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.