Steam & Excursion > Frisco's one attempt at streamstyling a 1500 4-8-2

I've never been sure what prompted Frisco to do this, but early '40s saw one of their 1500-1514 class 4-8-2s dolled up with skirts, streamlined pilot, larger tender and stainless steel trim.
I'm thankful that was their only venture on a 1500.   I think Otto Kuhler drew up a design to put on one of the Springfield built 4300 4-8-2, but it was never done.
Wm. Barham was a St. Louis policeman and his Dad was a Frisco conductor.  As a cop, he had free rein around Lindenwood and downtown St. Louis.
He shot this from the steps of the tower at Southeastern Jct. on a gloomy December day in 1942.

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Great scene. Since photography of trains was discouraged/forbidden during WW II, this takes on even greater value. More than likely, his being a policeman helped him in his photography allowing him to take photos where others could not.
Bob

Other roads were doing this, but no offense, Frisco clearly missed the mark. Nice looking train, though!

I don't think it looks that bad as compared to other railroads' attempts.  Kind looks a little Lionel-ish.  But a great photo.

Compared to other roads attempts at streamlining steam, this actually looks pretty good. No garish paint job, no bullet nose. 

MILW16 Wrote:
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> I don't think it looks that bad as compared to
> other railroads' attempts.  Kind looks a little
> Lionel-ish.  But a great photo.
Personally, I like the photo and the look of the engine, and as you said, better than some other railroads did.
John in White Marsh, Maryland

Late in her career (1949-50) she had her plumage removed and was changed over to burning coal.  Kept the jacketed smokebox and chicken coop pilot.
Second photo is as delivered from Baldwin.
 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/14/24 16:17 by Frisco1522.

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I think the as-built is the best looking. Thanks very much for the interesting look back.

Tom

I fully agree Tom!!!  A jacketed smoke box on any steamer just doesn't fit, but at this time with this engine, it's understandable.  Thanks to you and Frisco1522, all these are keepers!

Thanks for sharing. Looks like a lot of mail on the head end.

Victor Baird

Hey Don - looking at that as-built photo makes me wonder who did the pinstripping on the cab and tender on 1522?

MILW16 Wrote:
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> Hey Don - looking at that as-built photo makes me
> wonder who did the pinstripping on the cab and
> tender on 1522?

I did all the lettering and striping.

More beauties along with yesterday's - thank you, Don.

You, I and others have driven under that overpass many times, and I've always wondered what the view looked like from above and from that angle. Now I know - and a fine view it was. Bill Barham knew how to take advantage of it, too.

And I do envy that operator in SE Jct. tower - he got to see views like this all the time. Lucky, lucky guy! Probably a pretty high seniority job. Would any of us have bid for it? Naw, just another op's job....(right-oh!)

Keep up the good work. There are plenty of us here who appreciate your work and Frisco commentary, as well as for other steam, too.

Mark



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/16/24 08:31 by ironmtn.

My guess is that the operator there got plenty of exercise, especially during the war.
Everything that left St. Louis, both freight and passenger on the Eastern and River Divisions picked up their orders and clearance card at SE Jct.  Passenger power would pick them up and then back down to Union Station.

Lot of trips up and down those steps.
Those of you who have access to Trains Magazine archives can check out the December 1943 issue for a good article on Southeastern Jct.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/16/24 09:14 by Frisco1522.

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