For those interested in the Central Division or looking for a good train ride over former Frisco track, the Arkansas & Missouri is running a public trip Springdale, Arkansas, to Monett, Missouri, on Sunday, September 29th, 2024. This is the first such trip in several years. Also, some of the premium seats have just opened up, including some dome seats. Details on their website at https://amtrainrides.com/.
There aren't turning facilities at Winslow, so the power had to run around its consist for the return to Van Buren. Jeff Cooney , his wife Debbie, my wife Colleen. and I rode the noon turn between Van Burn and Winslow. Paul and his son at Rudy, AR. The office of M&A 68, an Alco C-420 The climb to Winslow required grades that ranged from 2.02% to 2.69%; the grade through the tunnel is 0.83% to 1.65%. A&M 44 & 68 still had to work through the tunnel as evidenced by the train's smoky exit from the tunnel. Loved the sound of the ALCO 251's as they worked up-hill.
Very glad you had a great time, Karl! I have SO many experiences to recall running the FS-WN psgr train as well as MOW/freights up and down the line. Though I've only been retired a bit over 6 years, it seems like a lifetime ago since I've run trains.
The availability of charters on 1291 present some interesting possibilities for an all Frisco fan trip.
