February 2006

Fat Tuesday – Kansas City

Early Tuesday morning, a battery of photographers arrived and lined up in preparation for 745’s arrival. Looking due west the illuminated headlight appeared in the distance as the train appeared in the distance. Approaching the I-35 overpass, 745 erupted into sound, smoke and steam. A black and white plume of exhaust ascended as the train continued toward the station. As the train came to a stop, a small jazz band began to play. The Spirit of Louisiana had formally arrived.

LASTA had three display cars indicating the different decorations and spectacular items from the Kenner Mardi Gras Museum. On Mardi Gras Day, February 28th, the cars were opened for the press and the dedicated staff of the Union Station Museum to take a peek at the celebration of time.

The exhibit opened it doors to the general public on Saturday, March 4th so that anyone who visited could enjoy the colors, festivities, and art of the holiday. This exhibit stayed open for several more weeks, during which time both locals and tourists could come view the display of the holiday decorations and learn more of their origins.

Kansas City Union Station and SP-745
SP-745 at the Kansas City Union Station

LASTA wishes to offer special THANKS to the following people and companies for helping us get 745 to Kansas City and back home:

  • Kansas City Southern Railroad 
  • New Orleans Public Belt Railroad,
  • Canadian National Railway Company (CN Railroad)
  • Cado Parish Fire District 1 and 8
  • Coushatta Fire Department and Chief Burl Larson
  • Cypress Recycle for the late night fuel oil delivery
  • Colfax, LA Fire Department
  • Decatur, MO Fire Department
  • Drexel, MO Fire Department
  • Gonzales Police and Fire Departments
  • Mena, AR Fire Department
  • Morganza, LA Fire Department
  • Neosho, MO Fire Department
  • Pittsburg, KS Fire Department
  • Plasti-Shell Packing Company and Wayne Goins the for the use of their spur track.
  • Sallisaw,OK Fire Department
  • Sorrento Fire Department and Chief Mike Lambert
  • A Big Thanks to all our Volunteers!
By 745, ago

Kansas City

SP745 arrived in Kansas City early Sunday morning with the assistance of Kansas City Southern Railway after traveling on the historic Southern Belle passenger route that stretches over 800 miles from New Orleans to Kansas City. (KCS News)
By 745, ago

Kansas City Here We Come

In 2004, KCS Railroad had invited SP-745 to Kansas City for the Bicentennial of the Lewis & Clack Expedition. We were unable to attend since the rebuild was running behind schedule. KCS called again in 2005 when the Museum of Science and History opened at the Union Station. We were unable to attend, as members of our crew were still trying to recover from Hurricane Katrina. Finally, in 2006, we were invited to Mardi Gras and this time we couldn’t say no.
With the assistance of Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard arranged a first-rate Mardi Gras exhibit with the help of the Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau along with the Kenner Marid Gras World. We were ready to celebrate Mardi Gras!
745 departed the KCS yard for Kansas City on February 21. We had an unexpected stop in Sorrento, LA due to mechanical problems. Our driver bearing heated up and forced us to stop. We considered returning home but decided to continue.  The next two days were spend on a short industrial siding, where the crew removed the side rods to allow the engine to be towed. At 11:15 am, on February 24, SP745 departed with TFM Locomotive 1412 providing power.
By 745, ago

Steam Train brings Mardi Gras to Kansas City

Press Release Feb 21, 2006

SP-745 Kansas City Union Station

Kansas City’s Union Station and the Louisiana Steam Train
Association announces the Sprit of Louisiana exhibit at Union Station. The Spirit of Louisiana exhibit showcases the history and traditions of Mardi Gras in antique railroad cars pulled by a 1921 steam engine. Both the repairs to the steam train and re-emergence of Mardi Gras after Hurricane Katrina result from strong traditions and deep history. The Mardi Gras exhibit will appear from Friday, February 24 through Tuesday, May 23, 2006.

Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday”, is the ancient last celebration before
the Christian pre-Easter season of penance and fasting known as Lent. But in New Orleans, Mardi Gras has also evolved into a broader celebration encompassing everything from jazz music, to the African-influenced festivities of the “Mardi Gras Indians”, to the parades both carefully planned and spontaneous, to the full-dress evening balls. Come and see the costumes, the parade throws, the bands, the marching groups, and other elements of this grand celebration.

The train containing the Mardi Gras exhibit includes the last surviving
steam engine built in Louisiana. Number 745, the former Southern Pacific
“Mikado”-type steam locomotive, was built in 1921 and served until 1956. It then retired to display in New Orleans’ Audubon Park. The Louisiana Steam Train Association restored it to operating condition in 2004 and completed repairs after Hurricane Katrina in early February 2006. Today the steam engine operates just as it did in 1921, and pulls antique coaches containing the exhibit.

By 745, ago