New Jerseyan (Metropolitan New York) just joined.

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by Jack May, Feb 20, 2017.

  1. Jack May

    Jack May Member

    I've always lived in the northeastern U. S. When I started collecting railroad timetables in the late 1950s I learned about the Frisco, and was impressed by the fact that its varnish stretched across the east-west gateway (like the Wabash). After working a summer job in 1955, I bought a railroad ticket and traveled to St. Louis, staying at the Terminal Hotel and observing all the action at Union Station. At that time I saw a number of beautiful red-painted streamlined GM and Alco locomotives, from the Frisco, the Katy and even the Cotton Belt. I had been introduced to the Official Guide a few months earlier, and saw that there was one railroad in the St. Louis area that used a different station. Because I was having so much fun trainwatching at Union Station, I didn't go exploring, so I'm sorry to say I missed the Illinois Terminal.

    Anyway, I always wanted to ride a Frisco passenger train and I finally got a chance in the mid-1960s. While a trip on the Cotton Belt was no longer viable, I did ride the Katy's Texas Special from San Antonio to Fort Worth, the Santa Fe's Texas Chief to Oklahoma City, and finally, the Meteor to St. Louis. I enjoyed every minute, especially the dining. Unfortunately the Meteor was quite late into St. Louis and the Abraham Lincoln, on which I had a parlor car seat, had already been dispatched. But the Wabash was held for the connection. I had already ridden the Blue Bird as part of my 1956 trip, so I chose to get my Broadway Limited ticket changed to the Spirit of St. Louis, and spent the rest of the morning riding the Hodiamont streetcar line. Wish I had ridden more of the Frisco.

    Also, too bad I wasn't taking slides then.

    Jack May
     
  2. gjslsffan

    gjslsffan Staff Member Staff Member

    Nice to hear of that era of railroading. If you have pictures please post them.
    Welcome aboard.
     
  3. klrwhizkid

    klrwhizkid Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Jack, Welcome Aboard! Take time to look around at what is offered here. If you have something to share, be it Frisco or other, we would like you to do so.
     
  4. FriscoCharlie

    FriscoCharlie Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Welcome aboard Jack. We are glad to have you.

    Charlie
     
  5. yardmaster

    yardmaster Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Howdy and welcome, Jack - always interesting to see folks from outside the Frisco's traditional footprint. I especially enjoy hearing folks' railroad experiences - glad you shared yours.

    Best Regards,
     
  6. Joe Lovett

    Joe Lovett Member

    Welcome to the Frisco website Jack!!!

    Joe
     
  7. jmoore16

    jmoore16 Member

    You are a breath of fresh inspiration!

    I have studied some of the Frisco passenger and freight trains, but from the outside looking in if you will.

    You actually rode inside looking out! Never even thought about it from that perspective. Any stories or pictures would be welcomed!

    JFM
     
  8. meteor910

    meteor910 2009 Engineer of the Year Staff Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Welcome aboard Jack! Let's hear more about your ride to St Louis and your travels in and out.

    Ken
     
  9. Peddling Joe

    Peddling Joe Frisco Employee

    Jack, The Railroad Historical Museum, Inc. in Springfield, MO. Springfield was headquarters for the Frisco prior to the early 1980's era merger. The Meteor ran through Springfield. Our museum has been gifted with hundreds of postcards, & photos, most of them are railroad or commuter train related. The donor's late father was employed by the New York, New Haven & Hartford R. Probably 80% of them are from the northeastern part of the U. S. including Chicago. See www.rrhistoricalmuseum.zolomshare.com
    These are not indexed and other than the post cards, have any information we can use to identify locations, etc.
    SUMMARY: If you have a certain location, subject or interests other than time tables, let me know and I will attempt to maybe get a copy to you (at no charge)
    Joe G. Felin
    Vice President
    The Railroad Historical Museum, Inc.
     

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