Excursion

On August 5 and 6, 745 and three 1950’s passenger cars completed a weekend steam excursion on the former Frisco Railroad track out of Pittsburg, Kansas. This was the first public trip since the restoration of 745 and the first steam engine-powered passenger train out of Pittsburg since the late 1940s.  The trip included a special run for Watco company officers, employees and customers.

745 and its crew made four runs each day during the weekend using a Push-Pull setup, three RDC coaches and a diesel on the rear for the return run. There were 1050 riders for the weekend. This event was sponsored by the Heart of the Heartlands Railroad Club with the assistance of South Kansas Oklahoma Railroad and Watco Companies, Inc.

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.

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!