#808 Sunnyland?

Discussion in 'Action Photos' started by meteor910, Sep 12, 2007.

  1. meteor910

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

    Here's an interesting pic taken off of a current eBay listing - a June, 1956 photo of the Frisco coming in to St Louis from Memphis.

    Train is #808, The Sunnyland? As I recall, arrived around 3:30pm?

    Pic is not the best, but the consist looks like two coaches, a RPO, two baggage/express and a lone E-unit. That's about what I remember the usual make-up of the Sunnyland was, St Louis-Memphis. Never rode that train - always wanted to.

    Ken

    ps - The pic is still available!
     

    Attached Files:

  2. yardmaster

    yardmaster Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Guess 10 years isn't too late for a bump on this one...

    Ken, for you and others who were fortunate enough to experience SLUS in its heyday, any thoughts as to precise location?

    The wee bit I have gleaned from photos makes me think its just east of Tower 1 based on the surrounding buildings? If my guess is correct, then would 808 back into the trainshed to discharge passengers?

    And I guess the same operational procedure would apply for all Frisco trains?

    I would concur that the single E unit plus its consist and apparent afternoon shadows would point to 808.

    Best Regards,
     
    Ozarktraveler likes this.
  3. klrwhizkid

    klrwhizkid Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Chris, I believe that picture was taken from the 18th St overpass just south of Union Station, looking to the east-northeast. The building next to the overpass in the picture is still extant with its west face painted to look more impressive.
     
    Ozarktraveler likes this.
  4. WindsorSpring

    WindsorSpring Member

    I agree with klrwhizkid; It looks like the photo was taken somewhere in the middle or perhaps towards the south end (Chouteau) of the 18th street bridge.

    The attached photo, from August 26, 2017, was taken from the opposite (north) end of the bridge. Much has changed. US 40/I 64 goes overhead, much of the trackage has been removed and passenger locomotives look different. There still is a flute-sided, round-end observation car, though not one with red trim. It is "Babbling Brook."
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Apr 13, 2018
    Ozarktraveler likes this.
  5. yardmaster

    yardmaster Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Thanks, Keith, and thanks for the picture, George. Indeed, things have changed a bit in some 60-odd years.

    Best Regards,
     
    Ozarktraveler likes this.
  6. meteor910

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

    Chris - Agree with all the info posted above. Yes, all SLSF passenger trains, be they coming up from the Eastern Division or River Division, ran east past StLUS, then backed in to the trainshed for unloading passengers. At least that was their normal procedure. Some times the Meteor was so long they had to break it into two sections and put them in on adjacent tracks. I'm not sure about the earlier commuter trains. I think some of them from other roads (MoP? RI?) pulled into the station engine first to unload.
    Sure wish we could still go down there and watch to answer all questions!
    K
     
    Ozarktraveler likes this.

Share This Page