Arkansas Railroad

[Anonymous]

I was wondering if anyone knows if there ever was a railroad called the Arkansas R.R.?

Today I got an old Plastimarx O gauge train set from ebay. Plastmarx was the Mexican branch of Marx, which did make some toy trains which were only available in Mexico, which are now collectors' items. Anyway, in my set the caboose is lettered for the Arkansas R.R. and also has a big "A" on it. I was curious if such a railroad really existed. I was chatting this mrning with Jim H. (jhhtrainsplanes), who's from Arkansas and he's never heard of it. I also checked out some sites on the internet and there doesnt seem to have been any such railroad. I did, however, find out that there was an Arkansas Short Line RR which was 31.7 miles long and built in 1922, which later became part of the Cotton Belt.

I have my doubts as to there having been this railroad, but I just thought I'd post it here in case someone does know something about it. You never know.

[Anonymous]

The Gould Southwestern Railway from Gould to Star City, Ark. was reorganized as the Arkansas Railroad in 1926. The line was scrapped in 1959. Don't take this as elevating Marx junk to being authoritative about ANYTHING! 8^Q

[UPTRAIN]

I know there is the Arkansas and Missouri.....lots of ALCOs and nice paint scheme.

[Anonymous]

Sask, I noticed you were on the forum earlier today. I don't want you to miss my reply here; this is important stuff! Hence, I am bringing this thread back to the first page...

[mudchicken]

ICC Vaulation records show no Arkansas Railroad (Does show Arkansas Western [KCS] and Arkansas Central [SSW/ SLSF] plus 6 others with Arkansas in the name)

[Anonymous]

Where is the Arkansas and Missouri based out of[?] Also where are some good photo locations.

[UPTRAIN]

I think the A&M is outta like Mammouth Springs.....photo spots......anywhere near the tracks [:D].

[mudchicken]

Springdale, AR shops is in the 300 block of Emma Street (Just north of Fayetteville in northwestern AR / Wally World Central)....Tracy watch your step & be carefull near there!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mudchicken

ICC Vaulation records show no Arkansas Railroad (Does show Arkansas Western [KCS] and Arkansas Central [SSW/ SLSF] plus 6 others with Arkansas in the name)

Mud, I'm going by "Shortline Railroads of Arkansas" by Clifton Hull. The Ark. was very real; there's a photo of a pretty neat little mogul lettered Arkansas, and a 4-6-0 as well. I think the deal is that the Ark was likely a private railroad of some lumber company, although Mr. Hull doesn't indicate it was anything but a common carrier road.

[Anonymous]

Mud, I reviewed the brief writeup concerning the Ark. There was no private lumber business involved. The Arkansas and its predecessor GSW were built and run to haul the freight and passenger business of Star City. The Ark wasn't created until '26 or so. I don't know why it isn't listed by the Gov't; we all know they NEVER screw up. It is possible that they were reported through their connection, the StLIM&S, though they were not a subsidiary of the Iron Mountain. I don't know and don't care. Probably isn't the prototype for your pal's Cheezymarx whirley-gig anyway...