July 2011 ‘Rails’ update: Paul Dalman has sent in some of the sharpest, clearest images I have seen in the 6 months I have been searching for Missouri slides. Above, a mixed set of units, led by geep 1680, U30C 3304, and an unidentifiable SD40 power a short ore train on the MPs Pea Ridge branch near Potosi on 11-2-76. This branch left the DeSoto sub at Cadet running roughly 27 miles northwest, passing near Potosi on the way to Pea Ridge and the iron ore mines in that area.

Finding slides of the MPs DeSoto sub have proven challenging. Being very rural and even back-woods, not many photographers ventured much down this line. Pressing on, I am looking for anyone who did shoot this subdivision prior to UP taking over. Any shots of DeSoto, Cadet, Mineral Point, Irondale, Bismark, Arcadia-Ironton, TipTop, Glover, Annapolis, Piedmont, Williamsville and Poplar Bluff. Passenger (Amtrak or MP), freight, locals, depots, anything but a bland roster shot.

If you can help, I can be reached @ 314 809-9310 or atsf101@hotmail.com