Model Train Journal

This past April 27, my NMRA Division (Mid-Central Region, Keystone Division) held its model railroad jamboree. The featured dinner speaker was railroad historian and author Dan Cupper. He spoke about Grif Teller's artwork and its use by the Pennsylvania Railroad. I had a chance to speak with him afterwards and inquire as to the whereabouts of my favorite Grif Teller piece, "Crossroads of Commerce" (shown below).




The painting was owned by Pennsy historian and collector Ken Murry. Unfortunately, he died at age 75 in a house fire at his home in Mountville, PA in April of 2014. The painting was destroyed in the fire. I last saw it on display at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, PA sometime in 2013.

This link provides more details. https://lancasteronline.com/search/?sd= ... n+Murry%22

George

A tragedy, for sure. Based on the conditions reported to have been found in the house, it sounds like Murry had lost control of his passion for “stuff”. I’ve known a few guys that have struggled with aspects of “collecting”. It can prove dangerous in a number of ways...mentally, financially, and as in this case, physically. It’s too bad his family didn’t, or couldn’t, help him get sorted out.

Healey

healey36 wrote:A tragedy, for sure. Based on the conditions reported to have been found in the house, it sounds like Murry had lost control of his passion for “stuff”. I’ve known a few guys that have struggled with aspects of “collecting”. It can prove dangerous in a number of ways...mentally, financially, and as in this case, physically. It’s too bad his family didn’t, or couldn’t, help him get sorted out.

Healey

It certainly does appear that way. Tragic.

George

George, the painting's view is from the eastern shore of the river, looking west, correct? Looks like Baldwin Sharks heading a westbound, maybe? The Pennsy's commissioned artwork was some brilliant stuff.

healey36 wrote:George, the painting's view is from the eastern shore of the river, looking west, correct? Looks like Baldwin Sharks heading a westbound, maybe? The Pennsy's commissioned artwork was some brilliant stuff.

Correct. The view is from the eastern shore, West Virginia. The sharks are headed west. Across the river can be seen Steubenville, OH. On that shore, just under the bridge is the last steam locomotive to ever grace a Pennsy calendar. It is headed north on the C & P (Cleveland and Pittsburgh) River Route.

I highly recommend the Grif Teller studio exhibit on the 2nd floor of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

George

George,
Will you be able to duplicate that scene on your layout someday ?
That would be fantastic.

rogruth wrote:George,
Will you be able to duplicate that scene on your layout someday ?
That would be fantastic.

Well, not exactly. From the WV side, I can get close. Steubenville is to the left as we look at the bridge, but I don’t have space for the slight curve leading to it in the foreground.

George

What year do you think the scene is set? Certainly very much a nostalgic view of the mid-20th century.

Neil wrote:What year do you think the scene is set? Certainly very much a nostalgic view of the mid-20th century.

1953 is printed right before the Title at the bottom.

Neil wrote:What year do you think the scene is set? Certainly very much a nostalgic view of the mid-20th century.

Dan Cupper’s book contains some of Grif Teller’s preliminary photos and sketches. This calendar painting would have been completed in 1952, I would think.

George

G3750 wrote:Dan Cupper’s book contains some of Grif Teller’s preliminary photos and sketches. This calendar painting would have been completed in 1952, I would think.

George

Then why would he put 1953 on it?

E7 wrote:

G3750 wrote:Dan Cupper’s book contains some of Grif Teller’s preliminary photos and sketches. This calendar painting would have been completed in 1952, I would think.

George

Then why would he put 1953 on it?

Publication date vs. painting date?

Sharks were in service between 1950-1953. The calendar is dated 1953 meaning it was printed in later part of 1952. Painting had to be done before then, late 1951 to early 1952. The passenger train heading towards the viewer looks like it's headed up by a Baldwin "baby face". The only trouble is the only Baldwin Babby face passenger units on the PRR were the centipedes and those don't look like centipedes. Artistic license on the part of the painter?

chuck wrote: ...snip... The passenger train heading towards the viewer looks like it's headed up by a Baldwin "baby face". ...snip...

They look more like E units to me based on the long "hatches" on the roof. The nose is a little wonky but you did mention artistic license. A lot of models, both expensive and cheap, had problems getting the nose done correctly. Just my thoughts/observations.

None of the PRR E7 or E8's had the lead coupler cowling depicted in the painting. That feature seemed to be linked to FM and Baldwin.