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 IH-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’s exhibit cars were wonderfully decorated with items from the Kenner Mardi Gras museum and were displayed on Mardi Gras Day (2/28) for media and the Union Station museum staff. The exhibit opened to the public on Saturday, March 4, and remained open for several weeks.
Kansas City
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 and its employees, from the president down to the car man, for their support and encouragement.
- New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, for getting 745 into the general transportation system and assisting with our safety training.
- Canadian National Railway Company (CN Railroad)
- Wayne Goins and the Plasti-Shell Packing Company for the use of their spur track.
- Chief Mike Lambert with the Sorrento Fire Department
- Gonzales Police and Fire Departments
- Cypress Recycle for the late night fuel oil delivery to Sorrento
- Chief Burl Larson with the Coushatta Fire Department
- Cado Parish Dist 1 and 8, Colfax, Coushatta and Morganza as well as other Louisiana firefighters and departments who helped with our water logistics.
- Decatur(MO) Drexel (MO), Mena (AR), Neosho (MO), Pittsburg (KS) and Sallisaw(OK) Fire Departments
- A Big Thanks to all our Volunteers!
