There's an old saying in the Ozarks that goes something like this: "Even a blind hog kin' root up an acorn every now n' then!"

Basically, it means that sometimes serendipitous events come your way.

My "blind hog" story goes something like this...

Me being a long time affectionado of the Frisco, it comes as no surprise that earlier this year I joined a forum dedicated to the preserving of SLSF history. In addition, it is a storehouse of info for those that want to model the SLSF.

It was through this forum that I made contact with a regional fellow that is also interested in the Coal Belt area. In my case, it was through an appropriate thread on the SLSF forum in which I made mention that I had some old SLSF pics I took back in the 70s and early 80s of some obscure locations in the Coal Belt. Within an hour or so, I had a PM from John asking if he could have a look at them. (He's been trying to piece together the history of the area for quite a while.)

I agreed. Though my pics aren't the best, they DO depict some of the last of the coal activity of the region. He was very pleased to see the poor quality pics.

In return, he is now regularly sending me data, photos, and all sorts of anecdotal experiences via the marvel we know as email. John lived in the region waaay back during the last years the Midland Valley was still in operation. His ties to the MV go way back, as well. In fact, his great-grandfather worked as a Conductor for the Midland Valley. Unfortunately, his great-grandfather, Gene Pogue, was killed in a railroad accident at Maney Jct in 1908.

Anyrate, to keep this post from becoming a mini-novel of sorts, below you'll find a pic he sent me tonight. (This pic is much reduced. The original scan is large enough that I can zoom in and see details on the Midland Valley steam engine!)

What you're looking at is the Midland Valley switching the Greenwood Coal & Lumber Company, Mine #2, circa 1900s.

How obscure is this stuff I'm unearthing? Well... there are very few that have viewed this photo, in this region or otherwise. To say this stuff is rare is an understatement.

And now, on account of the good fortune of a blind hog... I get to share it with you.

And it keeps on gettin' better!

Just got done with another email exchange with John, and I've just learned the Frisco had a switchback mine operation (with significant grades) on its Mansfield Branch!!

I'm in the process of nailing down its location.

I'm tellin' 'ya... this region just keeps getting more and more interesting! And imagine, it was right here in my own back yard all this time. Amazing.

History is an amazing thing. Isn't it? I'm glad you're finding success in your endeavors to learn more about "your backyard"

That photo is excellent and intriguing!

Glad some of you enjoyed viewing it.

Tonight I've been trying to fit in the track elements of the industrial area just west of the Frisco's main yard in Fort Smith. (Called "North Yard".) I'm tellin' 'ya... the busier areas of Fort Smith have been kickin' my butt BIGTIME. If I can EVER get out of Fort Smith... I THINK it'll be much smoother sailing. SURELY Van Buren won't be this challenging. (Famous last words.)

Anyrate... once I cry "uncle" for a while at Fort Smith and head south again for a breather, there will be quite a bit track to pull up and relay to better represent the new data I'm gathering. Plus, I haven't even started on the Frisco's end-of-branch town of Mansfield yet. (The rails have only reached the town.)

Don't really know how much track I'll lay before I get the hankerin' to start putting in some scenery. In the past, my "way" has been to try to lay all track/roads before I start the scenery. Don't know why. Guess I want to make sure there are no tile, terrain, or other issues/anomolies before I begin the truly tedious part of route building? I suspect I'll at least want the rails to reach the outlying areas to insure all is well... then come back later and fill-in the track laying details.

Anyhoo... all for now. Off to bed pretty soon.