Railroad Magazine 1954 / 1955: The Virgil Finlay Drawings
| Publisher: | | Popular Publications, Inc.. |
| Editor & author: | | Freeman H. Hubbard. |
| Series: | | Railroad Magazine. |
| Binding: | | Staples. |
| Size: | | 8.25 x 11 inches. |
According to A Virgil Finlay Checklist by Gerry de la Ree, Virgil Finlay contributed three illustrations to Railroad Magazine, all in 1954. However, the specific issues are not mentioned in that checklist.
Drawing 1: Railroad Magazine, September 1954
Railroad Magazine
September 1954 |
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Ghost Story
Pages 19 |
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Original of
Ghost Story |
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The cover of Railroad Magazine, September 1954, is 'Last Stop' by Herb Matt.
The full page Virgil Finlay drawing illustrates the poem 'Ghost Story' by J.E. Aldrich.
Drawing 2: Railroad Magazine, January 1955
Railroad Magazine
January 1955 |
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Race With Flaming Death
Pages 46-47 |
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According to A Virgil Finlay Checklist, Virgil Finlay delivered an illustration with the title 'My Race With Burning Oil Cars'. The published drawing illustrates the 'True Tale' article 'Race With Flaming Death' by Duff Brown.
Drawing 3
In A Virgil Finlay Checklist, Gerry de la Ree mentions one other illustration for Railroad Magazine, i.e. for 'Second Trick in the Desert'.
'Second Trick in the Desert' is a poem by Douglas Ward. It appeared (at least) twice in 'Railroad Magazine':
- on page 6 of the December 1954 issue. The poem is not accompanied by an illustration.
- on page 118 of the January 1945 issue. The poem is not accompanied by an illustration.
It is likely that Virgil Finlay did finish the third illustration. Assuming that the illustration arrived on time, one must assume that the editor or art director decided not to use the drawing.