Western Railroad Discussion > 2012 Day 5 trip report-Some Arkansas & Missouri and KCS

Continuing the trip report to the midwest posted here over the last several days, Thursday October 18 began in Springdale, Arkansas, home of the all-Alco Arkansas and Missouri Railroad. Our intent was to follow the daily train north to Monett, MO but after stopping by the depot we were informed the train hadn't returned from Ft Smith yet. Not knowing what to do, we headed south and set search.

1) As we began, we heard an excursion train going south so we figured a meet would occur at some point. Here is the 3 car passenger train at Woolsey, AR behind long-hood-forward C420 58.

Unfortunately the meet would soon occur at Winslow, due to the tracks being very isolated and the sun angle completely wrong for a northbound our choices were limited so we returned north.

2) Being bored, I snapped a shot of a crossbuck as we waited for the train in the small town Johnson, located between Fayetteville and Springdale.

3) Finally the freight showed up. Six Alcos 46/54/60/48/68/44 work the slight grade through Johnson at 11:20AM.

Not knowing how long the train would wait around in Springdale before heading north to Monett, after a frustrating morning we had enough of the A&M. We all agreed to get over to the KCS which was twenty-some miles to the west.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/10/12 01:37 by oyw.

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It didn't take long to find a train on the KCS, unfortunately it was a BNSF Texas Utilities coal load. We set up for him at a crossing south of Stilwell, OK.

4) The head end...BNSF 6122 and SD70MAC 9556.

5) Mid train DPU...AC4400CW's KCS 4582 and 4590.

6) BNSF 5993 bringing up the rear.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/10/12 01:17 by oyw.

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7) We heard a meet a few miles away so we waited for this northbound led by KCS 3998, former SD70ACe demonstrator GM72.

8) Between Sallisaw and Gans, OK we set up for this southbound 112 car unit ethanol(?) train. Belle-painted KCS 4782 and TFM 1606 make up the head end power.

9) And the rear DPU, BNSF 5448-KCS 4681-and brand new ACe 4130 facing the wrong way.



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 11/10/12 01:39 by oyw.

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10) Over the scanner, we heard the "Fort Smith Dodger" (local) leaving for Heavener so we made a bee-line for the old bridge on the branch in Poteau. KCS 2849 and 2827 creep slowly across at 5:20PM.

11) A few minutes later in Heavener, our two southbounds take on fuel.

12) Final shot of the day, the 4782 is on the move out of Heavener just before sundown.

All in all, not a bad day, maybe next year for the A&M. Stay tuned for day 6, thanks.

OYW



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/10/12 01:34 by oyw.

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Another great day.
JB

I REALLY LIKE Pic 3!!!!!