Southern Run-Through Power - Vinita, OK

When I was a kid I recall in the early evening one summer, mid to late 1970's, there would be an eastbound freight train that would pass through Vinita, OK with pure sets of three Southern six-axle units.

These were probably EMD SD40's for power. I'm assuming they were turned in Tulsa because they ran east every day at roughly the same time, 7 to 8 p.m..

Can anyone fill me in on why pure sets of Southern power, and possibly which train symbol, would be operating on the Frisco?

 

Frisco connected with the Southern in both Birmingham and Memphis.

In passenger days the two railroads jointly operated a passenger train that ran from Kansas City to Jacksonville called the KANSAS CITY-FLORIDA SPECIAL.

No doubt the train you are referencing was a run-through operation, with SR units running beyond Memphis as part of a power-pooling arrangement. Perhaps someone with a more in-depth knowledge of freight operations during the early '70s could give you more precise information and the train number/symbol, but I am sure this is what you were seeing.

Frisco ran similar trains in conjunction with the UP and the SCL, so what you saw was not unusual.

GS

 

I do not recall seeing any SCL or UP pool power personally, but I've seen plenty of pictures.

It seemed the Southern power was doing its thing for a rather short time frame, possibility for just a few months, plus I have never seen any documentation photo-wise of SOU power.

Also none of my Tulsa area peeps recall what I saw hence the inquiry here.

April

 

I hired on in June of 1971 in Tulsa, and I don't recall any Southern power.

This doesn't mean there wasn't any, just poor memory. If they were running through Vinita at that time of the evening, it would have been on the CTB (California, Texas, Birmingham) which was a run through train with the Santa Fe and the return of the QLA.

The OBX (Oklahoma, Birmingham, Express) ran early in the morning, anytime after midnight, and originated in Tulsa. Through the years Southern, SCL, UP, KCS, Santa Fe power would run into Tulsa, and still do.

This made for some colorful consists mixed with Frisco, BN, and BNSF power.

Terry

 

Reviewing my memory reels it may be closer to the mid 70's time frame.

I didn't get my first car until 1978 so it needed to be beforehand. I would ride my bike the two blocks to track side and watch the show. I was rather the Tomboy.

I think what attracted my attention were the rather unique sounding horns compared to the Frisco plus the motors were different with high short hoods. I'm sure it was a hot train as they never made a meet there.

At that time Vinita had a very active siding.

April

 

One more thing.

At roughly the same time period an eastbound freight pass through Vinita with a Southern business car in a very dignified dark green. If I recall correctly the car had a solid glass end. I guess that would make it a Theater/Inspection car.

Made me think the Southern was shopping for another railroad.

 

Prior to the BN/Frisco merger, the Frisco had other railroads looking at it also.

UP, ATSF, and Southern were interested and had officer inspection trains that ran through Tulsa at one time or another.

Terry