A pair of shots from L&Ns STL line. First, F7 818 leads a westbound out of the siding and across IL 158 west of Rentchler, IL in June of 66. Then E-units on what’s left of the Georgian/Hummingbird passing the same siding eastbound in July of 68. Both shots by Michael J Kelly. I am looking for more slides of this line for use in my next book, Rails Around Indiana and southern Illinois.
I am pleased to announce the launch of my next book, Rails Around Indiana (and southern Illinois) – The Hoosier State in Days Past. This new book will follow in the template of Rails Around Missouri and Rails Around Michigan, featuring all-color photographs from the steam era to the mid-1980s. It will be hard cover, and in the range of 150-200 pages packed full of photos, maps and advertising collateral from the railroads of that era.
Go to the Rails Around Indiana page of this website for more info!
It’s a Frisco Friday, with a sampling of Frisco images that can be found in Rails Around Missouri. The book is once again available in hard cover print, exclusively from the Britegraphix wing of Sekan Printing of Ft Scott, KS. Order yours today for $48 + $5 shipping by emailing Don Banwart, donald@sekan.com. If you live in or visit the St. Louis area, let me know and I will be happy to sign your copy.
Above – West Plains, MO, by Bob Plough
Above – Springfield, June 1980 by Terry Norton
Above – Rolla, Sept 1978 by Daniel Schroeder
Above – Rolla, 10-13-75 by Paul Dalman
The photos and captions in the actual book go into great detail, with history and maps, timetable info, etc. Don’t miss out!
South of Cape Girardeau, the jointly operated MP-SSW mainline from East St Louis, IL to Dexter, MO crosses the Mississippi River at Thebes, just east of Scott City. Known as Illmo by the railroads, the Cotton Belt had a large, 2-story station and office building here. In July, 1978, MP GP38 # 2130 leads a southbound past the old depot. MP trains did not stop here for a crew change, but instead ran through to Poplar Bluff there the change was made.
While the line from East St Louis to the Thebes bridge was owned and controlled by the MP, the line from the bridge to Dexter belonged to the Cotton Belt. A trio of MP GP50s drift downgrade from the Thebes bridge and into Illmo in March 1983. Both photos by Camille F Chappuis.
The above selections are found on pages 150-151 of “Rails Around Missouri”. Released in 2013, this 224-page hardcover book contained over 500 all-color photographs from all over the state of Missouri, from 1946-1986. Steam, diesel, freight & passenger trains from a by-gone era are recreated in living color for your trip to the past.
Back in print, your copy is waiting for you by contacting Don Banwart with Sekan Printing, 620 223-5190, option 1, or by emailing donald@sekan.com
Don’s price is $48 + $5 shipping
It’s been 2 months since Rails Around Missouri was re-released in hardback. The response has been enthusiastic, with many readers seeing it for the first time. Reprinted in more vibrant color and with a new cover, the book contains all 224 pages filled with over 500 all-color images from every part of Missouri, from 1946 to 1986.
Sekan Publishing’s Britegraphix is the printer of this version, and copies can be ordered directly from them by emailing Don Banwart, donald@sekan.com, or calling 620 664-7014 (please stay on until voicemail picks up).
You can also inquire at your local hobby shop, or visit the SEK Hobbies booth at the upcoming train shows:
Joplin Mo.,March 26, Springfield Mo. April 26, – Katy railroad historic Society convention April 21-24 ,- Oklahoma Spring show April 30,31, N.R.H..S. program friday evening 7;00 p.m .Wichita, Kansas ,- Enid, Oklahoma train show June 18-19.