4-8-2 SLSF 4308. This is not something that I like to see, but it is brutal reality and everything comes to an end, even the fire breathing beast I wish I had seen in person. Photograph from Classic Trains and it came with this caption. "Workers at Sheffield Steel in Kansas City just started at the rear of Frisco 4-8-2 4308 one day in April 1953 and worked their way forward. Photo by James A. Williams"
The Frisco had enough confidence in its new diesel motive power, that for the duration of the the Korean War, it was content to set-aside a handful of steam locomotives. Set aside were the 1500s, about 10 or so 4200s, and the 4500s for the traffic surge that never materialized. The 4300s and 440’s were quick to the torch, and even during the war the Frisco had no qualms with sending the 4308 to Sheffield Steel.
Yes. In order to get the 4300s and the 4400s under the train shed at Kansas City Union Station depot, the Frisco “shaved-off” the sand domes.
