Hello train lovers,my name is Robert Keener

I will probably not be a active member here,as i am only researching a specific train.The train i am interested in was the SL-SF 1104[?] that exploded in Valley Park,Missouri killing my grandfather in April of 1933.
I followed a link from Bing here in search of a photo of this train,and now,after the crazy registration process[that thing where you type the two words you see is complete chaos]I can't seem to find the picture.
I have not even attempted to search as of this posting,but I wanted to pop in and say hello and beg for any leads anyone may have on this specific train disaster.
I did not know my grandfather as he died when my dad was a baby,his death was disastrous to my fathers family.They were all separated shortly afterwards and were never closely reunited,so, information of my grandfather is little to non existing.
So here I am,trying to piece my ancestry together

 

Could that number ("1104") be a locomotive number, rather than a train number? Frisco had locomotives in the 1100's, not sure if they had a Train #1104?? Also I checked the DOT Railroad Accident Reports and didn't locate an accident on the Frisco in April 1933 (Nor 1932 or 1934).

Tom G.

 

thank you for the reply
I am not sure, I have no idea.I will attempt to upload the only photo i know to be linked to his accident.I believe you are correct at being a engine model number rather than the train number

 

FYI, I just found an internet note about that engine: http://www.steamlocomotive.com/ten-wheeler/?page=slsf

Tom G.

 

Robert--1104 is the engine number and I doubt that much more information than what's in your newspaper clippings can be found. Except in the off chance that there might still be an elderly resident of the Valley Park area with some rememberances. Your clippings have as much or more information as I would have expected to find searching the net.

Tom G.

 

I wasnt real ambitious of find much information 87 years later,I did find photographs here of slsf 1104 which is kinda what I was after.It seems that she was sitting still at depot since my grandfather was the only injury,tho the clipping dose not appear to be at a station.thank you for all your help,the link you posted I had seen prior I believe thats were i got the 1104 number.




she was quite remarkable

 

Joe Collias describes this incident on page 102 of Frisco Power. The image he paints of the watchman is not favorable. -Rich

 

That would be awesome,I have no pictures of him or real history.His section of the family album will consist mostly of his demise.

I know nothing about steam engines,but this story screams negligence to me.Most sight glasses I have encountered leaves marginal room for error.It seems to me, that he was distracted for a modest amount of time [sleeping,drunk,etc],and when he noticed the lack of water in the gauge,in a panic pulled the injector lever. Is there any other plausible hypothesis to this story?

sorry pensive,I was posting when you posted.unfavorably is about the only explanation one could deduct from an accident of this nature.
Do you have a link to frisco power?I would love to read the article.

 

Robert, I'm unaware of any link to Collias's book. However, I'll send you a possible solution via PM. -Rich

 

I have ran across links to the Frisco family magazine,Ironically,a train explosion must not have been headline catching news back in the day.I never saw mention of it in the May,June,or July 1933 issues.was kinda neat seeing advertizements of the thirties,like a Webster encyclopedia collection for .98 cents.Very cool

http://thelibrary.org/lochist/frisco/magazines/magazines.cfm

 

I just wanted to thank you fine gentleman for your hospitalizes,patience and information.Tho my grandfathers demise was not glorious,He did go out with a big bang in a blaze of glory.

pensive thank you for sharing that page of text,I was not disturbed by the authors writings,It was not for from the norm of my drunken German immigrant roots.

Frisco1522
I will forward my email via pm to you in case you happen to run across those pictures of the boiler explosion.I would really like a copy.

 

thanks for the link