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Title: |
Approach |
Description: |
The 181 now heads around the curve to see an approach signal at 238-0, indicating there will be a red over yellow when he gets to CP South Watts in a couple of minutes. Hell run through the siding there to meet the southbound grain move. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/24/2024 6:47:27 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Signal,Action |
Locomotives: |
KCSM 4532(AC44CW) KCSM 4559(AC44CW) |
Views: |
48 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Out watching |
Description: |
The southbound grain train I heard from my house is waiting on the main at Watts, the crew out in position to inspect the incoming 181. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/25/2024 5:58:10 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8877(ES44AC) CP 8044(AC4400CWM) |
Views: |
67 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Out to roll it by |
Description: |
The crew on the grain train is on the ground to watch the 181 roll past, looking for anything that might be awry. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/24/2024 6:50:47 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8877(ES44AC) CP 8044(AC4400CWM) KCSM 4532(AC44CW) |
Views: |
48 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
The meet |
Description: |
The 181 starts up the siding, passing the head end of the grainer as the grain trains crew observes. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/24/2024 6:54:37 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8877(ES44AC) CP 8044(AC4400CWM) KCSM 4532(AC44CW) KCSM 4559(AC44CW) |
Views: |
50 Comments: 2 |
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Title: |
On the Illinois |
Description: |
I took the chance that the 181 would make decent time through the siding, and I could get a shot on the Illinois River, which has perfect lighting this time of day. I bet right, and got a good shot here, and was able to get down toward Westville to shoot the grain train, too. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/24/2024 6:57:32 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Bridge,Action |
Locomotives: |
KCSM 4532(AC44CW) KCSM 4559(AC44CW) |
Views: |
48 Comments: 2 |
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Title: |
Rolling |
Description: |
After getting the shot of 181 on the Illinois River, I beat it south, and was able to catch the grain train south of MP 238, rolling into the left hand curve there. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/25/2024 6:08:09 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8877(ES44AC) CP 8044(AC4400CWM) |
Views: |
57 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
S curve |
Description: |
The location of the S curve where I shot northbound 181 a little while earlier has a different look with a southbound, the pair of CP GEs leading 102 cars through the 30 MPH curve along US 59. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/25/2024 6:14:22 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8877(ES44AC) CP 8044(AC4400CWM) |
Views: |
62 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Fenced in |
Description: |
The grain train rolls past a pasture, behind a barbed wire fence meant to keep the cows under control. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/25/2024 6:19:12 AM |
Location: |
Westville, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8877(ES44AC) CP 8044(AC4400CWM) |
Views: |
52 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Dodging the shadows |
Description: |
The grainer dodges the clouds as it passes the barn and hay bales north of Westville. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/25/2024 6:22:29 AM |
Location: |
Westville, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8877(ES44AC) CP 8044(AC4400CWM) |
Views: |
60 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Long view and a big tree |
Description: |
There are several shots at Baron for different length lenses. This shot is a tele view, 250mm, that gives you the stretched out train and a view of a large trackside tree, which at this date has not started to green up. One of my great frustrations with the KCS is the lack of colorful trees. Almost no redbuds, and few Bradford pears for spring color. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/25/2024 6:29:04 AM |
Location: |
Baron, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8877(ES44AC) CP 8044(AC4400CWM) |
Views: |
59 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
MP 250 |
Description: |
A closer up look has the train rolling past MP 250, the white concrete post to the left of the train, and the "lift plow" sign as it approaches the crossing. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/25/2024 6:31:42 AM |
Location: |
Baron, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8877(ES44AC) CP 8044(AC4400CWM) |
Views: |
54 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
250-0 |
Description: |
The wide angle shot here is of the train passing signal 250-0, which KCS relocated here from an earlier position a bit to the north a few years ago, which made it much more accessible for the C&S forces. They did a similar move a couple miles south with the signal at MP 252, which was moved from a position on an embankment, to the crossing just south of that milepost. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/25/2024 6:39:47 AM |
Location: |
Baron, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Signal,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8877(ES44AC) CP 8044(AC4400CWM) |
Views: |
53 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
DPU on the bridge |
Description: |
After Baron, there arent any good photo spots til you get into Stilwell, but there is the bridge over Barren Fork Creek, a plate girder affair that connects to a through truss. Its better for a northbound, or a southbound with a DPU, which is what we have here. I wont beat him to the next spot, a county road crossing about 1.5 miles south, but the shot here is worth doing. The two unit DPU, a pair of CP Golden Rodents filling out this all CP, all GE power consist, rolls south, seen from adjacent US 59. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/25/2024 6:46:59 AM |
Location: |
Baron, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Bridge,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 9776(AC44CW) CP 9780(AC44CW) |
Views: |
54 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
County barn |
Description: |
There used to be a body shop here. Adair county picked up the property when the shop folded, and now uses it for a maintenance base for road equipment. The tracks here are on a short steep grade, coming out of a speed restricted curve that slows them considerably. Its kind of a straight on shot, but an easy one. The slow speed also makes getting ahead of the train for a shot at the signals at CP North Stilwell easy, or passing the station, about 1.5 mile south. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/25/2024 6:51:40 AM |
Location: |
Stilwell, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8877(ES44AC) CP 8044(AC4400CWM) |
Views: |
59 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
The northbound |
Description: |
The dispatcher said the grain train was to meet a northbound at Stilwell. I was hoping for an actual train, so was sorta disappointed when it turned out to be just four lite engines, now in the siding as they are about to meet the southbound. Oh well....though one of them did turn out to be notable. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/26/2024 4:29:28 AM |
Location: |
Stilwell, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Signal,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8629(AC44CW) CP 8013(AC4400CWM) KCS 4575(AC44CW) KCSM 4735(ES44AC) |
Views: |
44 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Lite power by the station |
Description: |
The lite power move rolls up the siding as the grain train approaches on the main, holding back so he wont have to come to a complete stop at the home signal. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/26/2024 4:31:33 AM |
Location: |
Stilwell, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Station,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8629(AC44CW) CP 8013(AC4400CWM) KCS 4575(AC44CW) |
Views: |
51 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Side by each |
Description: |
The lite power move is overshadowed by the grain train as it rolls away north. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/26/2024 4:35:25 AM |
Location: |
Stilwell, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Station,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8877(ES44AC) CP 8044(AC4400CWM) KCSM 4735(ES44AC) |
Views: |
53 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Slow roll |
Description: |
The grain train was to meet a northbound move here at Stilwell, and is doing a slow roll down to the signal as the northbound rolls up the siding behind it. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/26/2024 4:13:55 AM |
Location: |
Stilwell, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Station,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8877(ES44AC) CP 8044(AC4400CWM) |
Views: |
67 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
From the bridge |
Description: |
The grain train was held up long enough waiting for the dispatcher to clear the signal that I had time to beat it up to the US 59 overpass a half mile south for this tele view of the train picking up speed as he rolled for Cave Springs and south. Id follow the lite power back to Watts. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/26/2024 4:37:37 AM |
Location: |
Stilwell, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Station,Signal |
Locomotives: |
CP 8877(ES44AC) CP 8044(AC4400CWM) |
Views: |
56 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Into the shade |
Description: |
The wider angle view shows the southbound rolling into the curve, and into the shadow of the US 59 overpass, its 102 cars stretched out behind. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/26/2024 4:39:42 AM |
Location: |
Stilwell, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8877(ES44AC) CP 8044(AC4400CWM) |
Views: |
46 Comments: 1 |
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|
Title: |
Dwarfed |
Description: |
The four unit move is dwarfed by the landscape as it rolls north past the hay bales north of Westville. Someone needs to do something with that tree!! |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/26/2024 4:43:38 AM |
Location: |
Westville, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8629(AC44CW) CP 8013(AC4400CWM) KCS 4575(AC44CW) KCSM 4735(ES44AC) |
Views: |
51 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
On Ballard Creek |
Description: |
The lite power crosses the Ballard Creek bridge in bright late day sun. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/26/2024 5:09:39 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Bridge,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8629(AC44CW) CP 8013(AC4400CWM) KCS 4575(AC44CW) KCSM 4735(ES44AC) |
Views: |
65 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Going away |
Description: |
The lite power move rolls away toward South Watts, which it will pass unimpeded. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/26/2024 5:17:40 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Action |
Locomotives: |
KCSM 4735(ES44AC) KCS 4575(AC44CW) CP 8013(AC4400CWM) CP 8629(AC44CW) |
Views: |
52 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Quick grab |
Description: |
The four units make a brief appearance on the Illinois River bridge as they head north, a couple of relatively clean Golden Rodents leading the way. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/26/2024 5:26:33 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Bridge,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8629(AC44CW) CP 8013(AC4400CWM) KCS 4575(AC44CW) KCSM 4735(ES44AC) |
Views: |
56 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Once a special unit |
Description: |
Third in consist of the lite power move was this surprise. It doesnt look all that different from any other AC44 now, but back in the day, when NAFTA was a big deal, this engine had a special paint job on its gray body, noting the different roads in the KCS stable, and how they fit into the NAFTA scheme. There was also an SD 50 so adorned, which I have a shot of at Knoche Yard in KC from 1999 or so. |
Photo Date: |
4/11/2024 Upload Date: 4/26/2024 5:34:58 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Roster,Action |
Locomotives: |
KCS 4575(AC44CW) |
Views: |
51 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Its a start |
Description: |
I had gotten a notification on the Heritage Unit app that CP 7030, the Strathconas tribute unit, was coming north on an ethanol train. After completing some tasks, I headed out to find it, since the timing was looking favorable. As I headed into town, I saw a train on the Lincoln St crossing. I was able to beat it to the US 412 overpass, where I got it under a cloud, a single SD 70 leading 78 cars. |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/3/2024 6:04:02 AM |
Location: |
Siloam Springs, AR |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 7047(SD70ACU) |
Views: |
32 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Eight units!! |
Description: |
When I got to Watts, the 262 was working at the south end, but was going to hold for a northbound. I went to Westville, thinking that would be the northbound with CP 7030 on it. I was correct, and a few minutes later, I heard the dispatcher telling a 261 his work at Watts. Here he is, eight units and 60 cars. The decal for the Strathconas can be seen on the nose of the third unit. Well look at that in more detail shortly. |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/3/2024 6:08:58 AM |
Location: |
Westville, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 8811(ES44AC) KCS 4857(ES44AC) CP 7030(SD70ACU) KCS 4770(ES44AC) KCS 4013(SD70ACe) CP 9829(AC44CW) CP 8840(ES44AC) CP 9812(AC44CW) |
Views: |
42 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
261, meet 262 |
Description: |
The two merchandise trains meet at the south end of Watts siding. Note the Strathcona coat of arms on the third unit of 261. |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/5/2024 6:17:23 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 7047(SD70ACU) CP 8811(ES44AC) KCS 4857(ES44AC) CP 7030(SD70ACU) |
Views: |
46 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Strathcona unit |
Description: |
A 3/4 view of CP 7030, the Strathcona tribute unit, which was third in the eight unit consist on the 261. We'll take a look at the unit in more detail in the next several photos, before going on with the day's chase. |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/5/2024 6:45:26 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Roster |
Locomotives: |
CP 7030(SD70ACU) |
Views: |
26 Comments: 1 |
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|
Title: |
Strathcona |
Description: |
A broadside of the Strathcona unit as it approaches Watts on the 261 train |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/5/2024 6:27:46 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Roster |
Locomotives: |
CP 7030(SD70ACU) |
Views: |
39 Comments: 1 |
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|
Title: |
Nose to nose |
Description: |
The 7030 nose to nose with KCS GE 4770 trailing it at Watts |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/5/2024 6:49:22 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 7030(SD70ACU) |
Views: |
34 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
CP 7030 cab |
Description: |
The cab of CP 7030, showing the Strathcona coal of arms |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/5/2024 6:52:23 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Roster |
Locomotives: |
CP 7030(SD70ACU) |
Views: |
38 Comments: 1 |
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|
Title: |
Coat of Arms |
Description: |
The coat of arms of Baron Strathcona, founder of the regiment that today is Canadas only tank force, is on the cab of CP 7030, here on the 261 train at Watts. |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/6/2024 6:30:15 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Roster |
Locomotives: |
CP 7030(SD70ACU) |
Views: |
46 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
DPU |
Description: |
The DPU on the 262 train sits near the yard office while the head end works at the south end of the yard. This train had one unit fore and aft, not the typical arrangement. Usually, there are at least two units up front. |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/6/2024 6:44:00 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Yard,Action |
Locomotives: |
KCS 4774(ES44AC) |
Views: |
26 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Working the south end |
Description: |
Back to the action: the 262 train works the south end of Watts yard, taking head room on the main as he passes the home signals at South Watts |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/6/2024 6:38:06 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Yard,Signal,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 7047(SD70ACU) |
Views: |
71 Comments: 1 |
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|
Title: |
Underway |
Description: |
The 261 was still working the yard when the 262 was ready to go. I opted to chase it to Westville, having gotten my shots of the Strathcona unit. Here it is passing MP 237 as it starts out of the yard with its 78 cars. |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/6/2024 6:48:55 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 7047(SD70ACU) |
Views: |
46 Comments: 1 |
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|
Title: |
Standing out |
Description: |
The stark white of the CP on the nose of the engine really stands out against the dark of the now in shadow front of the engine. |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/6/2024 6:53:25 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 7047(SD70ACU) |
Views: |
26 Comments: 1 |
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|
Title: |
A little brighter |
Description: |
Now that the 262 has gotten close enough to get some side light, the engine and train are a lot better lit, bringing out the red in the bright sun. |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/6/2024 6:56:50 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 7047(SD70ACU) |
Views: |
39 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Stretched into the sky |
Description: |
Id spent some of the day so far dodging clouds, as there was quite a bit of cover when I started. Now the sun was mostly out, but there were still some puffy clouds overhead, making for a pretty shot as the 262 stretches out near MP 239. |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/6/2024 7:02:36 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 7047(SD70ACU) |
Views: |
36 Comments: 1 |
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|
Title: |
Hayin time |
Description: |
The pasture where I often see steer has been cut, and the hay bales are scattered around waiting to be stored. It makes a scenic view for the southbound |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/7/2024 5:58:54 AM |
Location: |
Westville, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
CP 7047(SD70ACU) |
Views: |
40 Comments: 1 |
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|
Title: |
DPU and a hay field |
Description: |
The rear of the 78 car train is now in view, the Belle DPU bringing up the rear as it passes the barn. |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/7/2024 6:04:51 AM |
Location: |
Westville, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
KCS 4774(ES44AC) |
Views: |
26 Comments: 1 |
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|
Title: |
The dodger is back |
Description: |
After chasing the 262 down to Westville, I headed back to Watts, thinking Id find the 261 still working there. As I approached the south end of the yard, I saw a headlight in the distance. As I got up to the yard office, it turned out to the the dodger returning to the yard from its days work. The 261 had a pick up and set out, but must have worked quickly, leaving not long after I started following the 262, since hed have to have met the dodger at Siloam. The dodger was a good looking train, three baby Belles and 42 cars. I had hoped to chase the 261 north, but the Strathcona unit was not leading, and I had gotten some good shots of the engine and the coat of arms, so not a total loss. I got four trains for the afternoon, so a good day. |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/7/2024 6:10:11 AM |
Location: |
Watts, OK |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Yard,Action |
Locomotives: |
KCS 2826(GP40-3) KCS 2019(GP38-2) KCS 2857(GP40-3) |
Views: |
32 Comments: 1 |
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|
Title: |
Exclamation point!! |
Description: |
I had a feeling there was a 181 still out there somewhere, but had no indication where it was, and it had been mentioned only in passing on the radio. It was getting to be dinner time, and I had to stop at Wal Mart on the way, so figured I wouldnt see him. As I was heading south on Ark 59 to my house, I looked over at Lake Frances Rd to see the gates down. CRAP!! I did a quick U turn, hoping I was near the head end of the train. Luck was with me, and I not only was right behind the power, but made the light at Main St, allowing me to set up for this shot at Tahlequah St, putting an exclamation point on what had been a good afternoon at the races. A mixed set of power rolls north with 45 stack platforms and ten auto racks in tow. |
Photo Date: |
7/1/2024 Upload Date: 7/7/2024 6:16:36 AM |
Location: |
Siloam Springs, AR |
Author: |
Tom Beckett |
Categories: |
Action |
Locomotives: |
KCSM 4889(ES44AC) CP 8703(ES44AC) |
Views: |
18 Comments: 1 |
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