Railblazer
Missouri Kansas Texas NB Manifest MKT 174 332 207 Parsons Kansas Yard
With a member of the crew on the front step ready to line switches, a northbound Missouri-Kansas-Texas mixed freight is shown arriving at the Katy's Parsons, Kansas yard on May 29, 1988. Passing an unusual signal governing the track at the scale house, (out of sight to the left), today’s train is led by MKT GP40 174, (built new for the railroad in August, 1966), GP38AC 332, (ex ICG, ex IC 9507 built in February, 1970) followed by another GP40, the 207, also built new for the railroad in August, 1968.
During the last five years of the Katy’s existence I made many Parsons trips both by myself and with friends. The yard and large locomotive shop located there were still in use and busy. In addition to meeting some local fans while visiting, I also found the MKT employees to be friendly and accommodating. While trying to modernize, right up to the end, the Katy still had the feel of a steam era railroad. Even after thirty years, I still miss my trips to Parsons to see this interesting and colorful railroad in action.
Missouri Kansas Texas NB Manifest MKT 174 332 207 Parsons Kansas Yard
With a member of the crew on the front step ready to line switches, a northbound Missouri-Kansas-Texas mixed freight is shown arriving at the Katy's Parsons, Kansas yard on May 29, 1988. Passing an unusual signal governing the track at the scale house, (out of sight to the left), today’s train is led by MKT GP40 174, (built new for the railroad in August, 1966), GP38AC 332, (ex ICG, ex IC 9507 built in February, 1970) followed by another GP40, the 207, also built new for the railroad in August, 1968.
During the last five years of the Katy’s existence I made many Parsons trips both by myself and with friends. The yard and large locomotive shop located there were still in use and busy. In addition to meeting some local fans while visiting, I also found the MKT employees to be friendly and accommodating. While trying to modernize, right up to the end, the Katy still had the feel of a steam era railroad. Even after thirty years, I still miss my trips to Parsons to see this interesting and colorful railroad in action.