Today's historic steam excursion used steam locomotive St. Louis - San Francisco (Frisco) No. 1522 and a fleet of Amtrak and privately owned passenger cars. Frisco 1522, is owned by the St. Louis Steam Train Association and is operated in cooperation with railroads, such as BNSF over which today's train operated. The NRHS convention very much appreciates the support of BNSF, and Amtrak, for the operation of today's trip. Frisco 1522 was built by Baldwin Locomotive works on Philadelphia in 1926. It is a mountain type locomotive with a 4-8-2 wheel configuration. The picture at the left shows 1522 at Rook, Missouri.

The excursion train left the Amtrak Station in St. Louis, headed west over the line now known as BNSF's Cuba subdivision for a 240 mile round-trip adventure. The original route was that of the Pacific Railroad's South-West Branch. The Pacific Railroad of Missouri was chartered by the Missouri legislature and construction began in St. Louis on July 4, 1851. The railroad faced numerous mergers, reorganizations, and name changes before becoming part of what is now known as the St. Louis & San Francisco (or Frisco as it came to be known) in 1876. The Frisco built as far west as Colorado, never reaching its namesake destination. The Frisco continued to expand in other areas into the early 1900's, with an aggressive expansion program, with connections into Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma, and worked arrangements with other carriers for access to Chicago. The railroad continued to struggle through the early 1900's and the great depression, which brought bankruptcy in 1932, until World War II saw an impressive traffic boom on the Frisco that helped it get out of bankruptcy by 1947. Postwar on the Frisco was its perhaps healthiest period ever with strong traffic in southwestern and southeastern territories, and the company carefully fostering bridge traffic. By February 1952, the railroad was dieselized fully, having retired its last steam engine. Eventually the Frisco was merged into the Burlington Northern on November 21, 1980.

Saturday morning presented a beautiful Midwestern day; as we awaited the arrival of the train in the station excitement and anticipation were in plentiful supply. Like Thursday's excursion, the snack and souvenir car was of course open in order to make the day still more enjoyable and memorable. On the train all passengers received a detailed route guide for the trip, describing sites and points of interest along the way. In addition, each passenger received a box lunch and beverage. The route, through the rolling hills of Missouri, provided a scenic backdrop for the trip. The consist of the train was as follows:

There was a double photo run-by at Rook. With the sun shining brightly, the train glistened in the morning sun. The second run-by was at Newburg, where the train was serviced.

The initial run west lasted about 3.5 hours and covered a distance of about 118 miles to Brandy Jct, where the train was wyed. The the train headed east a few minutes back to Newburg. In Newburg there was an hour layover for the servicing of the engine, and then an impromptu photo run-by. Then it was time to "highball" for St. Louis.

During today's trip there were many moments which exemplified the diversity of interests and backgrounds that is one of the hallmarks of the membership of the NRHS. Of course, there were many steam engine fans, men and women, and quite a few history buffs. There was more though: West Web, eight years old, and his father Mike (pictured on left), of Memphis, Tennessee, were enjoying a father and son day together.

Ken Brooks (pictured on right), an avid railfan from Washington, D.C., was taking in scenery from the dome of the SILVER SOLARIUM.

And, our banquet speaker, Ed Ellis, was exemplifying his ideal of giving his kids the gift and love of the "Thrilling Trains of Their Youth." Ed, Nora (11), Emily (7), and son Graham (5), and his wife Peggy, enjoyed a full-day family-oriented rail outing together, in the lounge section of our train.

As our day neared its end, the passengers were treated to one last impromptu photo-run-by. The run-by was in Lindenwood Yard in St. Louis, a most unusual and seldom photographed from location.

Our train arrived back in St. Louis at 7:30 PM, about a half-hour early, early, a fitting conclusion to a spectacular convention.

Additional Photos:

View from the Dome
Lounge Passengers Relax
Side shot of 1522 at Newburg
Picture at Rook Run-by
Lindenwood Yard Run-by
Vintage Railcar Kitchi Gammi Club
Working on the Engine
1522 Quarter View