Frisco 4-8-2 1522's Last Run in 2002: The Ozark Flyer!!!

         I remember the day well, it was a sad one, the day that would change my life. Ever since I was a little kid I could remember liking the Frisco 1522. I saw it in Texas and Missouri in 2001, in Arkansas in 1994, the Challenger 3985 in 1993, 2001, and 2004, the FEF 844 in 1996. But nothing prepared me for the news I would get that fine summer day in 2002. I had just gotten the new issue of trains magazine in the mail. I opened up the September issue, greatly excited about the new trackside guide for Cincinatti (I was to visit there in October). As I flipped through all the news pages I came across a picture of the 1522 at speed, smoke flowing backwards. Under it there was a long sad story about why, when, and how long the St. Louis San Francisco (Frisco) 4-8-2 "World's Loudest Mountain" and familier locomotive would be retired. I learned that there was supposed to be a final run. I logged on to www.frisco1522.org and found out that a train, pulled by the 1522 would be run from St. Louis to Newburg and back, two times in one weekend, Saturday and Sunday September 28-29 2002.

Click here to go to the trip trip photos!