From Richard Crabtree on Frisco Rails Across Missouri: The introduction of the new diesel Frisco Meteor with Frisco No. 2005 & 2002 EMD EA7s built in 1947 and ready to take over from the 4-8-4 Northerns #4500-01-02. In April of 1948 the new EA7s were ready to go. Here is a Frisco Marketing piece introducing the sleek new train. Images, MSU Digital Collection. Karl Brand During the latter part of 1945 and during 1946, optimism abounded as the Frisco worked to leave receivership. During 1945, the court authorized the Frisco’s request to purchase “three complete streamlined trains of the most modern design”. Contracts totaling $4,409,000 were let, and delivery was expected to occur during the latter part of 1946. The court authorized this spending to “improve the efficiency and economy of operations and to meet competition”; so declared the 1945 Annual Report. The Frisco had not changed its 1936 strategy with regard to dealing with declining passenger volumes. That is to say, the Frisco management intended to battle the automobile, bus, truck, and airplane with new equipment and diesel motive power. The post-war demand for new railroad equipment exceeded EMD’s and Pullman’s ability to produce such equipment. The six, EA-7’s arrived during March 1947, which was well ahead of the light-weight train sets. The last of the light-weight equipment arrived a year later. During March 10-11, 1948, the Frisco ran a PR/Demo train between Springfield and OKC with the EA-7's and some of the on-hand Meteor cars. A second test run between Springfield and St/ Louis occurred on March 29-30. The debut of the new Meteor occurred during May 14, and the Texas Special debut occurred during May 16. Given the rapid decline of passenger volumes which began during the early 20’s, and which continued rapidly during 1946 and 1947, one has to wonder what the board room thought of its $4 million purchase.
