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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: |
78 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: |
80 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: |
76 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: |
68 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: |
40 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: |
63 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: |
75 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: |
44 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: |
51 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: |
48 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: |
61 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: |
58 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: |
54 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: |
54 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: |
35 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: |
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| Views: |
52 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: |
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| Views: |
30 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
Speed sign |
| Description: |
The 112 car coal train rolls past the speed sign in downtown Gravette, there to advise of the speed restriction for the hard curve under the Ark 72 bridge, and then a long downgrade into Sulphur Springs. MP 210 is in the shadow to the right of the train. |
| Photo Date: |
8/17/2024 Upload Date: 8/25/2024 5:14:03 AM |
| Location: |
Gravette, AR |
| Author: |
Tom Beckett |
| Categories: |
Action |
| Locomotives: |
BNSF 9158(SD70ACe) BNSF 6174(ES44AC) |
| Views: |
42 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
Cleaned up |
| Description: |
I liked the shot here, because there was an old switch stand, and the remnants of an old customer siding here, that gave the shot some railroad feel. KCS has been doing some work on the line. The old siding and its switch stand are now gone. I have not been up here in a couple of months, but Im guessing they did this some time in the past 60 days or so. They have also removed the switches from the non controlled siding at Siloam Springs, which I dont understand, since it was used often to drop cuts of grain cars til they were needed. |
| Photo Date: |
8/17/2024 Upload Date: 8/25/2024 5:22:10 AM |
| Location: |
Gravette, AR |
| Author: |
Tom Beckett |
| Categories: |
Action |
| Locomotives: |
BNSF 9158(SD70ACe) BNSF 6174(ES44AC) |
| Views: |
37 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
Pushing away |
| Description: |
Actually, more like dragging at this point, since the train is heading down into the dip along Wolf Creek, and through Dorsey siding. Hell need them for the climb out, and Ill beat the train to Decatur with time to spare |
| Photo Date: |
8/17/2024 Upload Date: 8/25/2024 5:52:02 AM |
| Location: |
Gravette, AR |
| Author: |
Tom Beckett |
| Categories: |
Action |
| Locomotives: |
NS 4282(AC44C6M) CP 8200(AC4400CWM) |
| Views: |
51 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
Anticipation |
| Description: |
Red over red as the signal shows the impending arrival of the southbound. |
| Photo Date: |
8/17/2024 Upload Date: 8/25/2024 5:54:54 AM |
| Location: |
Decatur, AR |
| Author: |
Tom Beckett |
| Categories: |
Signal |
| Locomotives: |
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| Views: |
39 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
I think I can |
| Description: |
Deactur is in the middle of a 1.5% grade that crests about a mile south of the station. The coal train struggles to get up the hill, his head end peeking around the curve at Roller St as he slowly comes through town. |
| Photo Date: |
8/17/2024 Upload Date: 8/25/2024 5:58:10 AM |
| Location: |
Decatur, AR |
| Author: |
Tom Beckett |
| Categories: |
Signal,Action |
| Locomotives: |
BNSF 9158(SD70ACe) BNSF 6174(ES44AC) |
| Views: |
40 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
Comparison in styles |
| Description: |
The modern era SD 70ACe contrasts with an old classic |
| Photo Date: |
8/17/2024 Upload Date: 8/25/2024 6:19:14 AM |
| Location: |
Decatur, AR |
| Author: |
Tom Beckett |
| Categories: |
Scenic,Station,Action |
| Locomotives: |
BNSF 9158(SD70ACe) BNSF 6174(ES44AC) KCS 73D(F7A) |
| Views: |
49 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
Detecting |
| Description: |
The coal train rolls through the detector at MP 218.4 |
| Photo Date: |
8/17/2024 Upload Date: 8/25/2024 6:38:43 AM |
| Location: |
Decatur, AR |
| Author: |
Tom Beckett |
| Categories: |
Action |
| Locomotives: |
BNSF 9158(SD70ACe) BNSF 6174(ES44AC) |
| Views: |
46 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
Over the top |
| Description: |
The coal train finally reaches the top of the grade, and is now tipping over the edge, and gaining speed as he rolls for Gentry |
| Photo Date: |
8/17/2024 Upload Date: 8/25/2024 6:46:50 AM |
| Location: |
Decatur, AR |
| Author: |
Tom Beckett |
| Categories: |
Signal,Action |
| Locomotives: |
BNSF 9158(SD70ACe) BNSF 6174(ES44AC) |
| Views: |
45 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
Approach |
| Description: |
The signal at North Gentry is showing approach, as the northbound, another 261, has just cleared the south end of the siding. The dispatcher will normal the switch in a moment, and the coal train will roll on south. The northbound has a surprise, but I wont be able to get a shot. |
| Photo Date: |
8/17/2024 Upload Date: 8/26/2024 5:46:05 AM |
| Location: |
Gentry, AR |
| Author: |
Tom Beckett |
| Categories: |
Signal,Action |
| Locomotives: |
CP 9379(ES44AC) |
| Views: |
39 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
The northbound |
| Description: |
The 261 train sitting in the siding, awaiting the coal train. You cant see it from here, but when I checked the train, visible through the trees from Ark 59, I found it had CP 6644, the WW II vets unit, third in a consist of four. I was thinking Id shoot the coal train one more time, then get this train up at Y City Rd in Decatur, but it was not to be, as the 261 stayed put, and I had to get home for dinner. It will be back some time. |
| Photo Date: |
8/17/2024 Upload Date: 8/26/2024 5:49:17 AM |
| Location: |
Gentry, AR |
| Author: |
Tom Beckett |
| Categories: |
Action |
| Locomotives: |
CP 9379(ES44AC) |
| Views: |
47 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
Coal south |
| Description: |
The coal train was making decent time, and got to North Gentry quickly. I got the shot just north of the signal, a pretty basic 3/4 photo. |
| Photo Date: |
8/17/2024 Upload Date: 8/26/2024 5:55:11 AM |
| Location: |
Gentry, AR |
| Author: |
Tom Beckett |
| Categories: |
Action |
| Locomotives: |
BNSF 9158(SD70ACe) BNSF 6174(ES44AC) |
| Views: |
48 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
Meeting the northbound |
| Description: |
The coal train rolls away from me, about to pass the 261 in the siding. I went back up to Y City Rd, about three miles north, where there would be a good sun angle, hoping to get the WW II unit, but they were holding the 261. After waiting almost two hours for the coal train, it didnt look promising, and I had to get home, Next time through... |
| Photo Date: |
8/17/2024 Upload Date: 8/26/2024 6:15:43 AM |
| Location: |
Gentry, AR |
| Author: |
Tom Beckett |
| Categories: |
Action |
| Locomotives: |
BNSF 9158(SD70ACe) BNSF 6174(ES44AC) CP 9379(ES44AC) |
| Views: |
52 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
DPU from the car |
| Description: |
The DPU on the coal train, seen from the railfan chase vehicle |
| Photo Date: |
8/17/2024 Upload Date: 8/26/2024 6:17:47 AM |
| Location: |
Gentry, AR |
| Author: |
Tom Beckett |
| Categories: |
Action |
| Locomotives: |
CP 8200(AC4400CWM) NS 4282(AC44C6M) |
| Views: |
63 Comments: 1 |
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| Title: |
261 and a DPU |
| Description: |
The DPU on the coal train passes the head end of the 261. |
| Photo Date: |
8/17/2024 Upload Date: 8/26/2024 6:26:22 AM |
| Location: |
Gentry, AR |
| Author: |
Tom Beckett |
| Categories: |
Signal,Action |
| Locomotives: |
CP 9379(ES44AC) NS 4282(AC44C6M) |
| Views: |
51 Comments: 1 |
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