u/NS_8099

I’m putting this post under the collection photo flair but this is nowhere near my entire collection as I own plates from all over the US and the world. Anyway, these are some of my favorite American plates that have a nature or scenery themed flavor. The AZ is a former standard issue plate that is embossed, unlike the current, albeit similar design. The Vermont one is a specialty plate, offered in support of conservation efforts and the remaining four are the current standard plates for each respective state. As someone from Missouri, all six of these designs blow anything my state has ever offered out of the water and yes, we do offer conservation plates also. My state’s government really should take notes from these, along with the Canadian province of Manitoba’s standard plate.

This is not my picture but according to Business Wire, BNSF ES44ACH # 2026 is the first of three locomotives that will be released to commemorate the United States 250th anniversary. Considering how brand focused BNSF is as a company, I’m in a state of shock that this is happening. This was painted in KC and I’m in Springfield, MO so if they don’t move it before tomorrow, there’s a very distinct possibility that I’m going to drive up there and see this. With it being an ACH unit, that could be a good sign that it’ll visit Springfield sooner rather than later. We have seen many of these on some of our coal trains since 2023.

Only 18 days away from Basement Dweller!

Being a Springfield, MO local, I’ve had the privilege over the past few weeks to document much of the artwork that has been created in celebration of the centennial of Route 66. These are some of my favorite pieces and I hope you all have the opportunity to visit my city if you haven’t! Here are the locations for each picture:

1. Birthplace Plaza
2. Queen’s Gate 66 - Daylight
3. Queen’s Gate 66 - Nighttime
4. Jefferson Ave Footbridge along Commercial St
5. Intersection of W College & N Scenic
6. Route 66 Stadium
7. Family Flowers Greenhouse
8. Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
9. Springfield Art Museum (temporarily closed)
10. Ziggie’s Cafe on N Glenstone

This monument on St. Louis Street was dedicated this past Friday morning and it’s beautiful, both in daylight and after dark. I’ve already encountered quite a few people taking pictures of it, even at night and I don’t blame them. The street is back open now FYI.

I officially reached the 700 day mark today! I’m very proud of myself that I’ve successfully maintained such a streak and have made it this far. Let’s see how much farther I can go!