Kansas City

LASTA visits KCS HQ

LASTA visits the Kansas City Southern Railway and with KCS President Mike Haverty.

By 745, ago

Pittsburg Kansas Steam 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.

By 745, ago

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 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!
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