The Big Move
View the route the Museum's equipment will take on its journey from Dallas to Frisco.
The Museum of the American Railroad receives numerous inquiries about the moves each day. We will make every effort to provide advance information about each equipment move. Please keep in mind that these moves are at the convenience of the railroads and may occur with little prior notice. A master schedule for the entire collection move does not exist. For general updates, visit the Museum’s website www.HistoricTrains.org and click on “The Big Move – Rolling Stock” under the “Frisco” tab. For specific updates on train movements, visit the Museum’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HistoricTrains
As with every equipment move, please remember that while the Museum of the American Railroad looks forward to sharing this historic event with members, stakeholders, and the community at large, it must be done from a safe distance. Safety and security are of the utmost importance. As periodic updates are provided by the Museum, we are in no way inviting the public to enter railroad property or board rail equipment at any time during the move. Violations will be considered trespassing and interfering with interstate commerce.
We are greatly indebted to the host railroads for their generosity and support of the Museum's move to Frisco. We share their concern for maintaining a safe environment, and a minimum of disruption of service to their customers. Our sincere thanks to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad, and the Trinity Railway Express for making these moves possible.
July 3, 2012 - H&TC Depot Move
The H&TC depot arrived at its new home in Frisco today. Following a ten hour trek that took the building nearly to Mesquite before heading northwest, it arrived at 5:00am (see image at left). Several radio and television stations covered the move preparations which began Monday morning at 9:00am.
H. D. Snow & Son, aided by McMillan Movers who provided logistics, did an outstanding job of moving the 25’x36’x18’ load through the narrow tree lined streets of Dallas. Recent damage to the Dolphin Road I-30 overpass prevented the depot from taking the same route as Tower 19. This necessitated a long, circuitous route east from Fair Park along Scyene Road and Military Parkway to Buckner Boulevard. From that point, the caravan worked its way back to the original route beginning at Mockingbird Lane and Greenville Avenue – some five hours after its 7:30pm departure from Fair Park. The depot then progressed north on Greenville Avenue, eventually working its way over to Preston Road where it traveled all the way to 121 (see image below), and then to the Dallas North Tollway service road.
With the exception of several tree branches resulting in a few broken windows, the depot fared the trip well. Perhaps with the exception of an attic fire in 1922, the depot had the roughest night of its life. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when it entered the Museum’s new Frisco site from Cotton Gin Road in the early hours of the morning. It has been temporarily placed at a point short of its permanent location until concrete piers can be poured. Once the depot is placed on piers and leveled, reconstruction of the roof will begin.
The venerable structure begins a new chapter in its 112+ year life. Its exact origin is unknown, but recent research indicates that it may have progressed north along T&NO lines for various uses as towns grew at the turn of the century. Its years in Dallas as a yard office date back to at least 1918 when it was listed in an ICC valuation report prepared for all Southern Pacific improvements in the area. Who would have thought that the depot would once again move north from its home in Fair Park, some 50 years after being displaced by Interstate 30 highway construction?
Our thanks to everyone who worked tirelessly during the 23 hours of preparation and movement of the H&TC depot. A special thanks to Russel Sales and the folks at TW Construction who meticulously removed the roof and assisted with achieving the 18’ maximum height restriction necessary to move the structure. Thanks also to the Frisco Convention & Visitors Bureau staff for their coordination of media coverage of this exciting event. And finally, thanks to the Dallas Police Department for their patience as the depot moved ever so slowly along Garland Road, negotiating countless low-hanging branches.
The Big Move - Structures
June 27, 2012
With the rain behind us for a while, the remaining portions of the depot roof have been removed. H. D. Snow & Son is scheduled to move the building on Monday evening, July 2nd. Preparations for the move will take place that morning, including rolling the depot out along beams onto Washington Street for final assembly of the bogies. A crane will lift the three dormer assemblies from atop the roof rafters to be transported separately.
Like Tower 19, the depot will be required to have a final loaded height of no more than 18 feet in order to negotiate the many urban obstacles between Fair Park and the new Frisco site. The depot will make its way through Fair Park Monday afternoon and will depart from the Gaisford Street gate by sundown. The journey is expected to take three or four hours, with the depot arriving at the Frisco site in the wee hours of the morning.
June 13, 2012
Our venerable H&TC depot has taken on a completely different look in recent weeks. The composite shingles and roof decking have been removed along with the original lath dating back to 1900. This work is necessary to achieve an overall height of the structure that does not exceed 18 feet, including the beams and wheels on which it will move.
All that remained was careful disassembly of the roof rafters and removal of the three gables. Then, as if on cue, the rains came. The roof disassembly project has been put on hold until at least seven days of dry weather is assured. Heavy duty tarps have been placed over the depot to keep it in the dry until work can resume.
Once rafters are removed, the dormers will be laid flat on the ceiling joists and the air conditioning unit will be removed. The depot will then be ready for movement to Frisco, which, like Tower 19, will take place during the evening hours.
Once the depot has arrived at the Frisco site, the roof will be reconstructed. Each piece of the original roof structure, including lathwork, has been labeled for reassembly in its original location and configuration. The gables, having been left intact, will be lifted into place and repaired as necessary. New decking and shingles will be applied as the final step in the roof reconstruction process.
The depot will be placed on 26 permanent concrete piers drilled to bedrock. Its location has changed from the original site plan. The depot will now be located adjacent to the Museum’s shop lead track, just southeast from its original proposed location. The Museum is working closely with the Texas Historical Commission to assure the structural and historical integrity of the depot. Its orientation and context is of the highest importance to the Museum in order to maintain its Landmark status and historical interpretation.
May 17, 2012
The upper and middle sections of Tower 19 were reunited today. H.D. Snow & Son spent the last couple of days raising the upper portion several feet in the air to allow for the middle section to be rolled underneath. The upper section was then carefully lowered into position, paying particular attention to aligning the corner posts and vertical studs. (See the photo album below for a sequence of images during reassembly)
Tower 19 is of the balloon type construction. Each vertical stud will require a splint of similar material and dimension to be bolted in place. Exterior grade plywood will then be screwed to the studs, extending above and below the original cuts that made separation of Tower 19 possible. The exterior drop siding will then be reapplied using that which was salvaged during disassembly, supplemented by new material milled to original pattern size.
Once Tower 19 is “sewn up,” work will begin on its permanent foundation/first floor. As with the Tower’s original location and second home at Fair Park, the base will be constructed of concrete. The foundation will be just east of the Tower’s present location. The Tower is sitting adjacent to this site to facilitate drilling of piers, etc. Once the foundation is complete, Tower 19 will be rolled across beams and lowered in place in the same fashion in which it was removed from its foundation in Fair Park.
March 6, 2012:
The Museum’s circa 1900 Houston & Texas Central Depot is currently being readied for movement to Frisco. Today, H. D. Snow & Son completed the installation of two 60 foot beams which now support the length of the structure by its floor joists. At the east end of the depot the beams straddle four bogies which are clamped to shorter beams mounted 90 degrees to the 60 footers. On the west end the beams will be attached to Snow’s largest truck via another transverse beam once movement day arrives.
The depot was hydraulically raised and lowered about 6 inches this afternoon to test the lifting equipment. The building creaked and groaned a bit as staff continued to work in their offices in the upstairs loft. Having passed the test, the Depot sits level with its series of floor joists on a perfect horizontal plane – something the Depot hasn’t experienced in recent years due to settling and deterioration of the wooden piers installed in 1963.
The next step is to remove the roof, including eaves, in order to achieve the reduced height and width necessary for the trip to Frisco. This is scheduled to take a few weeks, weather permitting. Once the roof is disassembled and a suitable temporary covering installed, the Depot will make the trek to Frisco.
March 6, 2012:
The Museum’s Santa Fe Tower 19 now has the distinction of being the first piece in the collection to arrive in Frisco. The Tower was moved onto the site at 1:15am today following a nearly 3 ½ hour trek from Fair Park. The intermediate and top floors moved one behind the other on separate sets of bogies along streets through East Dallas, North Dallas, and finally up Preston Road to the Frisco city limits. They then traveled west along the 121 service road and finally north along the Dallas North Tollway service road to Cotton Gin Road.
The move went off without a hitch – the product of much planning and preparation by all parties involved. H. D. Snow & Son did an outstanding job of moving the Tower for an unprecedented third time in its long life. With a motorcycle escort, four vehicles occupied the full width of most Dallas streets as it moved northward during the cool evening hours. The Dallas Morning News accompanied us for the entire route, gathering documentation through photographs, video, and interviews. There was a feeling of exhilaration and great accomplishment as this historic structure arrived in a community that has long anticipated the relocation of the Museum. This move will undoubtedly be the last as the Tower takes its place at its new, permanent home in Frisco.
The structure’s upper two floors have been temporarily positioned in close proximity to where they will be placed on a permanent concrete foundation that will faithfully replicate the first floor. The stairway side of Tower 19 will ultimately face the Museum’s lead track and BNSF’s main line to the east. The full-windowed side of the Tower will face west, providing a panoramic view of the new Museum. This orientation is in keeping with the Tower’s original configuration along the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe / Missouri- Kansas-Texas of Texas lines, its original builders in 1903.
February 27, 2012:
Due to the possibility of rain this week, Tower 19 is tentatively scheduled to move to Frisco Monday, March 5.
February 23, 2012:
Today, Tower 19’s uppermost floor was removed from the second floor in preparation for movement to Frisco. The top floor will be lowered to the ground and placed on bogies (wheels). Weighing nearly 47,000 lbs., it contains the 105-lever “pistol grip” interlocking machine manufactured by General Railway Signal Company in 1952.
February 8, 2012:
Preparations are underway to separate Tower 19 into two sections for movement to Frisco. H.D. Snow & Son is inserting beams lengthwise through the structure in order to raise the uppermost floor off the intermediate floor. As can be seen in the photograph, the longitudinal beams will allow the top floor to straddle transverse beams at each end of the structure, which will provide for movement westward to be lowered onto a trailer for transport.
November 21, 2012:
The Museum’s two historic structures are being readied for the big move to Frisco. The circa 1900 Houston & Texas Central Depot and 1903 Santa Fe Interlocking Tower 19 will make the 30 mile trek to their new home. Unfortunately, both structures are too tall to move intact and will require disassembly.
In order to remain within a maximum height of 18 feet and also meet clearance limitations on width, the H&TC Depot’s roof will be removed, including eaves. Each piece will be carefully disassembled, labeled, and set aside for reassembly.
Tower 19 will be separated into two sections. The uppermost floor will be carefully removed from the lower portion of the building by removing exterior siding and making strategic cuts in the balloon type framing. The top floor will be placed on beams to be moved separately with its roof intact. The second floor will then be raised off the concrete base, which makes up the first floor. A portion of the original concrete foundation will remain intact with the second floor and moved to Frisco, as was the case when the Tower was moved to Fair Park in 1996. The third and second floors will then be moved separately to Frisco.
H.D. Snow & Son House Moving of Fort Worth will move both structures. Snow moved Tower 19 from its original location near Lamar and Corinth Streets to Fair Park in August, 1996.
The Depot and Tower 19 will be reassembled at the Frisco site using 95% of their original materials including siding and roofing. They will be placed on permanent concrete foundations as part of Phase IC construction. Tower 19 will have a new first floor base constructed.
The Museum has been working closely with the Texas Historical Commission throughout the planning process for the move. Every effort has been made to preserve the historic and structural integrity of the buildings. The Depot was designated a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark in 1979, and Tower 19 was entered into the Historic American Engineering Record in 1992.
Structures Move Images
Depot Move
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Depot Move Preparation
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The Big Move Rolling Stock
Our sincere thanks to BNSF Railway for their generous role in the Museum's collection move from Dallas to Frisco, TX.
Our thanks to Mr. Richard Hall for creating a wonderful piece on the Big Boy's journey from Dallas to Frisco.
August 26, 2013 - Big Boy Arrives in Frisco
Photo courtesy of Ken Fitzgerald.
The Museum's "Big Boy" steam locomotive #4018, a gift of the Union Pacific Railroad 48 years ago, arrived at its new, permanent home in Frisco yesterday. The 1.2 million lb. engine, regarded as the largest of its type in the world, was eased into the Museum of the American Railroad's facility at 2:20pm.
Hundreds of Museum supporters and fans of Big Boy cheered as the large engine rolled to a stop, following the 25-mile journey over BNSF's main line. The celebrated locomotive performed flawlessly throughout the entire move from Dallas' Fair Park to Frisco via Irving. "It's a real testament to the original designers and builders, and the team we assembled to inspect and prepare it for movement," said Museum CEO, Bob LaPrelle.
Under the direction of Scott Lindsay of Steam Operations Corporation, the Museum's Steam Crew spent countless hours inspecting, lubricating, repairing, and even fabricating mechanical components of the Big Boy locomotive. No mechanical issues arose during the 55-mile trek over busy main lines between Dallas and Frisco. The engine rolled silently and effortlessly, sharing the line with modern passenger, commuter, and freight trains pulled by high horsepower diesel locomotives. Still considered the most powerful, the 71-year-old #4018 seemed to garner the respect of its younger counterparts even after having sat static for 48 years.
The locomotive departed South Irving at 10:35am, arriving in Frisco 3 hours and 45 minutes later. Two stops were made en route to inspect and lubricate #4018's running gear. Thousands of onlookers lined the tracks throughout the move, with clusters of people in Irving, Carrollton, and Plano cheering the engine on to its final destination. Upon arrival in Frisco, #4018 was greeted by residents, city officials, and Museum stakeholders.
After Big Boy's week-long adventure on main line trackage, including a layover in Irving next to TRE's busy commuter line, it begins a new chapter in its life. While brief, the engine's trip to Frisco demonstrated its ability to amaze and inspire a new generation of fans and keep the fascination with trains alive! It will become the centerpiece of the Museum of the American Railroad's new rail history and technology center in Frisco.
BNSF crews were diligent in providing a safe and timely move. We are greatly indebted to BNSF Railway for its untiring commitment to the Big Boy move.
August 23, 2013 - 4018 to Move Sunday, 8/25
he process of moving Big Boy #4018 from Irving to Frisco is scheduled to begin Sunday 8/25 at 9:00 AM. An exact departure time has not been established. For those who would like to view #4018, please remember that there is no public access to the locomotive in South Irving. Our sincere thanks to DART, TRE, and Herzog for their patience and support over the past week. We look forward to a safe and timely arrival of Big Boy at its new home in Frisco.
The Museum of the American Railroad receives numerous inquiries about the moves to Frisco each day. We will make every effort to provide advance information about each equipment move. Please keep in mind that these moves are at the convenience of the railroads and may occur with little prior notice. A master schedule for the entire collection move does not exist.
As with every equipment move, please remember that while the Museum of the American Railroad looks forward to sharing this historic event with members, stakeholders, and the community at large, it must be done from a safe distance. Safety and security are of the utmost importance. As periodic updates are provided by the Museum, we are in no way inviting the public to enter railroad property or board rail equipment at any time during the move. Violations will be considered trespassing and interfering with interstate commerce.
At the request of residents adjacent to the Museum's site in Frisco, access to the end of Cotton Gin Road and the area immediately to the North is prohibited. The City has provided a tented viewing area just inside the Museum's fence for onlookers to gather. Parking will be available at the Frisco Discovery Center. Access to the Museum's site will be through the contractor gate along Cotton Gin Road. Parking along Cotton Gin Road is prohibited.
Access to the Museum site will be available approximately one hour prior to the Big Boy's arrival. Restrooms and refreshments are not available at the site.
We are greatly indebted to the host railroads for their generosity and support of the Museum's move to Frisco. We share their concern for maintaining a safe environment, and a minimum of disruption of service to their customers. Our sincere thanks to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad, and the Trinity Railway Express for making these moves possible.
August 19, 2013 - Big Boy Lays Over in Irving
Photo courtesy of Ken Fitzgerald
Big Boy #4018 arrived safely in South Irving at 8:30pm last night. The move was slow getting underway due to heavy traffic on Union Pacific's main line. Once underway, the locomotive performed flawlessly with no mechanical issues.
Due to the late arrival in Irving, it was decided not to continue movement on to Frisco that evening. Big Boy is tentatively scheduled to move from Irving to Frisco this coming Saturday (8/24) or Sunday (8/25).
It was very gratifying to observe so many Museum supporters and Big Boy fans see the locomotive off on its departure from Fair Park. There were literally hundreds of well-wishers who waited patiently throughout the day to see the big engine begin its journey.
August 15, 2013 - Big Boy Move Confirmed
We received confirmation from the Railroads this afternoon that Big Boy #4018 is scheduled to move this Sunday, August 18.
Our sincere thanks to the Railroads for their continued support in this historic move.
The Museum of the American Railroad receives numerous inquiries about the moves to Frisco each day. We will make every effort to provide advance information about each equipment move. Please keep in mind that these moves are at the convenience of the railroads and may occur with little prior notice. A master schedule for the entire collection move does not exist.
As with every equipment move, please remember that while the Museum of the American Railroad looks forward to sharing this historic event with members, stakeholders, and the community at large, it must be done from a safe distance. Safety and security are of the utmost importance. As periodic updates are provided by the Museum, we are in no way inviting the public to enter railroad property or board rail equipment at any time during the move. Violations will be considered trespassing and interfering with interstate commerce.
At the request of residents adjacent to the Museum's site in Frisco, access to the end of Cotton Gin Road and the area immediately to the North is prohibited. The City has provided a tented viewing area just inside the Museum's fence for onlookers to gather. Parking will be available at the Frisco Discovery Center. Access to the Museum's site will be through the contractor gate along Cotton Gin Road. Parking along Cotton Gin Road is prohibited.
Access to the Museum site will be available approximately one hour prior to the Big Boy's arrival. Restrooms and refreshments are not available at the site.
We are greatly indebted to the host railroads for their generosity and support of the Museum's move to Frisco. We share their concern for maintaining a safe environment, and a minimum of disruption of service to their customers. Our sincere thanks to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad, and the Trinity Railway Express for making these moves possible.
July 22, 2013 - Santa Fe F-7A & Boxcars Move to Frisco
As an alternate to the Big Boy #4018 move, the decision was made to substitute the Museum's Santa Fe F-7A diesel locomotive and two KCS storage boxcars. The F-Unit had been switching equipment early yesterday morning during building of the consist for the Big Boy move. When word came down that #4018 would not be making the move to Frisco, the F-Unit and two cars were added to the consist of ten braking cars and #4018 was removed.
At approximately 11:00am, the F-Unit's engine was shut down and the locomotive's brakes were placed in trailing mode for the trip to Frisco. The consist departed the Fair Park spur at approximately 12:30pm, following passage of Amtrak's southbound Texas Eagle. Movement to Irving was swift since there were no restrictions on the equipment. Following a crew change at Gribble siding (Royal Lane), the consist progressed north over BNSF's Madill Subdivision.
Scheduled to have been the last pieces to leave Fair Park in a few weeks, the classic "Warbonnet" Santa Fe locomotive and its two traveling companions suddenly found themselves in Frisco yesterday evening. The move was uneventful, with no mechanical issues or delays resulting from the uniqueness of the equipment. Once Museum, DGNO, and BNSF officials reached the decision to substitute the equipment yesterday morning, the move went smoothly and took advantage of all the resources at hand.
With its engine still warm from earlier switching operations, the F-Unit was eased alongside the Museum's Santa Fe lightweight sleeping car Pine Ring, a fitting companion to the classic Warbonnet locomotive.
Thousands of friends followed the consist's progress on the Museum's Facebook page despite the substitution of equipment. We are very appreciative of the continued interest and support.
Our thanks to DGNO and BNSF for their continued support of the Museum and commitment to the Frisco move. Our sincere appreciation for the many fans of the Museum who gathered early Sunday morning to see the consist off in Dallas.
July 22, 2013 - Big Boy Move Update
The much-anticipated move of the Museum's Big Boy #4018 steam locomotive did not take place yesterday due to concerns about wyeing (turning) the big engine along the route to Frisco.
The engine was to have been turned just a few miles into the move on the Union Pacific's main line in Southeast Dallas. This was necessary to orient the locomotive in the forward direction, thereby minimizing any concerns regarding tracking of the "centipede" tender for the remainder of the move. The locomotive would also arrive in Frisco facing North, which is the desired direction for permanent display.
While extensive inspection and preparations have gone into #4018, concerns yesterday morning about the possibility of disruptions to heavy freight traffic arising from any potential mechanical or incompatibility issues with the big articulated engine led to the decision to make further inspections before the move.
We are in support of the Dallas, Garland & Northeastern and Union Pacific's commitment to ensuring the safety of their operations in Dallas, and minimizing the disruption of traffic over their lines during the movement of Museum equipment.
We are confident in the work that has gone into inspection and preparation of Big Boy #4018 for movement to Frisco. We welcome further mechanical inspection in order to address any additional concerns and achieve a level of confidence among all railroads involved.
Realizing that this is not your average move, the Museum is grateful for the continued commitment of the railroads to the Frisco relocation effort. A new move date has not been set, but efforts are underway to address any concerns and establish a date.
July 2, 2013 - Big Boy Featured on City of Frisco YouTube Channel
Footage courtesy of the City of Frisco, Texas. Our sincere thanks to the City for their support and continued efforts to document this historic move.
June 21, 2013 - Big Boy Move Date Rescheduled
The next scheduled move date for Union Pacific Steam Locomotive #4018 is Sunday, July 14. This date is to allow for repairs to a bridge along the route. Watch this space for updates.
Meanwhile, the big articulated locomotive received its road number and reporting marks. Thanks to Frank Boudewijn and our friends at Signage Systems, Hillman Taylor at National Coatings & Supplies, and the Museum's Steam Crew, the graphics were painted onto the locomotive's cab and tender.
Museum Steam Crew leader Dick Thompson appears to be very pleased with the outcome of the Big Boy's cab number and nomenclature in this photo at left by Ken Fitzgerald.
June 13, 2013 - Big Boy Scheduled to Move Sunday, 6/16/13
Image courtesy of Ken Fitzgerald, June 12, 2013.
Movement of the Museum's Union Pacific locomotive #4018 is scheduled for this coming Sunday, June 16. Although no exact time has been established, departure from Fair Park will likely take place during mid-morning hours. Times and dates are subject to change. We will endeavor to provide as much advance information as possible.
The Museum of the American Railroad receives numerous inquiries about the moves to Frisco each day. We will make every effort to provide advance information about each equipment move. Please keep in mind that these moves are at the convenience of the railroads and may occur with little prior notice. A master schedule for the entire collection move does not exist. For general updates, visit the Museum’s website www.HistoricTrains.org and click on “The Big Move – Rolling Stock” under the “Frisco” tab. For specific updates on train movements, visit the Museum’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HistoricTrains
As with every equipment move, please remember that while the Museum of the American Railroad looks forward to sharing this historic event with members, stakeholders, and the community at large, it must be done from a safe distance. Safety and security are of the utmost importance. As periodic updates are provided by the Museum, we are in no way inviting the public to enter railroad property or board rail equipment at any time during the move. Violations will be considered trespassing and interfering with interstate commerce.
The Museum asks you respect the personal, private property of surrounding homeowners and businesses. Please keep off any private property around the Museum's Fair Park and Frisco sites.
We are greatly indebted to the host railroads for their generosity and support of the Museum's move to Frisco. We share their concern for maintaining a safe environment, and a minimum of disruption of service to their customers. Our sincere thanks to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad, and the Trinity Railway Express for making these moves possible.
June 10, 2013 - Union Pacific "Big Boy" #4018 Ready for Movement to Frisco
Union Pacific Big Boy steam locomotive #4018 was moved out of the Museum on Sunday. The process took several hours due to two curves located at the extreme east end of the Museum. The curves, one of which is nearly 20 degrees, are the tightest the locomotive will encounter on the entire move to Frisco. It had not negotiated these curves since arriving in 1965. The locomotive will undergo several moves on the trackage adjacent to Fair Park in the coming week in preparation for movement to Frisco at a later date.
Correspondence from the mid-1960s between Union Pacific's Mechanical and Operating Departments addressed concerns about the "centipede" tenders on the big 4000 Class engines as they strayed off the system to be donated to museums and parks nationwide. The tenders, with their five rigid axles and one lead truck, were prone to causing problems on curves. The locomotives themselves were apparently not an issue during most moves.
Ever mindful of this concern, Museum crews eased Big Boy #4018 through the two curves, eventually negotiating the lead track switch and ending up on the Fair Park spur. The locomotive and tender are now on tangent track and will be tested for several miles up and down the Fair Park spur over the next few days.
Big Boy #4018 is tentatively scheduled to move to Frisco this coming weekend. Scott Lindsay and the Museum's Steam Crew will make final inspections and fine tune items, such as the manual crosshead lubricating system, during the week in preparation for the move.
View the #4501's Move to Frisco
May 27, 2013 - #4501 Arrives in Frisco
Frisco steam locomotive #4501 arrived at its new home in Frisco, Texas late last night. At 11:00pm, BNSF crews eased the 800,000 lb. locomotive into the Museum of the American Railroad's new site where it will entertain and educate new generations of North Texans. Representing an era when steam was king of the rails, the #4501 was every bit as graceful during its 55-mile trek to Frisco as it was when delivered new in 1942.
The striking Meteor paint scheme glistened in the afternoon sun as #4501 made its way along main line trackage between Dallas and Frisco. The lines were dotted with onlookers, punctuated by crowds at major vantage points like Dallas Union Station, Irving, and Carrollton. Accompanied by 10 modern tank cars for additional braking, the train proceeded at the slow, but steady pace of 10mph. The entire move took 13 hours due to high volumes of rail traffic and periodic inspection stops.
The 71-year-old locomotive, a product of the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, performed flawlessly. Scott Lindsay of Steam Operations Corporation in Birmingham accompanied the locomotive and was elated at its performance. Great care and diligence went into the preparation for Sunday's trip. Scott and the Museum's dedicated Steam Crew spent weeks inspecting, polishing, and lubricating running gear components such as wheel and side rod journals.
We are indebted to the Railroads for their continued commitment to the Museum's move. Both the Dallas, Garland & Northeastern (DGNO) Railroad and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway provided dedicated crews for the special run. A number of people at both Railroads devoted a part of their Memorial Day weekend to the move in order to accommodate the Museum and expedite #4501's relocation from Fair Park. For that, the Museum is indebted to those individuals and the DGNO and BNSF.
May 25, 2013 - Frisco #4501 to Move Tomorrow (Sunday, 5/26)
The railroads are scheduled to move the Museum's Frisco steam locomotive #4501 on Sunday, May 26th from Fair Park to Frisco. Estimated departure time is 10:00am. Date and time are subject to change. Please watch this page for any last-minute schedule changes.
The railroads have asked everyone interested in movement of the #4501 to respect their operations and property. Please do not enter any right of way or yards associated with this movement. Such action is considered trespassing and the railroads reserve the right to take appropriate action. Let's all have a safe and enjoyable move.
Arrival of the #4501 in Frisco can be safely observed from Cotton Gin Road. Please be respectful and keep off of private residential property north of Cotton Gin.
Some background on the #4501:
The St. Louis-San Francisco "Frisco" Railway steam locomotive #4501 pulled one of the line's premiere passenger trains during a pivotal period in the nation's history. Built in 1942 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, PA, #4501 provided motive power for the overnight Meteor between Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and St. Louis. One of three locomotives designated for the route, #4501 could be found traveling at speeds of up to 90mph pulling the "Zephyr" blue Meteor. The train provided a vital connection between Texas, Oklahoma, and St. Louis - a gateway to destinations north and east to cities such as Chicago, Washington, and New York. The locomotive was a regular sight at the massive, bustling St. Louis Union Station, the eastern terminus of the Meteor.
Painted in a patriotic red, white, and blue scheme, the #4501 represented the state of the art in steam locomotive design, but enjoyed a relatively short career. The locomotive operated during the twilight period of steam. Following World War II, diesel-electric locomotives replaced steamers as railroads introduced sleek, new streamlined passenger trains. By 1947, just five years after delivery, #4501 was bumped from passenger service and repainted in Frisco's basic black scheme, then relegated to freight service. In 1952 Frisco became an all-diesel line and the locomotive was placed into storage at the Lindenwood, Missouri shops. This was a common practice among railroads as a way to maintain a reserve fleet of locomotives to cover traffic surges. Few steam locomotives were ever reactivated, however, and their next stop was usually the scrap line. The #4501 is one of the few survivors.
Frisco #4501 was a "Northern" type steam locomotive, having a 4-8-4 wheel arrangement. This configuration was widely used throughout North America, and was at home pulling freight or passenger trains up mountain grades or running at high speeds over the prairie. Despite #4501's relatively short career, the locomotive was a sound design, providing safe and reliable service on the Frisco railway.
After over 10 years of storage, #4501 was officially retired in 1964. Later that year following a letter writing campaign by one of the Museum's founders, Everett L. DeGolyer, Jr., the #4501 was gifted to the Museum. In 1965 the locomotive was moved dead-in-tow to Fair Park where it was placed on display at the Age of Steam Museum (now the Museum of the American Railroad). Ironically, the #4501 passed through the small town of Frisco on its way to Dallas in 1965. The locomotive will travel in the opposite direction to the Museum of the American Railroad's new home in Frisco, now a thriving city. The line through Frisco, Texas is now part of Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, which acquired the Frisco Railway in 1980.
Frisco locomotive #4501 was recently repainted in the line's striking Meteor scheme, based on research of original drawings and plans. The locomotive is resplendent in its original appearance when steam locomotives reigned supreme at the head end of the nation's flagship passenger trains.
May 24, 2013 - Frisco #4501 Move Update
The recent storms in Texas and Oklahoma, combined with surges in business, have required BNSF to give priority to freight traffic on the line between Irving and Frisco. While the railroad is committed to moving the Frisco #4501, a speed restriction of 10 mph is simply not conducive to maintaining traffic over the busy Madill Subdivision.
Meanwhile, our steam crew has been busy attending to last-minute details on the #4501. Through the efforts of two of our long-time suppliers and supporters, we were able to apply the Frisco "Meteor" graphics to the locomotive and tender.
Frank Boudewijn of Signage Systems in Dallas painstakingly designed and created the paint masking and applied it to the sides of the #4501. This was a two part process in order to create the white background that outlined the red "Meteor" lettering. Once the white was painted above and below the broad stripe along the tender, the final masking was applied for the brilliant red lettering. Our thanks to Frank and the folks at Signage Systems for their outstanding work. They have provided countless contributions to the Museum in the form of design and creation of paint masking for restoration projects, as well as signage for special events, including Day Out with Thomas.
The graphics were painted on the #4501 by the Museum's long-time friend and supporter Hillman Taylor of National Coatings & Supplies (NCS), using DuPont Imron and Nason finishes. Members of the Museum's Steam Crew carefully pulled the masking once the new paint was fully cured, revealing the stunning 1942 red, white, and "Zephyr" blue Meteor scheme that once graced Frisco rails between Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and St. Louis.
Our thanks to Scott Lindsay of Steam Operations Corporation, along with members of the Museum's Steam Crew for their tireless efforts in readying the #4501 for movement. The locomotive has logged nearly 25 miles up and down the Fair Park spur in preparation for the move, and appears to be sufficiently limbered up for the 55 mile run to Frisco.
A new move date for the Frisco #4501 has not been established. The Memorial Day weekend and continued high traffic levels on local rail lines take precedent at this time. Every effort will be made to move the locomotive as soon as possible.
May 4, 2013 - Preparation of Big Steam Locomotives for Move
And then there were five...
The Museum's old location in Dallas' Fair Park is looking pretty sparse these days. Only the two largest steam locomotives remain, along with the F-7A diesel locomotive used for switching and two storage box cars.
Scott Lindsay of Steam Operations Corporation has returned to lead the Museum's Steam Crew through the final process of preparing the Frisco #4501 and Union Pacific #4018 for movement in a few weeks. Inspection and lubrication of bearings and journals have begun in earnest as the big engines are readied for the 55-mile trip to Frisco.
First to move will be the Frisco #4501. The locomotive and tender are equipped with conventional friction-type bearings, which require a higher level of maintenance than newer roller bearings. Each journal box will be drained, cleaned, and repacked with new lubricating pads and oil. The locomotive's driving wheels will require special attention, with each "Hennessey" lubricator being bench tested before reassembly.
Weather permitting, the Frisco Railway "Meteor" graphics will be applied to the locomotive during the next week. Signage Systems, a long-time supporter of the Museum, has developed the paint masking for the project. It is hoped that the striking red "Meteor" graphic can be applied before the #4501 takes to the main line.
On the present schedule, the #4501 is likely to move from Fair Park on Sunday, May 19. The locomotive will move at a maximum speed of 10mph and will have five modern freight cars coupled to each end for additional braking. Plans are being finalized for additional logistical needs, including inspection points along the route.
Work is also progressing on the Union Pacific #4018, which should be moved to Frisco within a few weeks of #4501's arrival. Equipped with roller bearings, the locomotive requires slightly different preparation measures to ensure safe and reliable movement to Frisco. Each bearing reservoir on the driving wheels will be drained and refilled with heavyweight gear oil. The locomotive's side rods will be either removed or receive lubrication from temporary manual drip-type lubricators.
In researching Union Pacific mechanical records from the mid-1960s when eight of the 25 Big Boys were donated to museums and parks, it was found that the massive "Centipede" tenders were the main cause of concern, not the locomotives themselves. The tenders were more prone to problems when encountering curves, particularly when empty during back up moves. To address this issue, #4018's tender will likely have three wheel sets (axles) "blocked up." The wheels will be jacked up and have spacers placed such that the flanges are above the rail head. This will effectively minimize the rigidity of the long wheel base when encountering curves along the route.
The Museum has received inquiries from all over the world as to when #4018 will move from Dallas to Frisco. It is tentatively scheduled to move within a few weeks of #4501's arrival in Frisco. The move will also occur during daylight hours on a Sunday to prevent any disruption of Trinity Railway Express operation between Dallas Union Station and Irving. Watch this website for updates on #4018's move date.
Please note that the Museum's Fair Park location is not open to the public. To ensure safety and security, only authorized contractors and Museum staff are permitted to enter the Fair Park facility.
April 14, 2013 - 10-Piece Move Complete
The ten-piece consist of Museum equipment arrived safely in Frisco this evening. The consist was assembled early this morning from two previously blocked cars and locomotives (see March 8 update for specific pieces). The train, including BNSF (ex-BN) locomotive #2732, two tank cars required for additional braking, and the ten Museum pieces departed the Fair Park spur and entered the UP main line about noon.
Speed restricted to 10 mph, the train moved along busy rail lines that were very forgiving traffic-wise. This was by design since Sundays typically offer windows for moves such as this. Sundays are also ideal between Union Station and Irving since TRE does not operate on these days. Amtrak's train #21, the Texas Eagle, was on time which allowed us to move unencumbered around the Belt.
This was the first consist to move all the way to Frisco in one day. The train traversed the "Belt Line" through southeast Dallas on the way to Union Station without delay. A brief inspection stop was made west of downtown at DGNO's Mockingbird Yard. The consist arrived at BNSF's Irving yard at approximately 3:00pm. Inspections were again made, and it departed about 3:30pm, with the DGNO crew running through to the next stop at Gribble (just south of Royal Lane on the BNSF).
After further inspections and a new BNSF crew, the consist departed Gribble at 4:45pm, paused for inspection at Valwood siding, then passed through Carrollton at 5:50pm. A roll-by inspection was made at Hebron (Parker Road) at 6:45pm, with the consist finally arriving in Frisco at 8:30pm.
Upon arrival, BNSF crews reclaimed the three recently unloaded flatcars that transported the Museum's two smaller steam locomotives. The consist was then shoved inside the Museum after the 55-mile, 12 hour journey. It was the longest and heaviest consist to be moved, at 640 feet in length, and weighing nearly 900 tons!
Nine of the ten pieces were equipped with friction-type wheel bearings which required vigilance on the part of our volunteers to monitor and address any problems en route. Several roll-by inspections, along with periodic stops, did reveal six journals (bearings) running hot. These bearings were addressed immediately and maintained at a safe temperature throughout the move. Surprisingly, the Museum's three freight cars, all of which dated from the late teens and early twenties, presented no problems. The most problematic piece was the Texas & Pacific coach #1143, which required extra care and diligence throughout the move.
We are once again indebted to our host railroads, DGNO and BNSF, for an excellent job. This was one of the more potentially problematic consists. Our thanks to the operating crews and mechanical departments for their care and diligence in getting the consist to Frisco. Special thanks go to Lou Szabo at DGNO and Darren Hale and Tim Colley with BNSF. Our gratitude also goes to the City of Frisco's CVB and Communications Department for a job well done publicizing and documenting the move.
Finally, our gratitude to the Federal Railroad Administration's Region 5 Office for their guidance and support to ensure a safe and timely move of the Museum's priceless collection of historic rolling stock from Dallas to Frisco.
On to the big steam locomotives - the best is yet to come! Stay tuned...
March 19, 2013 - Steam Locomotives Unloaded from Flat Cars
Frisco #1625 and DUT #7 were successfully unloaded today and placed on the Museum's new RIP track. Using two cranes, Crocker deftly handled the two locomotives and tenders, placing them on "home rails."
The Decapod was temporarily placed on large oak pallets 90 degrees to the track while the two cranes swapped their hold on the engine. This was in order to turn the locomotive 180 degrees before being placed on the RIP track just south of the H&TC Depot. Placing the #1625's five driving wheels and one pilot wheel on the 15 degree curved track proved challenging, but all six axles finally complied and the locomotive was eased down onto the running surfaces of the wheels. Next was the tender, which posed little problem once the draw bars and coal auger were aligned with the locomotive.
Lifting of Dallas Union Terminal #7 was relatively straightforward with only three axles. The Baldwin 0-6-0 switcher was placed just behind #1625, along with its tender. The entire lifting operation took a little over eight hours without complications. Santa Fe Motorcar M-160 performed flawlessly in its duties positioning the flat cars during the lifts. The cars were shuttled between the lifting points and the pocket tracks throughout the day. Once empty, the cars were returned to the Museum's main track to be retrieved by BNSF in a few weeks. Dozens of onlookers were present throughout the day, along with several local media representatives.
The two locomotives will remain at their present location until the RIP track is extended its full design length as part of the next phase of track construction. The RIP (Repair in Place) track will branch off into two parallel tracks that will ultimately terminate in the Museum's new repair and restoration shop.
Our thanks to Mike Jump and the crew at Crocker Crane for an outstanding job on the lift. Our thanks also to Richard Wainscott, our engineer in the M-160, Dick Thompson, Brian Lingle and the Museum's Steam Crew for their hard work and dedication to the project. We are also grateful to BNSF Railway for providing the three flat cars upon which to transport the locomotives from Fair Park to Frisco. Their generosity resulted in nearly $50,000 in savings had the locomotives moved by truck.
A special thanks to the City of Frisco's Convention & Visitors Bureau and Communications Department for coordinating media coverage and documenting the day's activities. Today's work concludes nearly six months of planning and execution that resulted in the safe relocation of two significant pieces of the Museum's rolling stock collection, and just one aspect of the much larger overall move project.
March 16, 2013 - Flat Cars Positioned for Unloading of Steam Locomotives
With the track extensions now complete, the three BNSF flat cars loaded with the Museum's two smaller steam locomotives were positioned for unloading. Frisco "Decapod" #1625 is positioned adjacent to the H&TC Depot at the approximate location on the new RIP track where it will reside for the foreseeable future. The other two flat cars are positioned on nearby extensions or "pocket" tracks to facilitate unloading following #1625's placement.
Frisco #1625 will be unloaded first and turned 180 degrees to be oriented facing north. Its tender will be unloaded next and placed behind the locomotive. Next, Dallas Union Terminal #7 will be unloaded and placed just behind #1625, followed by its tender. Ultimately, most if not all of the Museum's rolling stock collection will be pointed north on future exhibit tracks when finally arranged in a display fashion.
Placement of the three loaded flat cars was accomplished with the Museum's 1931 Brill Motorcar Santa Fe M-160. Powered with a 1952 vintage EMD 6-567B diesel engine, the "Doodle Bug" shuffled several cars around the Museum's new trackage in order to position the heavy flat cars for unloading. The final task of the day was shoving the 280,000 lb flat car loaded with #1625 up a 1% grade around a 15 degree curve on the RIP track. It took the M-160 a couple of tries - not bad considering its 90 mph gearing.
Not since the M-160's post-passenger service/pre-retirement days in Clovis, New Mexico has the venerable "Doodle Bug" seen so much yard duty. Following the scheduled unloading of the locomotives on March 20, the M-160 will return to light duty and see only occasional service as the only remaining operational Santa Fe motorcar.
March 8, 2013 - Next Consist Readied for Move
With additional track work now complete in Frisco, the next consist is being readied for movement from Fair Park. It will essentially be a clean sweep of what rolling stock still remains at the old museum, with the exception of the two large steam locomotives, the F-7 diesel used for switching, and two storage boxcars. The ten-piece consist will be an eclectic mix of locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars.
Museum volunteers have been busy performing air tests on each piece, as well as the entire assembled consist. Amazingly, the brakes on the three freight cars set up and released flawlessly after many years of static display. Volunteers also completely rebuilt the brake system on the 113-year-old Fort Worth & Denver business car "Texland". Additionally, last minute inspections and repairs are being made to the older friction type journals, with new pads and oil added as necessary.
The Pennsylvania Railroad GG-1 electric locomotive will be included in this move, however, it has not been added to the consist. Concerns over decayed crossties in one of the Museum's switches at Fair Park necessitates their replacement (ten total) before it can negotiate the turnout and be added to the move. The turnout side of this same switch will bear the brunt of the 1.2-million pound Big Boy upon its departure from Fair Park, so we are taking no chances. In fact, twelve crossties are being replaced elsewhere in the Museum to accommodate Big Boy's removal. These track repairs are expected to be complete by next week, weather permitting.
The consist is slated to depart Fair Park on April 7 following unloading of the steam locomotives in Frisco (scheduled for March 20). This is due to trackage becoming limited in Frisco as new pieces arrive, and the logistics of handing off the empty flats to BNSF for return to Irving. The empty flat cars will be retrieved from the Frisco site by BNSF upon arrival of the consist.
This consist (the fourth to travel to Frisco) will be made up of the following pieces:
Pennsylvania Railroad GG-1 electric locomotive #4903
Western Railroad Company Baldwin VO-1000 diesel locomotive #1107
TXI ALCO RSD-1 diesel locomotive #8000
Cotton Belt mixed caboose #2332
KCS outside braced wood boxcar #7460
Lone Star Producing Company tank car #1816
Texas & Pacific modernized coach #1143
Santa Fe Parlor Club Car #3231
Pullman 12-1 sleeping car "Goliad"
Fort Worth & Denver business car "Texland"
Once this consist arrives safely in Frisco, movement of the last pieces from Fair Park will become much more predictable, including of course, Big Boy. We receive countless inquiries every day regarding the movement of the big UP 4000 class engine. At the present rate, and weather permitting, #4018 should move sometime in May. It will be the last piece to depart the Museum's Fair Park location. We will certainly keep everyone apprised of progress leading up to its movement.
January 17, 2013 - Flat Cars and Three Locomotives Arrive in Frisco
The Museum's flat car loads arrived in Frisco this afternoon, along with three additional pieces of rolling stock. Steam locomotives #1625 and #7, along with their tenders, rode smoothly and securely atop three BNSF flat cars. Accompanying the cars were Fairbanks Morse H12-44 diesel switcher #115, Santa Fe Railway FP-45 diesel locomotive #97, and Union Pacific DDA-40X "Centennial" diesel locomotive #6913. Each of the diesels traveled on their own wheels.
With clearance approved by each of the host railroads' High/Wide Departments, the excess height move got underway from Fair Park last Sunday. The DGNO Railroad provided a locomotive and crew to move the consist to Irving over Union Pacific and TRE lines via Dallas Union Station. Train crews and Museum staff were vigilant at each bridge, overpass, and signal structure to ensure safe passage of the consist. The Frisco #1625, at 20'4" height overall, cleared the Houston Street viaduct by just a few inches. The consist arrived in south Irving without incident later that evening.
BNSF crews got an early start on the second leg of the move this morning. After some repositioning of pieces in the consist at BNSF's Irving Yard to facilitate unloading of the flat cars in Frisco, the consist began to move just after lunchtime. The loaded flat cars and diesel locomotives arrived without incident in Frisco just after 2:00pm. BNSF crews eased the consist into the Museum and placed it on the main track adjacent to the runaround track. With the flat car loads arriving "first in," the steam locomotives will be unloaded by pulling each flat car through the Museum's tail track switch with the M-160 then shoving it up the depot track for unloading with cranes. The process will be repeated with the other two flat cars with the two steam locomotives ultimately being placed on the depot track for display.
The unloading process will take place in the next few weeks, weather permitting. The site must be completely dry in order for cranes to access the depot track. Once the flat cars are unloaded and returned to BNSF, the next consist will move from Fair Park.
December 7, 2012 - Flat Car Move Update
Movement of the Museum's two smaller steam locomotives loaded aboard BNSF's flatcars should take place next week. The railroads are in the process of confirming clearances along the route to ensure there is adequate headroom for the excess height loads. Frisco "Decapod" #1625 is the tallest load at 20 feet 6 inches overall. Once adequate clearance is confirmed, the flatcars will move via DGNO to Irving then interchange with BNSF for movement to Frisco at a later date. Particular attention must be paid to clearances near Union Station in downtown Dallas.
An extensive system of tie-downs, blocking, and wheel chocks was employed to secure the two locomotives and tenders. The #1625 has chains and binders at 24 strategic points, with the Seven Spot having 16. Each tender has 12 chains and binders. Our thanks to Dick Thompson, Brian Lingle, and the rest of the Museum's "Steam Crew" for their dedication and hard work. We are also very grateful to Tim Colley and Bobby Beal of BNSF's Mechanical Department along with many others at BNSF for providing the flatcars and loading specifications.
Once the flatcars arrive in Frisco, they will be spotted on the Museum's new "shop lead" track for unloading. The M-160 will do the honors, positioning the flatcars adjacent to the cranes and then easing them out from under the locomotives and tenders as they are unloaded and placed on the track.
It is necessary to move the flatcar loads prior to any additional consists due to the limitation of available track for unloading. Placement of additional consists prior to the flatcars would preclude the ability of cranes to gain adequate access for lifting and unloading.
October 31, 2012 - City of Frisco Coverage
October 30, 2012 - Crane Work Scheduled to Begin in Fair Park
The Museum has scheduled Crocker Crane of Irving, TX to lift steam locomotives SLSF #1625 and DUT #7 onto four BNSF flatcars Wednesday, October 31st at 8:00am at the Fair Park site. The crane work will likely take most of the day to complete.
We would like to thank the BNSF Railway for use of the four flatcars. We are very grateful to BNSF and the DGNO for their assistance in our move from Dallas to Frisco.
St. Louis-San Francisco Railway steam locomotive #1625:
The museum’s 1917 “Russian Decapod” steam locomotive is resplendent in new paint as of November, 2008. Built by the American Locomotive Company of Schenectady, NY, it was originally part of an order of five-foot gauge engines for the Imperial Russian Railway. Due to the Bolshevik Revolution, it was never delivered and was subsequently re-gauged and sold to the United States Railway Administration (USRA) when railroads became nationalized in the US during World War I. It was subsequently sold to the St. Louis-San Francisco (Frisco) Railway and numbered 1625. The locomotive finished out its career at the Eagle-Picher Mining Company of Cardin, OK. It was donated to the museum in 1964, a gift of Eagle Picher, and now awaits its new assignment as a key exhibit in its namesake city of Frisco, TX.
Dallas Union Terminal steam locomotive switcher #7:
Nicknamed the “Seven Spot,” this locomotive worked its entire life as a switcher at Dallas Union Terminal from 1923 to 1962. It was retired in 1962 after the Christmas holiday travel rush. A switch engine/switcher shuffled cars at terminals, adding and deleting passenger, mail, and express cars from arriving and departing trains. The Seven Spot was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works of Eddystone, PA in October, 1923. Built as an oil-burning steam locomotive, it has been a part of the Museum’s collection since donation in 1963. It entered Fair Park that year under its own power.
Neither the #1625 nor the Seven Spot are currently operational. Both received cosmetic restorations approximately four years ago.
As with every equipment move, please remember that while the Museum of the American Railroad looks forward to sharing this historic event with members, stakeholders, and the community at large, it must be done from a safe distance. Safety and security are of the utmost importance. As periodic updates are provided by the Museum, we are in no way inviting the public to enter railroad property or board rail equipment at any time during the move. Violations will be considered trespassing and interfering with interstate commerce.
We are greatly indebted to the host railroads for their generosity and support of the Museum's move to Frisco. We share their concern for maintaining a safe environment, and a minimum of disruption of service to their customers. Our sincere thanks to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad, and the Trinity Railway Express for making these moves possible.
Watch the Third Consist Arrival - Produced by the City of Frisco!
October 12, 2012 - Third Consist Arrives in Frisco
The third equipment consist arrived in Frisco this afternoon. The move from Irving to the Museum's new site presented a few challenges that weren't completely unanticipated. The five heavyweight passenger cars are equipped with their original friction-type wheel bearings. Four of the cars behaved perfectly, but Frisco Coach #759 required additional attention.
Despite reconditioned journal surfaces, new brasses and pads, two journals ran hot. The Museum, with the aid of BNSF's Car Department, was able to anticipate and respond to the problem at points along the route. A mixture of journal oil and STP, along with the Museum's ancient supply of hotbox sticks, effectively cooled and lubricated the journals en route. The consist arrived in Frisco just before 6:00pm to a host of onlookers and Museum supporters.
Our sincere thanks to Irving Trainmaster Steve Romanowski and everyone at BNSF for their patience and diligence during the move. A special thanks goes to Tim Colley, Mechanical Foreman, and Bobby Beal, Carman, for drawing on his many years of experience since hiring out on the Santa Fe in the early 1970s. Mr. Colley was of great assistance in addressing #759's "hot boxes" along the route from Irving to Frisco. The train crew, including Conductor Skylar Dottavio, Engineer Sid Hudgeons, and Brakeman Mike "Mad Dog" Dodson did a great job throughout the 10 mph move.
Thanks also to Bernie Watts at Backshop Enterprises, the Colorado Railroad Museum, and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum for rounding up replacement 5x9 journal brasses. These have proven to be difficult to find in the modern world of roller bearings.
And finally, our thanks to Lou Szabo, Gene Cox, Chris Carrizal, and the rest of our friends at the Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad. DGNO was able to accommodate our request and remove the third consist from Fair Park just prior to the beginning of the State Fair. Their crew ran the gauntlet on the congested Dallas/TRE lines to get the consist to Irving.
October 5, 2012 - Third Move Update
The third move of equipment departed Fair Park on Sunday, September 23rd. Made up primarily of heavyweight passenger cars, the consist moved to Irving later that day. This was the last opportunity to move equipment out of the Museum's Fair Park location prior to the start of the State Fair of Texas. Sundays are also the only days that the Museum's equipment moves can travel between Dallas Union Station and South Irving over a section of the Trinity Railway Express line.
The consist will remain in Irving through next week, at which time the BNSF will move it to Frisco. In the meantime, Museum staff will service a few journal bearings which ran hot between Fair Park and Irving.
The third consist is made up of:
Western Pacific Boxcar #68652
Genesee & Wyoming Refrigerator Car #1032
Santa Fe Lounge Car "San Bartolo"
Pullman Sleeping Car "McQuaig"
Pullman Sleeping Car "Glengyle"
Frisco Coach #759
T&P RPO/Baggage Car #916
Access to the property is strictly forbidden. The property at BNSF's and Herzog's South Irving wye is under 24-hour security and only accessible to authorized personnel.
The Museum of the American Railroad receives numerous inquiries about the moves each day. We will make every effort to provide advance information about each equipment move. Please keep in mind that these moves are at the convenience of the railroads and may occur with little prior notice.
As with every equipment move, please remember that while the Museum of the American Railroad looks forward to sharing this historic event with members, stakeholders, and the community at large, it must be done from a safe distance. Safety and security are of the utmost importance. As periodic updates are provided by the Museum, we are in no way inviting the public to enter railroad property or board rail equipment at any time during the move. Violations will be considered trespassing and interfering with interstate commerce.
We are greatly indebted to the host railroads for their generosity and support of the Museum's move to Frisco. We share their concern for maintaining a safe environment, and a minimum of disruption of service to their customers. Our sincere thanks to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad, and the Trinity Railway Express for making these moves possible.
September 18, 2012 - Second Consist Arrives in Frisco
The second move of Museum equipment arrived in Frisco just after noon today. Taking less than two hours to make the trip from Irving, the equipment was welcomed by several onlookers including Frisco City Officials and residents.
The five Budd streamlined passenger cars and one caboose were gently coupled into the first consist and eased into the Museum, stopping about mid-point on the new runaround track. A total of 12 pieces are now safely within the perimeter of the new site, with 28 more to go.
Our sincere thanks to Darren Hale, Steve Romanowski, and many others at BNSF who made this move possible. We continue to be grateful to BNSF for their diligence in moving the Museum's historic collection safely and securely.
September 16, 2012 - Second Consist Scheduled to Arrive in Frisco
The movement of the Museum's second consist from Irving to Frisco has been rescheduled to Tuesday morning (9/18/12). The railroad expects movement to begin between 9:00am and 10:00am.
The second consist arrived at South Irving and was handed off to BNSF on Thursday evening. The equipment was inspected on Friday, however traffic levels prevented movement of the consist at that time.
The equipment is expected to move to Frisco midday Monday (September 17). Arrival at the Museum’s site is expected in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, the third equipment consist has been assembled at Fair Park. These will be the first pieces to travel from the Museum’s old facility, and the first hospital move to take place. The consist will be made up of eight cars, including five “heavyweight” passenger cars. Additional cars will be added for braking requirements, including three Museum pieces. We are awaiting FRA approval before movement will take place. We are in hopes it will happen sometime this week.
September 12, 2012 - Second Consist Leaves Dallas
The second move of Museum equipment started this morning. The Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad picked up six cars that were stored offsite near Fair Park. The consist departed the storage track in Southeast Dallas just before noon and arrived at DGNO's Mockingbird Yard about 2:30pm.
After pulling onto Union Pacific's main line at the original location of Tower 19, the train proceeded onto what was originally Dallas Union Terminal trackage. Numerous photographers and news media captured the move as it progressed through Union Station with the Dallas skyline and Reunion Tower in the background. The train made good time westward and was placed on DGNO's engine track at Mockingbird Yard (former Rock Island).
DGNO crews are expected to resume the equipment move from Mockingbird Yard to BNSF's interchange point at South Irving tonight. The consist will be reconfigured at Mockingbird and wyed at Irving to facilitate the correct orientation and placement at the Museum's Frisco facility.
The consist is made up of the following pieces:
· Amtrak Slumbercoach #2090
· Amtrak 10-6 Sleeper #2997
· Amtrak Duplex Sleeper #2532
· Santa Fe Lunch Counter Diner #1550
· Santa Fe Lunch Counter Diner #1554
· Santa Fe Caboose #99931
Our sincere thanks to the folks at the Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad for their ongoing cooperation and support of the Museum's move. The DGNO has been a strong supporter of the Museum for many years, enabling a number of offsite special events in the community as well as providing transportation for new acquisitions. Thanks also to John's Cars, Inc. for providing storage of these pieces for several months.
August 27, 2012 - First Museum Pieces Arrive in Frisco
Just after 4:00pm this afternoon, a BNSF engine and crew eased the first pieces of the Museum's rolling stock collection onto the Frisco site. Taking less than an hour and a half to travel from BNSF's Irving yard, the special train consisted of Santa Fe Motorcar M-160, M-K-T Dining Car
#438, Pullman Sleeping Car Glen Nevis, two Armour Ice Reefer Cars, and a 40-ft T&P boxcar.
The move was uneventful thanks to careful planning and preparation by BNSF crews, including the Sherman Car Department. The Museum's staff provided mechanical support along the way, but no running repairs were necessary. A roll-by inspection was performed in Carrollton, which is approximately half way between Irving and Frisco.
The train arrived at the Museum's Frisco site while many onlookers, including local media, recorded the event. Residents of nearby townhomes, including families with small children, were delighted to greet their new neighbors. Click here to view video of the consist arrival.
We are indebted to BNSF for devoting their resources to the first move. Two members of the train crew are former Frisco employees, dating back to the early 1970s. Mike Dodson, the train's brakeman recalled working with Harold Bacchus, the long-time Station Agent and former Mayor of Frisco. It only seems fitting that today's crew would have strong ties to the Frisco Railway.
The celebrated arrival of today's train will be one of several, as the Museum's collection travels to Frisco over the next few weeks. The relocation will culminate in the move of the Museum's two largest steam locomotives.
August 14, 2012 - Much Anticipated Move About to Begin
The long-awaited move of the Museum's collection to Frisco is about to be underway. Museum officials met with representatives of the host railroads today and planned the logistics for the much-anticipated move. There will undoubtedly be much media coverage throughout the process.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has granted the Museum's request for the movement of its vintage pieces over the general system of rail lines. Approval was granted with restrictions to ensure the safe movement of trains, with special consideration given to each piece of rolling stock.
While the safety and security of the collection is of the utmost importance, we will make every effort to provide advance notice of each move so the public can view the process. Keep in mind that each move will be at the convenience of the railroads in an effort to minimize any delays to regular freight and passenger traffic over their lines.
The first pieces to move to Frisco will likely be those which are currently not at Fair Park. They include the Santa Fe M-160 motorcar, M-K-T Dining Car #438, and Pullman Sleeping Car Glen Nevis currently in Grapevine. These pieces have been laying over in Grapevine since April's Day Out with Thomas event. The City of Grapevine has been kind enough to store them until movement directly to Frisco. This equipment will move with three other cars bound for Frisco - a 40-foot steel T&P boxcar and two ice refrigerator cars from the old Armour meat packing plant in Fort Worth.
Six additional cars will move to Frisco as part of the first wave: five lightweight streamlined cars including two diners and three former Amtrak Heritage sleeping cars, along with a Santa Fe caboose.
The current plan is to begin with movement of equipment that qualifies for regular train service then work progressively toward those that will require special handling, i.e. additional cars for braking and restricted speeds. Known as a "hospital move," several pieces in the Museum's collection will require this type of special handling.
The last few pieces to leave the Museum will likely be the two largest steam locomotives (Frisco 4-8-4 #4501, and UP 4-8-8-4 #4018). For a variety of reasons, it makes sense for these engines to leave Fair Park last, particularly if there are any track issues as they negotiate the "S" curve located at the Museum's entrance.
We will provide periodic updates on the webpage, but for the latest information on moves as they are taking place, please check the Museum's FaceBook page.
Finally, while the Museum of the American Railroad looks forward to sharing this historic event with members, stakeholders, and the community at large, it must be done from a safe distance. Safety and security are of the utmost importance. As periodic updates are provided by the Museum, we are in no way inviting the public to enter railroad property or board rail equipment at any time during the move. Violations will be considered trespassing and interfering with interstate commerce.
We are greatly indebted to the host railroads for their generosity and support of the Museum's move to Frisco. We share their concern for maintaining a safe environment, and a minimum of disruption of service to their customers. Our sincere thanks to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad, and the Trinity Railway Express for making the move possible.
June 29, 2012 - Museum Steam Crew Readies Massive Engines
With the BNSF switch now installed and track work at the site wrapping up, attention is focused on final preparations for movement of the rolling stock collection. A dedicated, hardworking group of individuals has been assisting in the preparation of each piece in the collection, particularly the two largest steam locomotives.
Frisco 4-8-4 #4501 is essentially ready for the trip north. Work is now focused on Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 #4018. Essentially a roller bearing engine, it is undergoing draining and replacement of lubricant at each driving wheel reservoir – all 16 of them. All of the bearings on the centipede tender have been inspected and passed muster.
Without a doubt, the most frequently asked question associated with the Museum’s move to Frisco is, “When will the Big Boy move?” The short answer is that the Big Boy will move last. This makes sense from a logistical standpoint for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, the locomotive will have to negotiate an “S” curve as it departs the Museum, which may prove problematic due to its long, rigid wheel base. This will likely prove to be the trickiest stretch of track along the 55 mile route to Frisco. With #4018 at the extreme end of the Museum’s stub track, it makes sense to move the rest of the rolling stock collection, including the #4501, beforehand.
Rest assured we will keep everyone posted as move plans progress, particularly as they pertain to the #4501 and #4018. Final preparations and conversations with the Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad, Trinity Railway Express, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, and Union Pacific are taking place. On the present construction schedule, track work should be completed by the second week of July. Movement of the collection could begin by July 16. Obviously, the timetable has slipped over the months, so check this space periodically for updates.
It bears mentioning here that movement of each of the Museum’s four steam locomotives is proving to be costly. Every consideration has been given to their safe relocation to Frisco without compromising their historical integrity. The railroads have graciously agreed to move the rolling stock at no cost, but a few pieces are not able to make the trip by rail due to age, frailty, etc. For this reason, the Frisco #1625 “Russian” Decapod and Dallas Union Terminal 0-6-0 #7 will move by truck or flatcar. Those of you who love and appreciate steam are encouraged to show your support by contributing to the Frisco project. You can earmark your contributions to the steam locomotives and receive acknowledgement of your gift. Moving the locomotives is currently estimated to cost $130,000. Additional funds will be required for reassembly of drive rods, etc. and touchup to any damaged painted surfaces.
Our sincere thanks to the Museum’s “Steam Crew” who have worked tirelessly over the weeks to ready the massive locomotives for their return to the main line. This unprecedented event would not be possible without their hard work and diligence. A special thanks to our own Dick Thompson of McKinney who has been Scott Lindsay’s right hand man, and Steam Crew leader, throughout the process. Interestingly, our crew is made up of dedicated volunteers who have developed a recent interest in railway preservation. It is very gratifying to see a new generation of folks previously uninitiated in the field take ownership in the Museum and ensure its future.
April 4, 2012 - Scott Lindsay Oversees Preparation of Steam Locomotives
The much anticipated move of the Museum’s 40-piece rolling stock collection will likely take place during the month of July. While the structures have received much attention, the collection of massive locomotives and historic rail cars will undoubtedly garner the most publicity. We have received inquiries from all over the world about how and when the rolling stock, and in particular the “Big Boy” #4018, will move to Frisco.
The distance by rail between Fair Park and the new Frisco site is approximately 55 miles. Each piece in the rolling stock collection will be thoroughly inspected and prepared for movement over this distance. Particular attention is paid to the running gear (wheels, axles, and bearings). Fortunately, the Museum has maintained these important parts in running order, and moved nearly each piece within the Fair Park site at least once a year. The Museum is coordinating with the participating railroads the method by which each piece will move over their lines – restricted speed, additional braking capacity, weight and clearance concerns, etc.
The most anticipated pieces to move are the Museum’s two largest steam locomotives (Frisco 4-8-4 #4501 & Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 #4018). They are currently being prepped for movement and acceptance by the railroads. The Museum has contracted with Scott Lindsay of Steam Operations Corporation – an expert in the field of locomotive running gear. Mr. Lindsay is working with the Museum’s steam crew to inspect and service each bearing on the locomotives, including axles, main rods, side rods, and related valve gear.
Lindsay and his crew are currently working on the Frisco #4501 and will move over to the UP #4018 upon completion. Each locomotive presents its own set of unique needs. The 4501 has the older “friction” type axle and rod journals, while #4018 is equipped with roller bearings. The 4018’s four piston rods were cut prior to its movement to Texas back in 1964. This will actually be advantageous to its movement to Frisco, since the locomotive’s pistons are no longer connected to the running gear.
Frisco #4501 was moved from its 47-year place of exhibit within the Museum last Friday. The locomotive was pulled backwards approximately 80 feet to facilitate further inspection and servicing of the running gear. Using the Museum’s EMD F-7 as motive power, it moved effortlessly under the watchful eye of Lindsay and Museum volunteers & staff.
The Museum’s other two steam locomotives, the Frisco 2-10-0 “Decapod” #1625 and Dallas Union Terminal Company 0-6-0 #7 will likely move by flatcar or truck due to running gear concerns.
Our sincere thanks to the cadre of volunteers who are working tirelessly along with Scott Lindsay on this project. We will provide periodic updates as this project progress.