I went to Kansas City Union Station depot as I always do when I am in town, Today I saw something that just went up. A mural of all the trains that serviced Kansas City Union Station depot. I have enclosed several photographs of the depot and the mural. In addition, there are photographs of a special guest. A Mikado type wheel arrangement 2-8-2 SP 745, The Sprit of Louisiana. They just put the rods back on her 2 day ago. She broke down on the way to Kansas City. She is not Frisco, but she survived hurricane "Katrina" and that is pretty special! Also, check out the KC Rail Experiences at the following link. http://www.unionstation.org/exhibitDetail.cfm?listingID=150 FM
I have never been to Kansas City Union Station depot. I assume Amtrak is the only passenger service? Is there any good train watching there, like thru freight or yard switching at the depot?
To answer your questions, yes, and yes. At the depot it is mainly Amtrak. But the Kansas City Terminal (KCT) Railway line heading east - west runs through there. So you will see freight. This included the remaining railroads BNSF, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific trains for the regional run throughs and inter-railroad transfers. If you go to google maps, type in the address of the depot, Kansas City Union Station, 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108. http://www.google.com/maphp?hl=en&tab=wl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial_s&q= Look to the west, north and east, you will find BNSF - ex-Frisco, ex-ATSF, ex-CB&Q, Kansas City Southern - Ex-C&A/GM&O/ICG, Ex-Milwaukee/Soo Line/MD&E/CP Rail, Kansas City Terminal Railway, Norfolk Southern - ex-Wabash, Union Pacific - ex-CGW/CNW, ex-MKT, ex-MP, ex-CRIP/SSW/SP there as well. The remaining owner railroads sit on the board of directors for the Kansas City Terminal Railway. The Kansas City Union Station is now owned by the Union Station Assistance Corporation. It is operated by the non-profit Kansas City Union Station, Inc. It seems all trains run through Kansas City. FM
That is a terrific painting. I suppose paying a little homage to Thomas Hart Benton. That looks like him looking down from the cloud of smoke over the C&A steamer. I wish I had a print or a poster of the mural. Tom
I am a new kid, 67 years young, on the block. Lived in Shawnee, KS from 1963-1969. Can anyone tell me what happened to the O-scale layout that was being built in the ramparts at that time. I have been an avid Frisco lover ever since then. Sherrel Weems I was a tough kid.
Back to the Kansas City Union Station depot mural. Who is the guy in the cloud of smoke? I take it to be Thomas Hart Benton, I guess as a tribute, because it is done in his style. Any ideas? Anyone know who painted it? Tom
Where do they have the mural hanging in Kansas City Union Station depot? What part of the building? Ken
The painting is on the west wall in the stairway and escalator leading to the downstairs on the west side of the main lobby area. It looks like it is painted on the wall itself. Ship IT on the Frisco! Rick
Rick, Thanks. My wife attended a convention in Kansas City in June, 2006. I went along for the ride. While she was in her meetings, I toured Kansas City. I spent about a half-day in Kansas City Union Station depot and really enjoyed it. Magnificent building . I would like to see them do more with it than they had underway then. Ken
Microsoft Live map view of Kansas City Union Station depot, Kansas City, MO. Click the links below. Be patient while loading, it will take you there. If you do not have Microsoft Virtual Earth 3D loaded, it will ask you to do so. It should take you to the link, if not, re click on these link after you install it. http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v...455168418269&phscl=3.84591782045351&encType=1
Kansas City Union Station depot. Photograph dated in the 1970s. There is a small sign out front that says Landmark Restaurant. When did that exist at the station?
This photo was taken before I moved to Kansas City in 1979. The restaurant on the east end of the station was The Lobster Pot at that time. Union Station looks much better these days. Ship IT on the Frisco! Rick
Cannot wait I am gonna be there on Wednesday. We are going to Science City inside Kansas City Union Station depot. Then I will tour the rest of the building. Are there any other railroad museums in the area that I could visit? Ship it on the Frisco! Murphy Millican
Rick, I have only been in Kansas City Union Station depot once, in June of 2006. I saw what was formerly a neat restaurant on the east end on the second floor. Was that the "Lobster Pot" you were referring to? Ken
Here is link for the Original Harvey House menu for the depot. http://www6.nau.edu/library/scadb/recdisplay.cfm?control_num=15649
This thread describes the artwork discussed earlier. http://www.frisco.org/vb/showthread.php?t=2519&highlight=mural+union+station Supposedly the face in the smoke is the architect of Kansas City Union Station. The artist is identified as Gil Reid.
