Belle, at milepost 105, was still an open agency for the Rock Island in 1972. In a classic railroad scene, the agent hands up train orders to westbound train #73 on October 6, 1972. By 1975, Eldon would be the only open agency out on the line between Kansas City and St Louis. (Paul Dalman)…
Near the south end of the Oak Hill branch, the tracks pass through Carondelet Park on the south side of St Louis. A trio of MP ‘Screaming Eagle’ U30Cs lead an empty ore train south through the park on October 18, 1975. These ore trains originated on the 26-mile Pea Ridge branch and connected to the…
In a scene that could easily be the 1950s, KCS E7 #12 stops in Grandview with the southbound Southern Belle in August of 1969. When inaugurated in the 1940s, the Southern Belle operated with sleepers, a diner-lounge and chair cars, and made the KC – New Orleans trek in just over 21 hours. By 1969,…
Orchard Farm is our next stop on the CB&Q’s Keokuk – St Louis “K” line, 16 miles from West Alton. Orchard Farm is a small community, at the time hosting an elevator and a depot, each with its own siding. CB&Q U25B # 103 is on the point of another westbound freight as it rolls…
Springfield was home to the Frisco’s largest shops in both the days of steam and diesel. Heavy locomotive repairs and rebuilds were performed here since 1909. Constructed in 1948, the diesel shop served the Frisco and its successors until 1996, when it was closed by BNSF. Demolished in 2006, the shops are seen on June…