Western Railroad Discussion > Midwest trip 2012-Day 6 on the KCS

I've been running short on spare time these days but it's been almost a month now and I need to finish with the trip reports, just a couple more days to go. Here is Friday October 19, Day 6 that began in Poteau, Oklahoma on the KCS.

1) We heard the Fort Smith Dodger leaving Heavener so, like the day before, we once again went to the bridge in Poteau. Taken at 8:15AM, this time the train was northbound led by KCS 2827.

2) From there we went down to Rich Mountain but the pickin's were slim. We did catch a meet at Page, OK where BNSF 9880 on a coal load waited for a northbound grain empty with KCS 4013.

3) The next southbound was a UP so we chose to follow the 9880 for the next several miles. Seen here at Howard, there's still something special about the sights and sounds of a train grinding up the "mountain", KCS power or not.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/15/12 22:24 by oyw.

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4) Next stop was Mena, AR for TFM 1654 and KCS 4036 on a northbound manifest.

5) A lull was beginning so we continued south. At Hatfield, we waited for the DPU on a UP coal empty and were pleased to find KCS 4052 paired with UP 6692.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/15/12 22:27 by oyw.

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We kept hearing a train calling mileposts on the elusive DeQueen and Eastern but were still about 30 minutes away.

6) We made it to the Hwy 329 grade crossing, a few miles east of DeQueen, just in time for a very ordinary wedgie. The lenghty manifest had TOE D-23/ LNW 57/ DQE D-27 for power.

7) Not sure what the relationship is with the LNW.

8) Another shot after some switching in DeQueen.

If you ever want a challenge, try shooting this railroad.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/23/13 23:53 by oyw.

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After lunch at the local Sonic, we had a very quiet trip back to Heavener. Once there, KCS SD70ACe 4016 surprised us. We thought it was a switcher working the yard when it suddenly departed solo for Rich Mountain on an "H" train with KCS 4594 pushing on the rear.

9) At the first dirt crossing south of Heavener, the 4016 picks up speed.

10) Seven minutes later it charges through Hodgen, OK.

11) Back at Heavener just before sundown, the cab of TFM 1654.

Not the best of days but Saturday would be worse traffic-wise. Please stay tuned, it's almost over.

OYW



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/15/12 22:23 by oyw.

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Nice Bob. I'm liking #2 a lot!

KC

No steam?

oyw Wrote:
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> 7) Now sure what the relationship is with the
> LNW.

LNW and DQE/TOE are both Patriot Rail properties.

Great shots btw! That Fort Smith Dodger shot over the river bridge somehow eludes me every time I make it up that-a-ways...

Another great day you guys had. Good catch on the DQE.
JB

really nice shots,thanx