For you Kansas City guys: As a lad in the late 50's... I recall there being a "U-ride-em" type amusement park railroad at Swope Park. I THOUGHT I recall seeing a Missouri Pacific (or similiar) painted Alco cab unit, and a nice looking profusion of tracks. I recall there were other engines and cars too, but the memory mentioned is the only reclaimable mental image I have. Am I remembering correctly? If so, does anyone have any more info concerning this relic of my memory? Andre Ming
Re: Swope Park RR?? I never saw the trains there since I grew up in Cape Girardeau, but know that they existed based on discussions I heard while a member of the Kansas City Live Steamers. It is my understanding that some of the gear ended up with the Kansas City Northern group on Wakomis drive up here in the northlands of KC. Here is a link to a site that has pictures of the trains at Swope Park years ago, but requires a "donation" to see them: http://www.oldkc.com/images_missouri_amusementparks_swopepark.htm [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Kansas City Northern Railroad[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]The 16-gauge railroad on the north section of the community center grounds is open from the first weekend in May until the last weekend in September.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]The train will not operate in inclement weather.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Address: 5940 N.W. Waukomis Drive Kansas City, MO 64151[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Hours:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday and holidays, noon to 6 p.m.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Cost:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] 50 cents for a single trip ticket; 10-trip tickets are $4.50; and 20-trip tickets are $9.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Groups:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Groups may charter the train Friday only.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Reservations:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Call (816) 436-0576.[/FONT]
Re: Swope Park RR?? Go and see the Kansas City Northern! The MTC equipment is beautifully restored, nice ride around the track, you can't beat it for 50 cents. It is my understanding that the Swope Park train was the basis for this railroad. - James
Re: Swope Park RR?? That takes me back. I was just barely old enough to remember riding it and thrilled that I was riding a train. That doesn't help you much, but I appreciate the trip down memory lane, even if it is limited. (I lived in KC from 6 months old until about 8 yrs/o.)
Re: Swope Park RR?? there is something similar to that in Parsons, only it's painted MKT green and yellow. Ran pretty well to. I have also seen one in pittsburg that was in ok condition, and then one in Carthage that was in terrible condition.
Re: Swope Park RR?? I remember riding the trains at least twice as a kid. If my memory serves me correctly the first time the trains went further than they did the second. I believe there was a concession stand where one could buy a ticket and then board the train. I remember buildings such as a water tank and a depot. There was at least one tunnel of sorts and an area called the rain forest where they had garden hoses hooked up that would spray a fine mist of water on the riders. Ethan references the train at Parsons and I believe the one at Pittsburg. I am starting a separate thread entitled "Park Trains" and encourage everyone on the list to add to it so that as we travel throughout the summer we can stop and ride them. I will continue to add ones that I know of as time permits.
Re: Swope Park RR?? You have a good recollection Frisco Friend! I was in early grade school, mid 1960's, when I rode the Swope Park train. I'm afraid it wasn't in Frisco colors, but as one of the other Posters put it: "it was still a train", and I was in heaven when I rode it. The Aunt that I've previously posted about, who got me interested in trains at an early age (about pre-school), took me to the Swope Park Zoo (now called the Kansas City Zoo) fairly often. When she would take care of me, and ask what I'd like to do, it was: "can we go to the Zoo and ride the train(?)". Usually, for the record, on the way to the Zoo, I'd request my favorite lunch, as well: a hamburger, french fries, and chocolate milkshake. I can still recall partaking of this feast at Winstead's, the original drive-in on the Plaza in Kansas City - oh boy! Back to the train: Frisco Friend was correct about the buildings, water tower, etc. The highlight was, indeed, the tunnel that the train went through. After riding several minutes, through some winding track, back and forth, you'd hit a pretty fair straightaway, and could see the approaching tunnel up ahead. There was a rain forrest that you'd slowly go through with a mist and colored lights. Then, suddenly into the tunnel, and it always seemed to take my breath away, as we entered the darkness. Inside, there were more lights and fountains (I think). The little train was pretty cool, I thought. It was painted in the Kansas City Southern passenger colors, mimicking the Southern Belle. The little F-Units seemed to be like F-3's, an A and B, as I recall. For a little "Park Train" of it's size, I was impressed by the accuracy of scale and color-scheme of the painted equipment. After talking with someone at my former work, a few years back, she did mention that the trainset was up in North Kansas City. She is a few years older, but she remembers the little train too. Now she takes her grandson to ride it every once in a while. Seeing this post brought back some fond memories - thanks! Bob - Lenexa, KS
