My name is Bob Finan, and my interest in the Frisco goes back to the early 60's, when I saw the photo in Trains Magazine of Frisco "F's" on the QLA at Summit on Cajon Pass. I think I was 10 years old or thereabouts. My first visit to Frisco territory was back in August of '72, to the Junction near Springfield, Mo., and visiting the engine facility there. On the same trip, I was also able to visit Vinita, OK., and Paola, KS. Had a great time. Then in August of '78, after the BN merger announcement, I decided to spend a week of photography in the Tulsa-Sapulpa area. When I arrived at Cherokee Yard, the new SD40-2's had only been in service a month or less. Got some great shots of them. Also, I spent an afternoon at Wagoner, OK. (think that's right), where the Mopac Texas Main crossed the Katy Texas Main. I'm originally from Chicago, and I grew up near the Wabash, but when my folks had to move to California in '64 for health reasons, the Santa Fe became my new favorite road. I like BNSF, but not as much as I liked the Santa Fe. Well, that's about all for now. I'm glad to be a part of this orginization. Thanks, Bob Finan
Bob, glad we found each other - enjoy the great Frisco fans - SL-SF and AT&SF have a lot of commonalities going back to the A&P land grant days.
Well Doggies ! I have a neighbor. Welcome, Bob, looking forward to more great photo's. Be sure and add your Pics to the Motive Power section. Sherrel Weems Temecula, CA
Hi Doug, I totally concur. I've always appreciated the "operating practices" similarities between the two roads. The "Avard Connection", and before that, the "Quanah" Route, were key components to getting goods from the southeast to the west coast. My visit to Tulsa in '78 drove the point home even moreso, seeing Santa Fe power at Cherokee. It was the Santa Fe that had the loudest voice of protest against the 1980 BN merger. Funny how it all worked out, and with no disrespect to SP/SSW fans, I'm glad that SPSF didn't come about. I'm glad to make your acquaintance, and look forward to future dialogue with you! Thank you for the "welcome"! Take Care, Bob Finan |-|
Hi Sherrel, Thank you for the welcome, SoCal neighbor! Are you a Hi-Railer (O-Scale 3 Rail), if I read your profile note correctly? I'm a Hi-Railer, but I don't have a "fixed" layout, as I live in an apartment. But I do have an oval on steroids, with O-72 radii turns, and 9' straightaways, fixed to painted 6" wide MDF sections. I consider it my "modular" layout. I was briefly employed by MTH, as their West Coast Account Representative. While my motive power is predominantly MTH, most of my rolling stock is Intermountain, Weaver, and a little Lionel. Look forward to future conversations with you. Talk to you soon, Bob Finan |-|
BOB, I started with a Marx set in the 40's .. Lionel in the 50's ... HO in the 60's ...O Scale in the 70's .. On3 in the 80's ...Absent from mid 80's to late last year. Decided to sell most of everything and get back to Lionel for the Grandkids (5 boys) right now too young for most anything. However, I miss not building - so, will try to get something going again. At the moment I have a 4'x6' 027 for the Grandkids to watch, but am planning on larger 5'x9' On30 on which I will also be able to run my meger HO Frisco stuff. Not a rivet counter, but like to add lots of detail to cars. I had not heard of the Frisco until I moved to KC in the 60's - from that time it is still my favorite road even if I do model different things. There will always be the Frisco name around even if it in on an On30 car. (I can hear the purist screaming now) Hey - Model Railroading is supposed to be fun - Right? Who knows, maybe I will be able to talk the "boss" into the upstairs den 12'x14'. I'm working on it! Look forward to talking to you. Sherrel Weems
