Hi, My name is Mark, but most people call me Shooshie, which is a transliteration of the Choctaw word for "bug." (Long story) I went to work on the Frisco in May, 1974, through August of that year, and I signed on again in May of 1975, also for the summer. While I'm thankful I was able to finish college (thanks in part to working on the Frisco), I never again had a job as rewarding in so many ways as the railroad. In 1974 I worked on the Enid sub, Beaumont Sub, Perry Sub, and Avard Sub. In 1975 I worked the Oklahoma Sub and Chickasha Sub A lifelong railfan, I've watched and/or ridden trains all over the USA, as well as some in Canada and Mexico, England, France, and Western Europe. I was an avid modeler until I was in my 20's, but have not had a layout since then. I collect photos, and occasionally some railroad memorabilia, but I have restricted space for collecting, so I have to keep that to a minimum. While I like steam and diesel, I tend to favor the steam of post-WWI era up until it was retired. The older railroad era, especially the Transcontinental Railroad, are fascinating to me from an historical perspective, though I'm not really as enthused by the motive power and rolling stock of the 1880's. Don't take me wrong: if I find some on a side track somewhere, it is thrilling! Let's face it… if it rolls on rails and has an engine, I'm probably a fan. My favorite railroads, though, are those west of the Mississippi. I love the West, and the Southwest in particular. I'm also thrilled to find this site, and I must thank Mike Lutzenberger for the link! I look forward to the conversations and sharing of stories and photos. Shooshie
Welcome Aboard! You'll fit right in. I too like the railroads west of the Mississippi. I fell in love with the Frisco many, many years ago. No railroad could get from east to west without crossing the Frisco rails at some point. The history is so rich, it would take what seems forever to go through it all. All Aboard is a great place for friends, learning and a wealth of information. There is plenty of post WWI info here as is pre-WWI. I model the 1900-1929 period, so I enjoy both worlds. Without the folks here I would be lost or farther behind in my knowledge on the Frisco. Enjoy and participate. You won't be sorry! Merry Christmas! Manny
Just a followup; I've been here for two weeks, and it feels like years. Every day since I signed up, I've explored the threads from the present to the distant past, and I've really grown addicted to the "Latest 8 - Random attachments" feature. What a great way to keep things in circulation! I've never seen that in a forum before, and I've been using forums since the beginning of the WWW, and UseNET newsgroups before that. The collective knowledge of the people here is astounding, and the Frisco is rapidly becoming my favorite mainline railroad. Even though I worked on the Frisco, I had always had an affinity for the Santa Fe, and I've loved Santa Fe steam power all my life. But Frisco steam is every bit as beautiful as ATSF, and some of the color photos I've seen here have really convinced me that it's worth learning about and collecting. I wish Hall's Hobby Shop was still in business! I live only about a mile or two from where it used to be. But the bug is starting to bite; I'll bet I find something else here in Dallas. I've enjoyed the friendliness of the folks here, the range of conversations, the historical preservation aspects of many of the threads, the stories and of course the photos. My only regret is that I didn't find it 10 years ago. Many thanks to all who take the time to upload files and contribute their knowledge, and to those who ask questions as well; many of my questions are answered before I ask. While I feel no pressure or hurry to do so, I anticipate uploading more of my own Frisco photos, and telling a few decent stories that I think you'd enjoy. Meanwhile, I'll be here every day at least for a few minutes, and probably longer than I'd admit to my wife on some of those days! It's a great place! Everyone associated with it should be proud! Shooshie
We are every bit as proud to have another ex - Frisco employee as a member. While I never worked for the RR, my family did for over 100 years. When about 2 years old, my cousin took me for a ride in an F unit, and the bug is still in my blood! It will never die!!! Dan
Welcome Shooshie (Mark) being a retired SLSF Engr in K.C.Sure enjoy the coments / stories from railroaders. That is all I know and did for over 36 years. I'm a SLSF HO also.
