I grew up in Carthage, Missouri too late to see any Frisco or MoPac passenger trains. I've read that passenger service was stopped in 1960 on both lines through Carthage. I've been thinking about modeling Carthage in N scale about 1960 - possibly the last year of passenger service through there. I'm trying to find out what kind of passenger equipment was used on both roads from 1958 through 1960. Can anyone here share any information, references, or pictures on this time period through Carthage, Missouri? Was any streamlined equipment used on either road there? Any occasional Pullman or sleeping car moves of any kind through Carthage that late? I'm new here and I will have something to give back eventually! Thanks! -Pete
I've seen a photo of the Frisco train at the Wichita station in the fifties, having come from Monett, through Joplin and Carthage, or the reverse of that service, trains No 303-304. The train was pulled by an E-unit, with a full baggage, an RPO-baggage and a coach, all heavyweight. I don't believe any streamline lightweight cars were used on that service. That photo may be on this chat board, I'll try to find it and post it. Tom
Here's the photo of the Wichita train, either No 303 or No 304 at Wichita Union Station. It came through or is headed for Carthage, MO and ultimately Monett, MO. The train is powered by EMD E7A (EA7) SLSF 2000, Fair Play. It is in the "famous horse" scheme. The 3 car train includes a baggage, RPO-baggage and coach. Tom
There was a St. Louis-Joplin sleeper carried on the Monett-Wichita train, but I believe that car was taken off about 1956. Sorry, I don't have the timetables handy, so I'm not sure about the exact date. Tom
Wichita Union Station, Wichita, KS. Frisco EMD E8A SLSF 2008, Messenger. Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific (CRIP) Fairbanks-Morse H-15-44 RI 400. The locomotive was built 12/1948. Later it would be repowered with an EMD v-16 567 engine.
On further review, I believe the Wichita train lasted until about 1959 but the sleeper was gone in 1956. Any idea the date on this photo? Thanks, Tom
The picture is pre-1966, probably early 1960's/ late 1950's. The two RI FM H15-44's, RI 400 & 401, were traded in to EMD in September, 1966. They were repainted in the austerity maroon scheme around 1960. The Frisco EMD E8A, SLSF 2008, is in the Dulux stripe color paint scheme. This indicates late 1950's-early 1960's. I's guess around 1959-62. Ken
