(A look back at memorable articles from past issues of our official
NRHS Chapter Railfan publication, "SPARKS"):
"TOPEKA HOBBY SHOW"---
The Topeka Chapter N.R.H.S. had an entry in the hobby show sponsored by the Topeka Daily
Capital. This was held in the Municipal Auditorium on March 21st. An interesting display of all
aspects of the railroad hobby was on view. The featured attraction was a coal burning steam
locomotive and tender weighing together about 100 pounds. Other attractions were a model Rio
Grande Southern Mixed Train, an "HO" guage SantaFe (4-4-2) with some unusual cars. On display
was a link and pin coupler; air whistle from the Kansas City, Clay County and St. Joseph and a
motorman's airbrake valve from the Topeka Street Railway. Other sidelines of the railroad hobby
were represented by train orders, pictures, post cards, employee's magazines, employee's timetables,
public folders, magazines and books. This show was organized and arranged by Howard Killiam. We
also owe a debt of gratitude to Mrs. Neider for her fine poster.
(From the June 1953 issue of "Sparks"; Volume #1/Issue #5):
"ARGENTINE FAN TRIP" (By Walter Evans)---
Despite a downpour of rain, seven members from this chapter, four Kansas City chapter members
and rail fan Dick Humphries, from Hutchinson, were on hand Saturday afternoon May 16th for an
inspection of Santa Fe's Argentine shops and yards. We were greeted at Argentine station by
J.B. Noe; Kansas City Division Superintendent, who in turn introduced us to M.L. Harbour, Road
Foreman of Engines; our guide for the tour. As the rain was really coming down Mr. Harbour, took
us inside the roundhouse where Herb Clawson, Round House Foreman, explained the repairs and
servicing that was going on.
Several of the fast 4-6-4 s' were stored there and it was like greeting old friends again for the
Topeka boys. Until a few months ago, they were frequent visitors to our city. Later the rain let up
enough for us to proceed to the hump. A highlight there was being run over by the cars being
humped. However no one was hurt as we were in an underground room with a Vista Dome for
viewing the underside of the cars. Then we climbed to the tower where Assistant Superintendent
Ernie Robinson explained the operation of the hump yard.
No one could watch this operation without sensing the greatness of the Santa Fe system and wondering
at its growth from a small Kansas short line. We wound up the trip by taking pictures of 2901 and
2909, which had just pulled in from the west, double-heading a freight. Then a long line of dead steam
engines were eagerly snapped by the camera carriers before breaking up to go home.
The Santa Fe really treated us royally and we found Mr. Harbour very friendly and cooperative,
besides being well informed on Santa Fe history.
(From the July 1953 issue of "Sparks"; Volume #1/Issue #6):
"JOE'S TRAIN (By W. A. Gibson, Jr.)---
Just a year ago July 27th, I went to Seneca, Kansas to make a round trip to Marysville four days
before passenger service was ended on the the east end of the St. Joseph and Grand Island, now
Union Pacific. I thought I would probably be the only one on the train, but I was in for a big
surprise. Joe Strathman, a Seneca businessman, thought this was probably the last chance Seneca
kids would have to ride a train in or our of their hometown, so he bought 45 tickets and took along
all the kids he could find. My uncle Harley Wilcox, the agent, had just enough tickets left in stock
for the crowd.
The local paper's photographer took pictures of the group by the side of Motor M-39 and then we all
crowded aboard for the trip to Marysville. When the conductor asked for my fare I pulled one of
Ralph Cooper's fake passes on him and he was so excited, he was going to take it until I told him what
it was. At Axtell, I told the engineer that I was a member of the N.R.H.S. and would like to ride in
the cab and take movies. He let me ride up the hill to Summit and then down grade to Carden. We
were welcomed by representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Union Pacific officials at
Marysville. After lunch we boarded the M-36 for the return trip.
Upon our arrival at Seneca, we were greeted by the town band and by people with posters reading,
"WELCOME TO JOE'S TRAIN". The Harsh Drug Store supplied free pop to all and everyone had
a good time. About 15 minutes later the motor pulled out leaving a lot of happy children, many of
which had just their first train ride, thanks to a generous and happy man, Joe Strathman.