Nostalgia & History > WAG Wednesday: NRHS Trip on the KP in '66

On Sunday May 15, 1966 several Topeka, KS railfans set forth on an NRHS excursion. The destination was west across the KP to Salina, KS. The train they rode was, of course, train #17, the Portland Rose. Included in the roster of railfan passengers was future TO member Art Gibson. His father, Bill was also along as was about a dozen or so local fans of the time. The black & white photography for this thread/story was shot by Art. He took shots at the interim station stops on the way to Salina. These scenes make up the story in this the 1st of 2 parts. Follow along in the captions with the Topeka gang as make their way to Salina.

Next week we'll take a look through Art's camera at the Salina RR scene; ala 1966...

1. & 2 UP 929 is leading train #17, the "Portland Rose" seen in a station stop at Topeka, KS. Bringing up the rear markers are 3 REA boxes. The weather wasn't so good in Topeka, but it cleared up for most of the trip.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/04/22 01:23 by santafe199.

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3. 4. & 5. Three scenes during the station stop at Manhattan, KS. All shots are looking west toward the Rock Island crossing which was just a few dozen yards west of the Manhattan passenger platform. Note the UP Motor Freight trailer parked adjacent to the baggage car.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/04/22 01:23 by santafe199.

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6. The Junction City, KS depot is prominent is this scene looking north. Note the two-tone US Mail letter pick-up box.

7. Back aboard #17 this is a scene from the other side of the train looking south toward the 8th St crossing in Junction City. The old MK&T depot stood somewhere in this background.

8. The platform scene during #17's station stop in Abilene, KS. That's Bill Gibson's close friend Marion Perrin with suit, tie & hat, plus 2 suitcases posing for Art after getting off the train at Abilene.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/04/22 01:25 by santafe199.

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9. & 10. #17 has arrived at Salina, KS for the station/service stop.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/04/22 01:27 by santafe199.

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11. MILW 31B is the middle unit in consist.

12. & 13. UP 936 is the rear unit in consist in these two views.
all photos taken by William A. (Art) Gibson Jr. on May 15, 1966.

Thanks for looking riding along!
Lance Garrels (santafe199)
Art Gibson (wag216)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/04/22 01:27 by santafe199.

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Very nice collection - lots of detail to look at!

Steve Mitchell
http://www.yardgoatimages.com

Lance, your killing me. Where do I insert the money into the computer? Black and White rules! Look at all those pedestrian crossovers at the Topeka platform! The Abilene shot has everything, vintage car, mail box, Art's friend, etc.

My browsing routine in this section has changed...I just scan the authors' list to the right of the subject line.

Anything by "SantaFe199" is clicked first.

This is a wonderful set. Why is it original black and white photos bring you back to a better time . It just sets the mood. It's like your standing on the platform when you look at these. At least for me it is.

NineHourLimit Wrote:

> My browsing routine in this section has
> changed...I just scan the authors' list to the
> right of the subject line.
>
> Anything by "SantaFe199" is clicked first.

That is a MOST gracious compliment which I very humbly thank you for! The majority of the credit goes to Art Gibson (WAG Jr.) for allowing me to scan & archive the entire Gibson collection (Sr. & Jr.). I'm really just the lucky bum that gets to drive this bus... :^)

Lance

santafe199 Wrote:
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> 6. The Junction City, KS depot is prominent is
> this scene looking north. Note the two-tone US
> Mail letter pick-up box.
>
And the 2-toned '56 Chevy Bel-Air. Very nice collection, Lance.

When did the Rose stop carrying a sleeper east of Denver?

Thanks in advance,

Rob L.

All good pictures--excellent, in fact. It is really neat to have markers on the reefers. On Santa Fe #19, when express boxes were on the rear, they hung a lighted switchman's lantern on the pin lifter.

Take me back to Manhattan in 1968 please, I need to stay there a while.

Wow! Excellent photo essay! Thank you.

I agree with Ninehourlimit. He summed it up perfectly. Look for Santafe199 and "click it"

Dave Johansen
Glen Ellyn, IL

Thanks for the pictures. My first train ride (age 3) was from Salina to Topeka in 1962 on the PR. 949, 963B, and 929 were the power. I have lots of pictures of the 949 (it is still around), but nice to see the 929. Now to find a picture of the original 963B! (The current 963B was really the 970B).

Scott Schifer
Torrance, CA
TinyTrains Website

Art,
Good pics and thanks for allowing Lance to post them. upkpfan