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.
Thursday, May 18 – BNSF Railroad pulled 745 from the Kansas City Union Station and pulled her the Kaw River Railroad (WATCO) for the trip to Liberty, MO. There was a wonderful turnout to see our train and the Spirit of Louisiana exhibit.
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 KennerMardi Gras museum and were displayed on MardiGras 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.
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)