Townwest Sertoma Club

Frisco 4500 Restoration Project
Townwest Sertoma Member Mike Massey
Restoration Project Manager

Frisco 4500 Status Report, April 3, 2007
April 2007 is a significant month for the restoration crew. Ace Sign Company came out during a cloudy Tuesday morning and installed the "Frisco" and "4500" lettering on the engine. We're in the process of installing some final pieces before the 4500's triumphant return to West Tulsa. The 4500 will be staying temporarily at the Sinclair Oil Company before moving to it's home on Historic Route 66 in the Old Red Fork, Indian Territory area of Tulsa on Southwest Boulevard. Thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors and supporters who have made this miracle transformation possible. We are nearing our goal!



Rick Gerkin, owner of Ace Signs, 5823 S 65 W Ave in Tulsa, Oklahoma applies "Frisco" and "4500" to the new blue paint.	Mike and Ed Massey discussing how they are going to rotate a set of wheels and line up shaft for the bearings.	Ed Massey at the wheel, the big wheel that is! There are very few small things on this wonderful engine from the past.

Deep Blue and Silver has replaced years of rust!
Jared Samson, Sam Burnett and Chuck Sittler pause at the front of the Frisco 4500 engine, March 3, 2007	Manny Upton and Ed Massey of Tulsa stand in the reflecting sunlight of the 4500
Cold weather hasn't stopped Ed Massey in reinstalling the jewelry.	4500 Restoration Manager Mike Massey gives brother Ed a little direction.

Pulled from St. Louis, Mo. thru Tulsa to Okla. City and back on a daily basis from 1942 to 1947. The engine was demoted to freight service in 1947 until it was officially retired in 1950. The "4500" was donated to the City of Tulsa in 1954 and was parked in Mohawk Park Zoo on August 26, 1954. It remained there as a static display until it was removed and pulled to the Owasso, Oklahoma rail yard to be renovated in 1991. Renovation was slow with most of the work done on weekends by volunteers. By year 2000 most all work on the engine had come to a halt with only one or two people working on it. In December 2002, an article about the engine was printed in the Tulsa World. The City of Tulsa was trying to decide what to do with the old engine. There was mention of even selling or giving it to Oklahoma City. A grass roots group called "Save the Old Frisco 4500 for Tulsa Committee" stepped up and eventually convinced the Tulsa Parks Department to keep the engine here in Tulsa, restore it, and place it on permanent display for all of Tulsa to enjoy.

Restoration Continues in 2005

Painting and Scraping in 2005
Mike Massey announced the beginning of spray painting in the summer Sertoma meetings. A Tulsa fireman donated his high-pressure cleaning unit to the club to spray the engine and tender. Then, a volunteer painter donated his services to begin painting the engine. As the summer heat faded the 4500 took on a new look. A fresh coat of gray primer started the change from rust brown to a gray ghost appearance.

Save The Old Frisco Engine For Tulsa Committee Members

2006 Major Progress Continues on Engine July 2006

The Dream of A Distant Frisco Whistle

What's in store for the Frisco 4500 next?
Westside planning team members are working on a site placement for the 4500 that will be near the Cherokee Yard in West Tulsa. The primary site is located about 3700 Southwest Boulevard, across from the entrance to Webster High School. Funding for the site is part of the Tulsa Vision 2025 projects package.

How can I work on the restoration of the Frisco 4500 Engine?
Restoration Manager Mike Massey has safety equipment and tools available for Sertoma Club members to work each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., barring emergencies.

What must I do to become part of the restoration crew?
The Townwest Sertoma Club encourages railroad enthusiasts to come and lend a hand on the pre-painting scraping and cleaning. The liability insurance requirements limit workers to Sertoma Club members. You can be an active member of any Sertoma Club. If you are not a member and are interested, please contact Townwest Secretary Randy McGoffin for information.

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Last Updated: Thursday, April 05, 2007