Don Murphey Ops Session - St. Louis Terminal

4-12-2016 - Operating Session

Yesterday I participated in an operating session at Don Murphey's house in Southlake, TX.  A small group was invited over to test the railroad out in preparation for on open house event this summer.

The operators were Rich Duncan, Dean Ferris, Greg McComas, Matt Sugerman, and myself.  I was able to carpool - thanks for the lift, Rich! 

---

Don has a passion for transition-era passenger trains and has developed a story line to support the operation of a colorful fleet of passenger trains in and out of the centerpiece of his railroad--a massive model of St. Louis Passenger terminal.

The mainline is a generic east-west Kansas City to Chicago theme with double track all the way.  Don's wife lent considerable assistance with the scenery over the years.  Construction of this model railroad began in 1998.

My assignment for the evening was a manifest train that would traverse the entire length of the railroad to Kansas City.  I built the train per the work orders handed me and then was assigned a Union Pacific Challenger steam locomotive for power.  There was an on-line set out and pick up at Jefferson City as well as a set out at St. Louis.  The train was a bit over powered from there with only two cars and a caboose into Chicago.

It was a great evening in good company.  The run was very enjoyable.

Chris