HOME	EVENTS	ANNIVERSARY CAR
CLUB INFORMATION	PHOTOGRAPHY	HISTORICAL SITES
HO SCALE DIORAMA	N SCALE DIORAMA	LIONEL & G SCALE DIORAMA

 

 The Highlight of 2008, H. B. Plant Railroad Train Show and Swap Meet

Was The Unveiling of the Painting by Robert West, Master Railroad Illustrator

 ACL 'Plant City Memories'

PAGE 7

The majority of the collectors of Robert West's artwork are railroad enthusiasts. They are aware of his love affair with trains, in particular, the Atlantic Coast Line, which is now CSX. His Grandfather was a porter on that railroad's premier passenger trains; therefore, he was both passionate and enthusiastic in doing this painting. The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad enjoyed a brisk business in transporting perishable Florida citrus and strawberries. The orange freight cars in the consist of the train are refrigerated cars called reefers. The cars were essential in the movement of these perishables. The peak season for the ACL was during the winter months when these perishable were moved to northern markets. That being said, this painting is dedicated to those in this region who cherish trains, strawberries, and classic automobiles. Plant City, in relationship to the aforementioned, owes its existence to both of the railroads and its surrounding fertile farmland. The sanctity of downtown Plant City, Florida is momentarily disturbed as an Atlantic Coast Line freight train blast through the central business district. The setting sun makes a graceful exit from the sky as a thunderstorm breaks up overhead. Local teenagers, admiring each others' vehicles, take time out to acknowledge the friendly wave from the locomotive engineer. The marquee of the local theater is all aglow in neon as the city street lights come on to greet the setting sun. This painting depicts Main Street USA, during the 50's; thus, reflecting small-town America. The train will slow down for a brief stop in East Plant City to set out a few cars. Soon after, it will pick up refrigerated cars containing the more recent crop of freshly harvested strawberries. After all, this is the world's largest winter strawberry-growing region..."strawberry fields forever". Plant City, Florida, forever!
This print includes a Sealed Certificate of Authenticity signed by Robert West.
Number 27/250.