Now that I've gotten my breath back, I just stumbled across an ad on the NMRA website - they are reproducing both the 1943 and 1953 editions Official Register of Railway Equipment. Information at ORER Reproductions Sorry if this is late news for some or all, but if you haven't heard and you're modeling the steam era or transition era, then here is another superb resource for those of us who are fascinated with older RR operations and modeling but didn't get to experience any of it firsthand.
SLSF 1520 and 4208 Wreck at Quincy, MS On Feb. 16, 1939 in Quincy, MS there was a terrible head on collision between 1520 on a passenger train which plowed into the 4208 which was stopped with a freight train. Speed was estimated at 45-50 MPH and the impact moved the 48 car freight train back nearly 120 feet. This is one of a series of "Lantern Slides" that I just bought on eBay.
Cab Ride SLSF 919, et al On 12/31/04 Dad, my brother Mark and I rode train NWF from Thayer-Kansas City, MO. on the second unit. Out of Thayer right behind the QLA at 12:30AM with SLSF 919-836-945-1261 arriving in Springfield at 0615A. After a quick power swap to SLSF 911-907-423-1261 we departed Springfield at 7:15AM arriving at Kansas City 19th St. Yard at 1:00PM. Unfortunately it was a very cloudy day and these photos were taken with a Kodak 126 camera. The first photo was taken south of Iantha, MO.
Passing the Ft.Scott-Springfield Local with caboose #1410 Passing the Ft.Scott-Springfield Local with caboose #1410 at Iantha, MO.
Crew change at the north end Ft.Scott Stopped for a crew change at the north end Ft.Scott looking north.
Crew change at the north end Ft.Scott Stopped for a crew change at the north end of Ft.Scott looking south.
Stepping off at 19th St, Kansas City, SLSF 907 One last photo after stepping off at 19th St, Kansas City for a ride to Rosedale.
Hello, Does anyone know any history on a heavyweight observation car marked as SLSF 502 "Stardust"? I recently discovered it parked on a siding and it looks pretty derelict. Michael