The northbound KCS Southern Belle, train #2 calls on Grandview in August 1969, led by E8 #27. When inaugurated in 1940, 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, its last year of operation, the Belle is down to a baggage, two coaches and an observation-diner, which brings up the rear as #2 heads north for Kansas City. (Both – Allen Maty)

The above is an excerpt from Rails Around Missouri, Chapter 4, page 88. The first hard cover production run of this book in 2013 sold out in 12 months, but a second print run is currently underway, and will be available by Thanksgiving 2015. You can order your copy today with the link below, and your copy will come signed by the author. Our price is $54.95 plus $8 shipping.

Dealer and postal mail orders are also available. Contact the publisher directly for more info: donald@sekan.com