Hello from the Piney Woods of East Texas

The affection for things about the railroad was not a conscious or overt action on my part. It sort of just happened by osmosis I guess. Was raised in a small town on the Frisco line, as both of my parents were working in the family owned main street business, provided ample time for curious boy to prowl around the downtown area, which included all of the activities around the train depot. I now feel fortunate to be born in a time to observe the Steamers in action with their curiosities, warts and all.
In early first marriage did buy a house in Shawnee, Oklahoma which was located on the Rock Island Line, and immediate neighbor on the north side was a Fireman/Engineer (Hoghead), and directly across the street was Brakeman/Conductor Brakie) on the same line. Shawnee was a crew change town. Both were not that much older and over time became acquainted and would imbibe and hang together of sorts, In retrospect, it is supposed the RI would give the individual the title and duties of the higher level position Engineer vs Fireman, and probably the pay of the lower title. As my work employment location in a blue collar skill profession adjoined the RI ROW, was again exposed and observed comings and goings of the now early diesel powered units of the "Stagecoach Cab" era. ( It gave me a good excuse to take a break, go outside, and watch the slowing freight(crew change) come in.) It was here an understanding of the disparity between "Heads" in operation and of the abilities and (in)abilities of some. It was here that I (pretty much) gained the ability to discern if the fellow in conversation was a railroad worker or not, even before discussion of employment. They were, for the most part, "lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way" folk. And not a bit hesitant to let you know their position on the issue. With rare exception, characters and a hoot to hoist a glass with.
Now 2nd marriage, late in life, living in SW Arizona town (another crew change city) on the Union Pacific line. In Arizona there are long stretches of flat level lands where one can see tomorrow, railroad technology and power have advanced greatly improved as well as track road speed capability. I-8 in SW Arizona runs parallel to the UP line for many miles, and it not uncommon to be passed by 75+freight cars being pulled by (mucho beans) 5-6 power units. Did make friends with a Head that ran the run addressed in last sentence, now the Heads are lots younger, but just as ornery in a good way. Recall a trip down in Mexico with said Head, and local police. Will not relate here.
My reasoning for joining up is to develop some finite information on the Frisco line activity as doing a article for a city historical society and attempting to be as accurate as possible. TLeeBlanq

 

Tuttle, just southwest of OKC about 30 miles. Thanks for the direction. The information here has already been a great help as could not recall the type of metal banding used to support the vertical perimeter on the wooden water towers. A good look at a clear photo brought it all back. Am not surprised to find that crosstie strength materials were used in the construction of the depot.
Curiously enough, most of my train "riding" has been in Europe as an olde pharte. Did do a ski trip in the mountains of Switzerland some years back, and experienced both extremes of European rail travel. If memory serves, rail coaches from Lyon to Chamonix (where the wife and I both discovered we no longer bounce well-skiing) would seat about 6 comfortably which were not much bigger than some amusement rides. Multiple coaches were hooked together and direction changes were unnoticeable. However, from Lyon to Paris did ride that fast booger (TVG)which would really roll with no felt movement or jostling.