Hi, my name is David Middleton and I'm happy that Charlie has allowed me to be part of this amazing group of people. I came across this forum this weekend while doing a little research on the "Chadwick Flyer". Growing up in Sparta, Missouri I was familiar with stories about this line from many of the old timers. The Sparta depot is still there and in very good shape (though I can find no mention of it in this forum or on-line). About 30 years ago I skipped school for a day with a friend and we followed the old rail bed halfway to Ozark. I'm currently a video producer and professional photographer. When I was attending SMSU back in the 80's I made a grant proposal to create a documentary about the Chadwick Flyer using my connections with many people who remembered it, and my skills as a model railroader. Sadly this never came to pass. Now I am looking at blending actual location photography with historically accurate modeling... This looks like the best place to start!
David, welcome to Frisco.org! You will find many folks on this site with knowledge to support your efforts.
Welcome aboard! I used “on location” photos to bring the old Zalma Branch back to life after 80 years. Kinda like archeology.
Frisco Lines Eastern Division floor plans of station buildings http://digitalcollections.missouristate.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/Depots/id/926 Blueprint of Sparta station is on page 69 Site is a little slow. It does finally connect and download the pdf (119 pages)
David, welcome to the group. You may have already found it, but member Karl Brand has a previously shared a very nice piece on "The Chad" that you should thoroughly enjoy. http://www.frisco.org/shipit/index.php?threads/they-called-it-the-chad.6655/ Best Regards,