.
1956 I think. I don't know the details of the move, but it was brought down from Lindenwood. I first saw it in 1960, my freshman year at MSM in Rolla, and it sure looked sharp! Ken
Don is correct (as usual!) I looked for and found my records of the SLSF 1501-Rolla matter. A Frisco steam locomotive was requested for donation to Rolla from the SLSF on 1/8/55, and the petition was approved by the SLSF on 1/25/55. SLSF 1501 was chosen to be the one. The requirements were that the locomotive would be put on display at Shuman Park ("Frisco Pond") in Rolla, at the former site of the SLSF Rolla water tank. Perpetual care was to be provided by the City of Rolla, which would hold title to the locomotive. Rolla (and the Phelps County Historical Society) then requested something to go along with the locomotive to make for a better display, and the SLSF granted them the old coach SLSF 563. The Frisco claimed a donation to Rolla of $25,000 for the 1501, $1000 for the 563. The transfer deeds were signed 6/13/55. The 563 arrived first, in early August 1955, following its 70-years of Frisco service. The 1501 arrived from Lindenwood, on the local, later in August, 1955, probably behind a SLSF GP7. The two were placed in position in mid-August, and an acceptance program was held in Rolla, with speeches, etc, on 8/18/55. Bulldozers pulled the 1501 and 563 in place on temporary track. I spent a lot of time looking at SLSF 1501 while a MSM student in 1960-1964. She is still there (at least most of her!), and now is under cover. Ken (veteran of having been pitched into Frisco Pond several times by underclassmen chemical engineering students! Yuk, lots of mud and moss)
