Frisco Firsts (and Notables) |
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 Terry L. Scott photo at Mannford, Oklahoma on 28 August 1978 |
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Saint Louis San Francisco (SLSF) railroad's 5000-mile network served both the Midwest and
Southwest regions of the U.S. Better known as the "Frisco," the railway is remembered
frequently for steam engines leading fast "Red Ball" freights, gleaming red and gold E-units
that once carried the names of famous racehorses, and in later years, brightly colored diesel
locomotives that wore coats of mandarin orange & white. The Frisco was widely known also for
its customer-oriented performance and innovative spirit.
The SLSF early on recognized the advantages and value of pooling power with other rail lines, and it was one of the pioneers of the practice. In 1962, for example, SLSF assigned eight of its new U25Bs to the hot Frisco / Santa Fe QLA / CTX run-through freight between Los Angeles and Birmingham, Alabama. It was clear indication of their commitment to the concept. Later in the 1960s, the SLSF also pooled power with Seaboard Coast Line, Union Pcific and even long-time competitor Missouri Pacific. The Frisco's willingness to experiment was also reflected in its locomotive choices. It is not surprising that the railroad had a number of significant firsts to its credit:
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