The retirement of a steam locomotive; the Frisco 1522's last run

Last fall, due mostly to financial restraints and railroad regulations, the St. Louis area saw the retirement of the Frisco 1522. Up until then it was thanks to the blood, sweat and tears of the 1522's volunteers, that the 1522 was one of a dwindling number of steam locomotives across the United States that was still in running order. Although this is the second "retirement" for this magnificent steam powered locomotive, it didn't mean that she would slip into retirement unnoticed.

The Frisco 1522's last run from St. Louis to Newburg was a way for rail fans of all ages to say goodbye to the old Frisco engine. People gathered at crossings, stood on their front lawns and even raced along side the track in their cars when they were lucky enough to find a highway or street that paralleled the railroad tracks. One woman remarked that she had been living in her home by the railroad tracks for over 40 years and "anytime I could hear that wonderful steam engine coming, I couldn't resist the urge to stand on my front lawn and wave as it went by. It's sad to think it won't be passing by any more, but I guess much like me it's time for her to retire."

Like many of the people who volunteer their time and effort on the 1522, Josh Rawls has kept an eye out for any video that features this majestic engine. Although he has found a few that give some attention to the Frisco 1522 he has yet to have found one that really does her justice; one that really has a focus on just the one engine.

That's when he started toying with the idea of combining his love of videography with his love of the Frisco 1522 by filming the steam locomotive's last run. With camera in hand, Josh set out to capture exclusive video footage of the historic trip from St. Louis to Newburg and back again. Because Josh was a member of the crew, he was allowed to get footage of the Frisco 1522 that most people don't get to see. He obtained footage of much of the weekend's activities; including things such as crew meetings, the firing of the engine, and some wonderful shots from the crew car as the Frisco 1522 sped along the tracks.

Of course, just having the footage of his favorite steam engine for himself wasn't good enough for this rail fan. Josh decided that he should share his unique video with other people who have enjoyed the 1522 as much as he had over the years. After all he couldn't be the only one out there interested in adding such a video to their collection.    

Josh worked hard to cut down the hours of footage that he had shot but he didn't end the project there. Josh went on to add a stunning opening scene, titles, and effects. When he decided to add a bit of narration to the introduction of the movie, he managed to have a professional narrator donate his time to the cause.

Josh's desire for a video of the Frisco 1522's last run blossomed from a small project into what has ended up looking like a professionally produced feature! Josh now has his own production company and the satisfaction of seeing his dream through to reality.




This article courtesy of http://www.aboutretirementsite.com.
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