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4/1/2025
 
 
 
 
 
By:Tom Beckett
Dates:3/1/2023 - 3/31/2024
Album Info:Chases from my house in Siloam Springs that followed a train away, and caught another coming back home.
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Now headed back
Title:  Now headed back
Description:  The northbound has cleared, and the southbound makes its way past the low water crossing on Butler Creek.
Photo Date:  1/16/2025  Upload Date: 1/18/2025 6:11:37 AM
Location:  Gravette, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8028(AC4400CWM) CP 9634(AC44CW) KCSM 4676(ES44AC)
Views:  112   Comments: 0
I wanted to do this in the snow
Title:  I wanted to do this in the snow
Description:  The 80 car grain train makes its way along the creek and some rocks seen from the Ark 59 overpass. I wanted to do this shot in the snow the previous weekend, but the trains didnt cooperate. Did get some good stuff south of Siloam, though.
Photo Date:  1/16/2025  Upload Date: 1/18/2025 6:13:27 AM
Location:  Gravette, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8028(AC4400CWM) CP 9634(AC44CW) KCSM 4676(ES44AC)
Views:  137   Comments: 0
DPU
Title:  DPU
Description:  The DPU on the grain train, a CP ES44, rolls away from me into a tunnel of trees
Photo Date:  1/16/2025  Upload Date: 1/20/2025 5:18:33 AM
Location:  Sulphur Springs, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8872(ES44AC)
Views:  59   Comments: 0
Coming over the top
Title:  Coming over the top
Description:  After a hard pull coming into Gravette, the train passes MP 210 and a speed sign as it starts over the crest of the grade at Gravette. Hell have another hard pull six miles hence in Decatur.
Photo Date:  1/16/2025  Upload Date: 1/20/2025 5:28:15 AM
Location:  Gravette, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8028(AC4400CWM) CP 9634(AC44CW) KCSM 4676(ES44AC)
Views:  140   Comments: 0
No siding
Title:  No siding
Description:  There was, til late last year, an old switch stand that made for a nice photo prop here. Gravette installed a walking/bike path over the crossing here, and it seems as part of modifying the crossing, KCS did some clean up of old relics. The switch itself was long gone, but the stand was cool.
Photo Date:  1/16/2025  Upload Date: 1/20/2025 5:52:14 AM
Location:  Gravette, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8028(AC4400CWM) CP 9634(AC44CW) KCSM 4676(ES44AC)
Views:  143   Comments: 0
Station and F unit
Title:  Station and F unit
Description:  The grain train slowly makes its way into Decatur, passing the station, now a museum, and the displayed F 7.
Photo Date:  1/16/2025  Upload Date: 1/20/2025 6:16:17 AM
Location:  Decatur, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8028(AC4400CWM) CP 9634(AC44CW) KCSM 4676(ES44AC) KCS 73D(F7A)
Views:  171   Comments: 0
Side by side
Title:  Side by side
Description:  The two members of separate eras pass at Decatur. The grain train is really dragging here.
Photo Date:  1/16/2025  Upload Date: 1/20/2025 6:38:28 AM
Location:  Decatur, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8028(AC4400CWM) CP 9634(AC44CW) KCSM 4676(ES44AC) KCS 73D(F7A)
Views:  176   Comments: 0
Watching the detectors
Title:  Watching the detectors
Description:  Though not much to see. The small light colored box next to the tracks is part of the facility, which the train is about to pass. It will tell me the train is southbound, has 344 axles, and the temperature is 59 degrees.
Photo Date:  1/16/2025  Upload Date: 1/20/2025 6:42:08 AM
Location:  Decatur, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  CP 8028(AC4400CWM) CP 9634(AC44CW) KCSM 4676(ES44AC)
Views:  129   Comments: 0
Passing the feed store
Title:  Passing the feed store
Description:  One of the more prominent features of the view from the Ark 12 overpass is the Curran Feed Store, which our southbound is passing as it approaches my perch on the bridge.
Photo Date:  1/16/2025  Upload Date: 1/20/2025 6:45:03 AM
Location:  Gentry, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8028(AC4400CWM) CP 9634(AC44CW) KCSM 4676(ES44AC)
Views:  136   Comments: 0
Tean track
Title:  Tean track
Description:  Theres a team track/set out track sometimes used for bad order cars, at Gentry. The week prior to this, it had a cut of coal hoppers that were set out from a TXUX train. The grain move passes the switch as it approaches.
Photo Date:  1/16/2025  Upload Date: 1/20/2025 6:49:15 AM
Location:  Gentry, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  CP 8028(AC4400CWM) CP 9634(AC44CW) KCSM 4676(ES44AC)
Views:  135   Comments: 0
Going under
Title:  Going under
Description:  The grain train about to go under the Ark 12 bridge.
Photo Date:  1/16/2025  Upload Date: 1/20/2025 6:52:12 AM
Location:  Gentry, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8028(AC4400CWM) CP 9634(AC44CW) KCSM 4676(ES44AC)
Views:  131   Comments: 0
Through the sag
Title:  Through the sag
Description:  One feature in Siloam that I often overlook is the sag between the Country Club Rd crossing, and CP North Siloam Springs. I set up at Lincoln St to catch the train rolling through.
Photo Date:  1/16/2025  Upload Date: 1/20/2025 6:53:44 AM
Location:  Siloam Springs, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8028(AC4400CWM) CP 9634(AC44CW) KCSM 4676(ES44AC)
Views:  148   Comments: 0
DPU in the sun
Title:  DPU in the sun
Description:  Now that I was close to home, and the light was fading, I waited for the rear of the train to get a nicely lit shot of the DPU, a fairly common CP ES 44
Photo Date:  1/16/2025  Upload Date: 1/20/2025 6:55:31 AM
Location:  Siloam Springs, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  CP 8872(ES44AC)
Views:  45   Comments: 0
And away!!
Title:  And away!!
Description:  The grain train rolls off into the setting sun, the light glinting off the covered hoppers and DPU, its passing noted by the flashing crossing gates.
Photo Date:  1/16/2025  Upload Date: 1/20/2025 6:57:17 AM
Location:  Siloam Springs, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8872(ES44AC)
Views:  51   Comments: 0
Almost caught him
Title:  Almost caught him
Description:  I heard a horn from a southbound, and took off. Usually I can beat the trains to Westville if I keep a reasonable, but quick pace down Ark 59 and over on US 62. Didnt quite get to move as fast as I would have liked, and wound up not having enough time to get ahead and set up, so got this shot of the head end crossing US 62. Turned out, this was enough, as there was only the one unit leading. The rest of the train would be interesting, though, as well see.
Photo Date:  3/31/2024  Upload Date: 1/29/2025 6:42:40 AM
Location:  Westville, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  CP 8784(ES44AC)
Views:  94   Comments: 1
Got a lead on him now
Title:  Got a lead on him now
Description:  A quick run to Baron, and Im ahead of the train, now able to set up for the shot coming by the old church. Today I go for it splitting the "lift plow" board and the milepost, 250 miles south of Kansas City.
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/29/2025 6:48:51 AM
Location:  Baron, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8784(ES44AC)
Views:  30   Comments: 0
Signal
Title:  Signal
Description:  The grain train rolls its 100 cars along past the automatic at Baron
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/29/2025 6:53:17 AM
Location:  Baron, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8784(ES44AC)
Views:  32   Comments: 0
Just right
Title:  Just right
Description:  The DPU on the grain train is just barely in the sun as it rolls across Barren Fork Creek.
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/29/2025 6:54:20 AM
Location:  Baron, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  KCSM 4652(ES44AC)
Views:  85   Comments: 0
Surprise
Title:  Surprise
Description:  I didnt beat the head end to the next crossing, but did get there for the rest of the train. Something KCS has not been doing the last few years is positioning distributed power mid train, so it was a bit of a surprise to find these two units 50 cars deep. The 9752 would bounce back and forth from KC to Shreveport several times over the next couple of weeks.
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/29/2025 6:57:25 AM
Location:  Baron, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  CP 9752(AC44CW) UP 5727(AC44CWCTE)
Views:  66   Comments: 1
Moving it along
Title:  Moving it along
Description:  Along with the two mid train DPUs, was this KCSM unit on the rear.
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/30/2025 5:03:36 AM
Location:  Baron, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  KCSM 4652(ES44AC)
Views:  84   Comments: 0
Into the shadows
Title:  Into the shadows
Description:  The rear DPU seen going away into the shadows of the trees as it passes the automatic at MP 252.
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/30/2025 5:14:09 AM
Location:  Baron, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  KCSM 4652(ES44AC)
Views:  71   Comments: 0
Sag and signals
Title:  Sag and signals
Description:  The grain train rolls through a shallow sag and the signals at North Stilwell as it approaches a meet.
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/30/2025 5:16:38 AM
Location:  Stilwell, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8784(ES44AC)
Views:  31   Comments: 0
Wide
Title:  Wide
Description:  The grain train slows to meet a northbound empty coal train.
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/30/2025 5:18:24 AM
Location:  Stilwell, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  CP 8784(ES44AC)
Views:  34   Comments: 0
Windshield meet
Title:  Windshield meet
Description:  The northbound coal train was already working up the siding as I was chasing down to get the southbound by the station, meeting here along USS 59, south of the SR 51 crossing. Seen through the windhshield.
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/30/2025 5:21:45 AM
Location:  Stilwell, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  CP 8784(ES44AC) KCSM 4069(SD70ACe) BNSF 9109(SD70ACe) KCSM 4517(AC44CW) KCS 4118(SD70ACe)
Views:  134   Comments: 0
Station
Title:  Station
Description:  The grain train passes the Stilwell station, whose sign has been removed.
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/30/2025 5:25:49 AM
Location:  Stilwell, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Station,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8784(ES44AC)
Views:  23   Comments: 0
Into the twilight
Title:  Into the twilight
Description:  I wasnt able to get a shot of the northbound at Stilwell, he beat me to the north end of town. I caught up here at Baron, shooting him coming past the automatic at MP 252 as the light gets low.
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/30/2025 5:31:52 AM
Location:  Baron, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Signal,Action
Locomotives:  KCSM 4069(SD70ACe) BNSF 9109(SD70ACe) KCSM 4517(AC44CW) KCS 4118(SD70ACe)
Views:  106   Comments: 0
On the creek
Title:  On the creek
Description:  The light was just barely giving me some sun on the DPU of the southbound a little earlier, now its largely gone. The head end of the empty TXUX train crosses Barren Fork Creek
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/30/2025 5:33:22 AM
Location:  Baron, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  KCSM 4069(SD70ACe) BNSF 9109(SD70ACe) KCSM 4517(AC44CW) KCS 4118(SD70ACe)
Views:  127   Comments: 1
Pastoral panorama
Title:  Pastoral panorama
Description:  The coal train catches the last sun as it rolls past the fields of livestock and hay north of Westville.
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/30/2025 5:36:23 AM
Location:  Westville, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  KCSM 4069(SD70ACe) BNSF 9109(SD70ACe) KCSM 4517(AC44CW) KCS 4118(SD70ACe)
Views:  131   Comments: 0
More pastoral panorama
Title:  More pastoral panorama
Description:  Not as dramatic as the previous shot, but still pretty. The power set on this train is unusual in that it has three KCS units, and only one BNSF, with one BNSF on the rear. They must have pulled a BNSF unit somewhere, as these trains usually arrive from BNSF in a 2x1 configuration, with KCS adding a pair of diesels for the trip south.
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/30/2025 5:52:31 AM
Location:  Westville, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  KCSM 4069(SD70ACe) BNSF 9109(SD70ACe) KCSM 4517(AC44CW) KCS 4118(SD70ACe)
Views:  116   Comments: 0
Panoramic DPU
Title:  Panoramic DPU
Description:  The DPU on the empty coal train rolls past the CR E 690 crossing.
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/30/2025 5:55:04 AM
Location:  Westville, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  KCSM 4507(AC44CW) BNSF 8456(SD70ACe)
Views:  109   Comments: 0
Reflections
Title:  Reflections
Description:  The last sun is catching the reflective tape on the DPU
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/30/2025 5:56:07 AM
Location:  Westville, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  KCSM 4507(AC44CW) BNSF 8456(SD70ACe)
Views:  110   Comments: 0
Ballard Creek
Title:  Ballard Creek
Description:  The empty train crosses Ballard Creek as it approaches Watts
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/30/2025 6:02:25 AM
Location:  Watts, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  KCSM 4069(SD70ACe) BNSF 9109(SD70ACe) KCSM 4517(AC44CW) KCS 4118(SD70ACe)
Views:  133   Comments: 0
Rolling away
Title:  Rolling away
Description:  The DPU on the coal train rolls away into the gathering gloom around the curve at MP 237, just south of Watts yard.
Photo Date:  1/15/2025  Upload Date: 1/30/2025 6:23:07 AM
Location:  Watts, OK
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 8456(SD70ACe) KCSM 4507(AC44CW)
Views:  106   Comments: 0
As always, it starts with a horn
Title:  As always, it starts with a horn
Description:  We were coming back from lunch, and as we got out of the car, I could hear a train climbing up from Watts. A quick change of shoes-I wear this boot on my right foot now, to combat a condition called charcot-and off I went. I played chase til Gravette, where I was finally able to get ahead far enough to set up a shot. Here is the quarry, the 181 train, having just crossed Dallas St.
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 4:40:34 AM
Location:  Gravette, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  CP 8820(ES44AC) CP 8831(ES44AC)
Views:  20   Comments: 0
And on we go
Title:  And on we go
Description:  Now that Id caught him, it was a fairly easy chase to Sulphur Springs for this tele shot off the Ark 59 overpass into a tunnel of trees
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 4:42:38 AM
Location:  Sulphur Springs, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8820(ES44AC) CP 8831(ES44AC)
Views:  16   Comments: 0
Closer
Title:  Closer
Description:  The 181 approaches the overpass.
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 4:45:43 AM
Location:  Sulphur Springs, AR
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8820(ES44AC) CP 8831(ES44AC)
Views:  22   Comments: 0
Low water
Title:  Low water
Description:  The 181 runs along Butler Creek south of Noel, passing a low water crossing over the creek.
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 4:48:00 AM
Location:  Noel, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8820(ES44AC) CP 8831(ES44AC)
Views:  19   Comments: 0
On the river
Title:  On the river
Description:  The 181 crosses the Elk River at Ginger Blue
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 4:49:16 AM
Location:  Ginger Blue, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8820(ES44AC) CP 8831(ES44AC)
Views:  22   Comments: 0
On the road again
Title:  On the road again
Description:  The 181 rolls north along MO 59 south of Anderson in a long view.
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 4:50:19 AM
Location:  Anderson, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  CP 8820(ES44AC) CP 8831(ES44AC)
Views:  17   Comments: 0
Getting started
Title:  Getting started
Description:  I got to McElhany after a pit stop in Anderson-Im an old guy on diuretics-to find this southbound grain move just starting up at the intermediate signal as the 181 approached for a meet.
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 4:54:20 AM
Location:  McElhany, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Signal,Action
Locomotives:  KCS 4027(SD70ACe)
Views:  16   Comments: 0
Nose to nose
Title:  Nose to nose
Description:  The meet of 181, with CP power, and the grain move was done quickly, the 181 rolling past at a good clip as the grain move picked up speed.
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 4:56:14 AM
Location:  McElhany, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Signal,Action
Locomotives:  KCS 4027(SD70ACe) CP 8820(ES44AC)
Views:  17   Comments: 0
Getting a good roll now
Title:  Getting a good roll now
Description:  The grain train gets a good roll going as it approaches the automatic at Goodman. The single unit was originally a surprise-these trains usually get two up front, two in the rear. Things were a little different today.
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 4:58:25 AM
Location:  Goodman, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Signal,Action
Locomotives:  KCS 4027(SD70ACe)
Views:  19   Comments: 0
Heres why
Title:  Heres why
Description:  The 98 car grain train had these two diesels placed 47 cars deep in the train as a DPU. There would also be a single unit trailing.
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 5:07:35 AM
Location:  Goodman, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Signal,Action
Locomotives:  KCS 4612(AC44CW) UP 7898(AC45CCTE)
Views:  20   Comments: 0
Mid DPU away
Title:  Mid DPU away
Description:  A view from County Road C nets us this view of the mid train DPU rolling away toward Splitlog.
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 5:09:24 AM
Location:  Goodman, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  KCS 4612(AC44CW) UP 7898(AC45CCTE)
Views:  18   Comments: 0
Golden Rodent
Title:  Golden Rodent
Description:  A beaver herald adorned GE takes up the rear of the southbound grain move.
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 5:13:05 AM
Location:  Goodman, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  CP 9756(AC44CW)
Views:  25   Comments: 0
Cant fight city hall
Title:  Cant fight city hall
Description:  But you can take a photo of a train passing it. The grain train rolls past the old KCS station at Anderson, one of a number of them preserved either as museums, or as this one, and the one in Noel, now a municipal building. The area here has been cleaned up quite a bit since I last did this shot some years ago. Looks much nicer. The single unit works well here, too; two would also be manageable. More than that, and you don't get the whole consist. Now just need to get a clean unit leading here.
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 5:15:59 AM
Location:  Anderson, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Station,Action
Locomotives:  KCS 4027(SD70ACe)
Views:  23   Comments: 0
Road work
Title:  Road work
Description:  The train now has passed downtown Anderson, and is moving south along MO 59.
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 5:17:08 AM
Location:  Anderson, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  KCS 4027(SD70ACe)
Views:  12   Comments: 0
On the water
Title:  On the water
Description:  The grain trains single SD 70 rolls its charge above the Elk River. Theres still enough light for a little sun, just barely.
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 5:18:39 AM
Location:  Ginger Blue, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  KCS 4027(SD70ACe)
Views:  12   Comments: 0
Surprise!!
Title:  Surprise!!
Description:  I beat the grain train to Noel, expecting it to roll on through. I must not have heard anything on the radio about a meet, or missed the transmission. As I got out of the car, I heard a horn to the south. I had to scramble to get this shot of a 127 car 261 train approaching along Butler Creek.
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 5:26:20 AM
Location:  Noel, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  KCS 4591(AC44CW) CP 8855(ES44AC)
Views:  17   Comments: 0
Red reflections
Title:  Red reflections
Description:  The DPU on the rear of the 261 reflects in Butler Creek as it clears the Kings Highway crossing.
Photo Date:  3/9/2025  Upload Date: 3/14/2025 5:30:51 AM
Location:  Noel, MO
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  CP 7008(SD70ACU)
Views:  28   Comments: 0


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