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.