KCS Vicksburg West Local - 3-20-2010

From: CMP
To: Photo Distribution List
Subject: KCS Vicksburg West Local - 3-20-2010
Date: Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:22:21 -0500




Last weekend an excellent road trip was made to railfan the KCS “Meridian Speedway” out of Vicksburg.  Despite ominous reports of dismal traffic levels, tornadoes, and snow; we went anyway…and had a great time.  We photographed a total to 21 KCS trains, (17 on the Speedway between Shreveport, LA and Bolton, MS), plus some UPRR and shortline trains and equipment.

Perhaps the best power consist of the trip was a pair of Ex-CN GP40-2LWs being used in local service out of Vicksburg.

On Saturday morning, March 20, 2010, the pair heads back to Vicksburg after setting out and picking up grain hoppers at Delhi, LA.

Here the train crosses over Joe’s Bayou at Waverly, LA—about 5 miles east of Delhi:

http://railbaron.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1989081

http://railbaron.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1992398

The nice thing about railfanning the KCS Meridian Speedway is parallel I-20 allows one to get the same train in several locations.  The next stop was the Mississippi Welcome Center which offers a spectacular view of the Mississippi River Bridge.  Funny how many people were there getting ready for the shot:

And “THE Shot”…well three of them…

http://railbaron.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1992412

http://railbaron.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1992399

http://railbaron.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1992413

The Grassy Knoll visible in the last shot above is strictly off limits.  The Department of Homeland Security has Declared it to be a “Secure Area” and has it guarded 24/7…….yet anyone who wants to, US Citizen or Not, can overlook the whole scene from the public welcome center.  Your tax dollars at work…..

Next we will re-wind to the pick up at Delhi where we had excellent sunlight:

http://railbaron.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1992393

http://railbaron.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1992396

http://railbaron.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1992397

Chris

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