Those Places Thursday - RBS Express (62-63)

Those Places Thursday
RBS Express (62-63)


This is a very special Those Places because it occurred 'while' we were living it Winslow, Arizona, and St. George, Utah… It is the U.S. Air Force RBS Express, a train in several locations where I served during my 3 years in the service.

 The sun rising on the RBS Express parked in Hysham, Montana. It is a few miles west of Miles City, Montana. I had a temporary duty (TDY) assignment here, near Elko, Nevada, and in western Kansas.

This was The RBS Express #2 in full set-up - you can see the flag in the center, and the radar units on top, further back along the roof line.

 Here the airmen are operating the MSQ-39 radar monitoring bombing runs by B-47 and B-52 aircraft. Note that discussion at the wikipedia link talked about MSQ-35 equipment. Did you note that there 21 cars, 17 support and 4 radar… the description is very accurate!

Here was our dining car - we operated 3 shifts, so someone eating about all the time!

 The orderly room. I worked at one of the desks, when I was on shift.

This was the Pullman sleeper car where my compartment was. Very tiny. Each of the above photos was from Aug-Sep 62.

 This was the Nevada TDY assignment, the train is approaching Deeth, Nevada; note the nearby mountains… each terrain was carefully chosen, they told us. This was Mar 63. Once we were 'parked' on our siding, the engines would go on to other work, of course.

 This one is from Aug 63 - likely the western Kansas TDY trip - all the officers and noncoms assigned. I am third from the right, beside the taller commanding officer (a pilot).

A very memorable part of my Air Force experience.


Families are Forever!  ;-)