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Re: [BRHSlist] Re: St. Louis

To: BRHSlist@egroups.com
Subject: Re: [BRHSlist] Re: St. Louis
From: Kenneth Currie <curriek@w...>
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 14:21:03 -0500
References: <000901bfd548$fc9359a0$3ed10e0c@j...>
Reply-to: curriek@w...
There is also Kirkwood Hobbies just a couple of blocks from the Kirkwood 
Station. They used to have (just a few years ago, the last time I was inthe St 
Louis area) a good collection of brass.

"John A. Swearingen" wrote:

> Regarding good railfanning sites in St. Louis, let me suggest two of myold 
> favorites.
>
> (1) The Gratiot street tower, near the Ralston Co. complex just a little to 
> the south of downtown. I assume it is still there, but even if it isn't the 
> location is prime rail action. Access from the south side of the tracks, 
> gives good view of Busch Stadium and downtown buildings in background. Almost 
> all rail traffic from the Union Station area going east passes this point, 
> and diverges here -- some turning to go south along the river, some turning 
> to go north along the river, and some going across the river into Illinois. 
> Some observations to note: parking can be a problem,the space is tight, rail 
> traffic is at times heavy and, perforce, well-monitored by railroad 
> personnel, be alert (sometimes the only warning of approaching trains you get 
> is the rumbling sound), be as inconspicuous aspossible, use good judgment. I 
> have followed these guidelines in the past, never been run off from there, 
> and was rewarded not only with great rail action but also with some very good 
> photographs.
> Check Amtrak's schedule ahead of time. The last I knew there was both 
> awestbound and an eastbound movement scheduled to pass there late in the 
> afternoon.
>
> (2) The quintessentially classic, beautifully-maintained suburban passenger 
> depot at Kirkwood. If you go to Tinker Town hobbies in Clayton (I agree with 
> those who have written suggesting that hobby shop -- it is a very good store) 
> Kirkwood is just a few miles southwest. Proceed west from Tinker Town hobbies 
> on Clayton Rd. until you come to Lindbergh. Turn south and after a few miles 
> you will find the depot in downtown Kirkwood right where the UP (formerly MP) 
> tracks) crosses Lindbergh. There is plentyof parking, and a delightful 
> park-like area directly across the tracks from the depot. Years ago, when my 
> mother and I would drive to St. Louis to visit my aunt, I would always leave 
> several hours early so that we could spend time in that area enjoying a 
> picnic while watching, and photographing passing trains. Rail action can be 
> either heavy or light depending on circumstances, so suggest you time any 
> visit there to coincide with anAmtrak arrival so that you will at least get
> something. There is an automobile and pedestrian overpass just west of the 
> depot from which you can get good overhead shots, if you like that 
> perspective. There are usually a lot of people around just enjoying 
> themselves. It is an altogether pleasant place.
>
> Some who have written in response to this inquiry have noted Henze's Hobby 
> shop in Florissant. That, too, is a fine store. Some of you may not know that 
> the founder, Bill Henze (who I understand had not been active inthe 
> day-to-day affairs of the business for several years) passed away suddenly 
> late last week. Those of us who knew him will miss him very much.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Was the salesman clueless? Productopia has the answers.
> http://click.egroups.com/1/4633/7/_/490032/_/960908140/
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