24 hours at Saginaw (Texas, that is)

Gleaned this one from the Railspot group, and thought I'd pass it along. I woulda just posted a link, but since my HTTP skills are virtually nil, I just cut & pasted. Sorry for the length, but you'll be delighted to know there's another railfan-friendly spot around, and in Texas yet- since Tower 55 is closed off to railfans, this is a safer place to watch the action- BNSF and UP on FW&D, ATSF, Katy and CRIP lines, plus the Heartland Flyer to & from Ft. Worth & OKC. And the cops don't mind at all, just as long as we behave & don't tresspass onto the tracks.

"24 Hours @ Saginaw" delighted Texas railfans
By Art Jones

Railfans came from all across Texas to revel in one of Saginaw’s least respected tourist attractions – the train traffic. They didn’t care about the commuter delays, blocked crossings, or frequent loud "beeps" from the horns. In fact, they looked forward to the sound and, during the slack rail time, played recorded steam whistles and train songs in the background.

"Saginaw is the IMAX Theatre of train watching because of the location of the depot, the heavy rail traffic and wide expanse of viewing area," said Skip Waters, president of the North Texas Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHC). "We had people from Waco, Sherman-Denison, and one that drove up from Houston after work Friday. He got here about 11 p.m. and stayed for the whole event."

Saginaw Area Chamber of Commerce President Brendon Payne opened the doors of the Saginaw Heritage Center – the official name of the depot and the SACC office, for the first annual "24 Hours @ Saginaw" rail-watching event. It started at 7 p.m. last Friday evening and ended – logically enough – at 7 p.m. Saturday. Over the 24 hours, railfans "shot" (documented) 75 trains.

Railfans document trains by recording the cab number on the locomotives, the type of train – coal, freight, aggregate, etc., – and the time and date the train was spotted. It’s a lot like bird watching without the chiggers and ticks. (NOTE: He hasn't been railfanning much, has he? LOL)

Several of the 100 or more railfans that participated in the event carried radio scanners so they could listen to the BNSF switch yards and Union Pacific’s Fort Worth train dispatcher. Radios gave a minimum 10-minute warning that another train was approaching.

When the trains aren’t rolling by, workshops and seminars on rail history, train safety and model railroad building were going on in the conference room. Whenever a train approached, however, the room quickly emptied as the railfans went out to do what they came to do – watch trains.

All this interest in watching trains isn’t new. In 1935, a group of rail historians formed the National Railway Historical Society. From fewer than 40 members, the NRHS has grown to over 17,000 men and women of all ages and professions in every state and many foreign countries. It is the nation's largest rail historical society.

Interesting timing. In the mid-1930’s – much as now – there seemed to be very little interest in railroads or the electric "traction" inter-urban rail and streetcar companies of the day – other than as targets for long-nurtured grievances.

However, at just that same time, Joshua Lionel Cowen and his fellow toymakers were having remarkable success with a product that based its appeal on the unabashed love of trains. Every time the average citizen purchased a model railroad set for his son, daughter (or himself), he received a subliminal message: "The real thing is fascinating too!"

And they are. The Iron Horse tied the continent together riding on ribbons of steel. Trains opened the vast expanse of The West, and remain unchallenged in tons of freight transported per mile per gallon of fuel.

If all you’ve noticed about Saginaw’s trains are the early morning blur of rolling stock through caffeine-deprived eyes while waiting for those annoying gates with flashing lights to raise and permit you on your way – you’re missing a bit of history, and the key to the area’s prosperity.

Back in the 1880’s, most of this country’s economy was based on agriculture. A railroad coming to your town meant that produce could be transported and sold to larger markets and goods from the major manufacturing centers could be brought in.

For the farmer, hybrid seed could increase crop yield – and profits. A new-fangled machine could increase production – and add even more profits. Trains dramatically reduced shipping and travel time and improved commerce. Towns in the 1880s often lived or died depending on the route of the railroads.

Saginaw was no exception. The vast flatlands of the Texas prairie were ideal for a railroad. There were few streams to bridge and no mountains to tunnel through. East and west of Saginaw, the terrain is not all that train-friendly.

The railroads had a positive impact on the small agricultural community. Burrus Mills chose Saginaw as the site for its new grain elevators, and other millers quickly followed. The city’s Train and Grain Festival recognized and celebrated the increased commerce those two industries brought to the community.

And now, the trains have brought another industry – tourism – to Saginaw.

The Saginaw Heritage Center depot has a large, shaded platform for viewing, plenty of parking, and a free "show" that runs nonstop 24 hours a day, seven days a week – more than enough to delight even the most jaded railfan. There’s easy access from Loop-820 or U.S. 287 and restaurants and shopping are nearby.

The authentic 1870’s train depot was originally built in Kosse, Texas, near Waco. It was a major hub for the Houston & Texas Central Railroad and serviced the cotton and cattle industries in the area. In 1979 Mercantile Bank moved the depot to its Meacham Blvd. location in Fort Worth. It was restored and used as office space and a luxurious conference room. In 2000, the depot was moved to its present site on S. Saginaw Blvd. across from the Saginaw Fire and Police Department facility by the Saginaw Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Saginaw’s Trinity Industries restored the vintage caboose, and repainted the 1927 Pullman mailcar already on site as part of the Saginaw Heritage Center. Future plans call for a vintage engine, boxcar, flatcar and gondola to complete a permanent "train-in-the-station."

"Everyone was very impressed with the facility and the viewing opportunities," Waters said. "We’re already working on plans for next year. From what I’ve been told by our members, I’m guessing we’ll easily double the attendance."

Flatonia, Texas, and Big Canyon, Okla., have already positioned themselves as prime train watching territory. Considering its location, Saginaw could easily become a significant Texas destination for railfans.

 

Like I said earlier, the area is great- restaurants across the street, readily available off US287, lotsa CLass 1 and in-plant switching (those Rescar CF7s south of the old depot).....just watch your Ps and Qs, stay safe, don't tresspass or litter, and you're good to go. I've been there a couple of times, and it's a great place. Just bring water and sunscreen in the warm months (most of the year) to keep hydrated & prevent sunburn.