ART book

[Bud Moss]

The ART paint records have not been found (if they even exist). So, it is very possible that some other paint was used rather than the bright orange. More research needs to be done to compare dated color photos and analyze as best we can if there are differences that seem to be consistent; possibly indicating a range of colors. If I had no knowledge of ART, I could almost assume that RMDX 831 was painted in PFE reefer orange.

If you look at the color photos of the RMDX cars on these pages you can get to the point where you want to pull your hair out! There does not seem to be any pattern to the colors and year of the photo and year built. A much larger number of color images might help. I can say, however, that I am more and more of the impression that there was a transitional color between the reefer yellow and the bright orange cars, a kind of yellowish orange as see on RMDX 627, 698, and 831.

All this being said, I want to climb on my soapbox for a few lines. Stu Maher, the lead author provided a large amount of the information in the book. Unfortunately, Stu died suddenly and it seems that he made no plans about the distribution of his railroad material, or even where it was located. We have no idea what documents or data Stu may have had, or who he talked to or interviewed for the book. Perhaps he had ART painting records. The upshot is, for anyone who has historical documents or projects underway, PLEASE make arrangements beforehand. I doubt Stu knew he as going to drop dead in August of 2000. In this information age, it is so easy to preserve paper items that may be crucial to Missouri Pacific history. Our Archives is up and running, and the Archivist is more than happy to help preserve you records. You need not part with the originals other than the time it takes to scan them. Our officers are responsible folks that will always make sure your property is well cared for. It is worthwhile for all of us to assess our collections and if their fate after we pass on is not secure, if family or friends have no idea what you want done with them, please do something about it. Most likely that folder of company documents or black and white photos you took in the 1950s that haven’t seen the light of day for decades isn’t going to be a money-maker for you or your survivors. But they could be historically valuable. So, dust off those hoarded troves, let the MPHS scan them and safely return them to you. You get the originals back and others get the use of the information. If Stu had done this, Andrew’s question might never had to be asked.

Thanks,

Jerry Michels

[benjamintickell53]

Its not directly related to the ART book, but everyone needs to read – and then read again – Jerry’s last paragraph above. We all could probably do a better job of making sure the material we have collected over a lifetime continues to survive after we are gone. Its not a particularly uplifting topic to contemplate, but take the time to at least give your family some written direction – its a gift to them that they will appreciate during a very stressful time. If your collection is massive, give some general guidance about what is really important to transfer to MPHS, what might best be given to a local historical repository, and what should be auctioned, sold, put on ebay, etc. In the meantime, participate in getting some of your “one of a kind” files scanned by MPHS, its truly a win-win arrangement.

Bill Pollard

[Bud Moss]

Thanks for the concurrence Bill! Jerry

[Author]

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