A single SD70ACe blasts through town on the NS Kansas City District past the MFA Elevator with NS Train 255, the RoadRailer from Detroit. The train is headed for Voltz Yard just east of Kansas City with Triple Crown trailers, mostly filled with Ford parts for their Claycomo Assembly Plant.

Locomotive: NS 1086

11-10-21

Orrick, MO

One of the few remaining NS highhoods still in active service works an auto facility just outside Kansas City.

An NS Yard Job switches Claycomo Yard and the Ford Motor Company Plant as the original Southern Heritage Locomotive stands by on a different job.

Locomotive: NS 4610

Rolling Stock: SOU 42595

10-31-11

Claycomo, MO

There aren't a whole lot of these left out there running, but a handful wind up on the NS moving auto parts to the Ford Claycomo Plant in Kansas City that I see a couple times a week. I had my camera in hand for once and caught this old ICG box on NS Train 181 headed west on the NS Kansas City District.

Rolling Stock: ICG 680131

2-28-23

Orrick, MO

Coming over the 1907 Lake Decatur bridge is NS Train 255, the final Triple Crown Services RoadRailer train on the NS Lafayette District behind the most typical of NS engines, a GE Dash-9; and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

These very fascinating RoadRailer trains have traversed a number of routes on the NS System and other railroads over the past few decades, but they never caught on anywhere like the TSC trains did on the NS, and had an impressive 38 year run for what was basically an experimental piece of equipment and an unique intermodal concept.

With the decision made not to invest more in the equipment, the last remaining service lane since the others ended in 2015 was this one on the Former Wabash between Oakwood Yard in Detroit and Voltz Yard in Kansas City hosting trains 255 and 256 moving mostly auto parts headed to the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant at Claycomo that rolls F-150s and Transit vans off the line.

As the equipment aged out and slowly deteriorated and became more difficult to operate, for 9 years there's been a perpetual rumor that these trains were done "by the end of the year", and that day finally came on August 26th when this one arrived at Voltz. Secondhand green 53 foot containers take over this service next week double stacked in well cars and a few of these trailers on spine cars mixed in.

The first time I saw one of these was in 1997 around Taylorville, IL, not that far from here. We were traveling up a parallel highway in a 1991 GMC Safari Van headed to a family function and one overtook us, then promptly left us in the dust behind a high hood GP50 leader. I knew about them prior to that moment, but until then I'd only seen them in print. That day sparked an interest in them that never died.

On that topic, the crowds out to see this train was amazing to see; a steam train sized chase pack. I'm glad to see so many other railfans got out to see them make their last trip and could appreciate the moment. We'll never see anything else like it. The Wabash just won't feel the same without those strings of trailers—built very appropriately, I might add, by Wabash National. I'm very thankful to have been fortunate enough to see them off into their last sunset.

Locomotive: NS 9936

8-25-24

Decatur, IL

In a scene right out of my childhood, the final NS Train 255 Triple Crown Services RoadRailer races down the NS Springfield-Hannibal District parallel to US Highway 36. It was awesome to briefly pace this thing one last time thanks to wheel man Dan Munson. With all the fanfare of heritage units on some of the last moves, I almost hate to admit I was overjoyed that the last 95 trailers drew a plain GE Dash-9, which is another dying breed on the NS, soon to be extinct as they get rebuilt into AC44C6M's.

These very fascinating RoadRailer trains have traversed a number of routes on the NS System and other railroads over the past few decades, but they never caught on anywhere like the TSC trains did on the NS, and had an impressive 38 year run for what was basically an experimental piece of equipment and an unique intermodal concept.

With the decision made not to invest more in the equipment, the last remaining service lane since the others ended in 2015 was this one on the Former Wabash between Oakwood Yard in Detroit and Voltz Yard in Kansas City hosting trains 255 and 256 moving mostly auto parts headed to the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant at Claycomo that rolls F-150s and Transit vans off the line.

As the equipment aged out and slowly deteriorated and became more difficult to operate, for 9 years there's been a perpetual rumor that these trains were done "by the end of the year", and that day finally came on August 26th when this one arrived at Voltz. Secondhand green 53 foot containers take over this service next week double stacked in well cars and a few of these trailers on spine cars mixed in.

The first time I saw one of these was in 1997 around Taylorville, IL, just 20 miles from here. We were traveling up a parallel highway in a 1991 GMC Safari Van headed to a family function and one overtook us, then promptly left us in the dust behind a high hood GP50 leader. I knew about them prior to that moment, but until then I'd only seen them in print. That day sparked an interest in them that never died.

On that topic, the crowds out to see this train was amazing to see; a steam train sized chase pack. I'm glad to see so many other railfans got out to see them make their last trip and could appreciate the moment. We'll never see anything else like it. The Wabash just won't feel the same without those strings of trailers—built very appropriately, I might add, by Wabash National. I'm very thankful to have been fortunate enough to see them off into their last sunset.

Locomotive: NS 9936

8-25-24

Lanesville, IL

In a scene never to be repeated as it was so many times over 4 decades on the NS Springfield-Hannibal District, the final NS Train 255 slams down the former Wabash at Illiopolis.

These very fascinating RoadRailer trains have traversed a number of routes on the NS System and other railroads over the past few decades, but they never caught on anywhere like the TSC trains did on the NS, and had an impressive 38 year run for what was basically an experimental piece of equipment and an unique intermodal concept.

With the decision made not to invest more in the equipment, the last remaining service lane since the others ended in 2015 was this one on the Former Wabash between Oakwood Yard in Detroit and Voltz Yard in Kansas City hosting trains 255 and 256 moving mostly auto parts headed to the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant at Claycomo that rolls F-150s and Transit vans off the line.

As the equipment aged out and slowly deteriorated and became more difficult to operate, for 9 years there's been a perpetual rumor that these trains were done "by the end of the year", and that day finally came on August 26th when this one arrived at Voltz. Secondhand green 53 foot containers take over this service next week double stacked in well cars and a few of these trailers on spine cars mixed in.

The first time I saw one of these was in 1997 around Taylorville, IL, not that far from here. We were traveling up a parallel highway in a 1991 GMC Safari Van headed to a family function and one overtook us, then promptly left us in the dust behind a high hood GP50 leader. I knew about them prior to that moment, but until then I'd only seen them in print. That day sparked an interest in them that never died.

On that topic, the crowds out to see this train was amazing to see; a steam train sized chase pack. I'm glad to see so many other railfans got out to see them make their last trip and could appreciate the moment. We'll never see anything else like it. The Wabash just won't feel the same without those strings of trailers—built very appropriately, I might add, by Wabash National. I'm very thankful to have been fortunate enough to see them off into their last sunset.

Locomotive: NS 9936

8-25-24

Illiopolis, IL

What normally runs as a local, NS Train D70 used the crew off one of the Claycomo Yard Jobs today and ran as NS Train DK80, moving autoracks from NS Voltz Yard to BNSF Argentine Yard. Here, the train eases to a stop at 10th Street on the NS Kansas City District-BNSF Brookfield Sub. Main Track 2 awaiting the go ahead from BNSF Ustick Dispatcher.

Locomotives: BNSF 1455, BNSF 2789

7-1-16

North Kansas City, MO

Now in the homestretch, NS Train 224 makes its way towards Voltz Yard where it will drop the intermodal and autoracks before taking the frames up to the Ford Motor Company Claycomo Plant. The Norfolk Southern Honoring First Responders Locomotive is on the point, and brightens an otherwise dreary, icy morning on the NS Kansas City District-BNSF Brookfield Sub.

Locomotives: NS 911, NS 2504

12-17-16

Liberty, MO

Mount Luther stands silent as TRRA 4002 & 4001 bring a huge transfer into Luther Yard. Auto carriers are a common piece of equipment found in this yard as the GM Plant in Wentzville and Ford Plant in Claycomo are both within reach at this end of Norfolk Southern's vast system. TRRA's 101 job brings more auto carriers from connections from CSX or UP.

With the size of their transfer, it was certain they would break up into 3 tracks to yard the train then likely another 2 or 3 tracks to put together before returning to Madison. All in a day's work for this daily job.

02-22-2025

Next stop on our fast tour of Kansas City was at Birmingham, where we found this Southern GP38 coming down the branch that goes to Kearney or Claycomo.

The Pennsylvania Heritage Locomotive leads NS train 224 into Kansas City this afternoon followed by a Dash 9 and an Ex-Conrail GP40-2.

They've finished setting out the majority of the train at the NS Voltz Yard Mixing Center, and now they've pulled clear of the CPKC diamond at Birmingham on Main Track 2 of the joint BNSF Brookfield Sub - NS Kansas City District, getting ready to shove up the hill to Claycomo to set out the truck frame loads. Once that's complete, they'll come back down the hill and continue a few miles west to NS's Avondale Yard to yard their short block of manifest. 9/12/25.

The second NS Train 224 in an hour works Voltz Yard on the NS Kansas City District-BNSF Brookfield Sub. strung out across the CP Diamond. They'll grab frames from the previous day's 224 that just left light power and go to Claycomo to spot at the Ford Assembly Plant.

Locomotives: NS 1034, NS 7583

10-7-17

Birmingham, MO

Using an Ex-SOU "high-hood" GP38-2 provided by NS, a Priority Yard & Train, LLC crew switches autoracks at Voltz Yard Mixing Center. These are autoracks are loaded with vehicles built at the Ford Assembly Plant at Claycomo, MO. Voltz is also home to an intermodal ramp and a Triple Crown Service terminal along with a couple other neighboring industries. 9/12/25.

In a sudden snow squall, the Norfolk Southern Honoring First Responders Locomotive leads the way across the CP Kansas City Sub. Crossing with NS Train 224. The train has just dropped off its intermodal and autoracks at NS Voltz Yard, and is bringing the remaining auto frames out of the yard back out onto the NS Kansas City District-BNSF Brookfield Sub.

They'll pull past the control point, and get a signal to shove the remaining cars up the NS Claycomo Spur, shove protection provided by the conductor riding with an NS Trainmaster. When the crew gets the frames buttoned up at the Ford Motor Company Claycomo Plant, they'll come out engine light for NS Avondale Yard in North Kansas City.

This was a fun chase this morning, despite the blustery, icy conditions. The Kansas City Area received freezing rain and drizzle for almost 24 hours straight, coating the region in ice, with more snow on the way. After a night of working literally hundreds of emergency calls for automobile accidents and slide-offs, my 911 Emergency Dispatcher girlfriend Melanie was of great spirit when her favorite locomotive made an almost unannounced appearance to her county.

Locomotives: NS 911, NS 2504

12-17-16

Birmingham, MO

After a significant delay around Bluffs due to some air problems on the aging equipment, the final NS Train 255 Triple Crown Services RoadRailer is back underway on the NS Springfield-Hannibal District at Maysville. FRED flashes. The K5LA more than a mile ahead of 95 trailers echoes across the cornfields. TCS Bogies will never polish those shiny rails again. The sky is red, and the train rides off into its final sunset.

Losing these trains is like the death of a friend. I know these things either ran great, or ran awful. I know they had air problems, especially late in life. I know they tore in half on occasion. But, there was no other freight train on the planet like them. I've always said they're the only train you could hear go by from a distance, sight unseen, and identify without a shadow of doubt what it was. That sustained single truck cadence always allowed me to tell when they were going by at night, rattling the frog 1,800 feet from our kitchen window the past 3 years.

These very fascinating RoadRailer trains have traversed a number of routes on the NS System and other railroads over the past few decades, but they never caught on anywhere like the TSC trains did on the NS, and had an impressive 38 year run for what was basically an experimental piece of equipment and an unique intermodal concept.

With the decision made not to invest more in the equipment, the last remaining service lane since the others ended in 2015 was this one on the Former Wabash between Oakwood Yard in Detroit and Voltz Yard in Kansas City hosting trains 255 and 256 moving mostly auto parts headed to the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant at Claycomo that rolls F-150s and Transit vans off the line.

As the equipment aged out and slowly deteriorated and became more difficult to operate, for 9 years there's been a perpetual rumor that these trains were done "by the end of the year", and that day finally came on August 26th when this one arrived at Voltz. Secondhand green 53 foot containers take over this service next week double stacked in well cars and a few of these trailers on spine cars mixed in.

The first time I saw one of these was in 1997 around Taylorville, IL, just 20 miles from here. We were traveling up a parallel highway in a 1991 GMC Safari Van headed to a family function and one overtook us, then promptly left us in the dust behind a high hood GP50 leader. I knew about them prior to that moment, but until then I'd only seen them in print. That day sparked an interest in them that never died.

On that topic, the crowds out to see this train was amazing to see; a steam train sized chase pack. I'm glad to see so many other railfans got out to see them make their last trip and could appreciate the moment. We'll never see anything else like it. The Wabash just won't feel the same without those strings of trailers—built very appropriately, I might add, by Wabash National. I'm very thankful to have been fortunate enough to see them off into their last sunset.

8-25-24

Griggsville, IL

With a Single Engine up front, NS 181 Leans into the Downgrade Curve outside of Missouri City.

This is the Last Running Boxcar Train on the NS, and sometimes It doesn't always have Just Boxcars. This one However, had a large Cut of them, with some Ford Frames for the Ford Assembly Plant in Claycomo, MO Tacked on the rear.

NS 181

Missouri City, MO

9/12/25

The last one is here, and today's NS Train 255, the final Triple Crown Services RoadRailer train, is on the move just west of Sidney on the NS Lafayette District behind an omnipresent Dash-9, just as I'd hoped for, honestly.

These very fascinating RoadRailer trains have traversed a number of routes on the NS System and other railroads over the past few decades, but they never caught on anywhere like the TSC trains did on the NS, and had an impressive 38 year run for what was basically an experimental piece of equipment and an unique intermodal concept.

With the decision made not to invest more in the equipment, the last remaining service lane since the others ended in 2015 was this one on the Former Wabash between Oakwood Yard in Detroit and Voltz Yard in Kansas City hosting trains 255 and 256 moving mostly auto parts headed to the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant at Claycomo that rolls F-150s and Transit vans off the line.

As the equipment aged out and slowly deteriorated and became more difficult to operate, for 9 years there's been a perpetual rumor that these trains were done "by the end of the year", and that day finally came on August 26th when this one arrived at Voltz. Secondhand green 53 foot containers take over this service next week double stacked in well cars and a few of these trailers on spine cars mixed in.

The first time I saw one of these was in 1997 around Taylorville, IL, not that far from here. We were traveling up a parallel highway in a 1991 GMC Safari Van headed to a family function and one overtook us, then promptly left us in the dust behind a high hood GP50 leader. I knew about them prior to that moment, but until then I'd only seen them in print. That day sparked an interest in them that never died.

On that topic, the crowds out to see this train was amazing to see; a steam train sized chase pack. I'm glad to see so many other railfans got out to see them make their last trip and could appreciate the moment. We'll never see anything else like it. The Wabash just won't feel the same without those strings of trailers—built very appropriately, I might add, by Wabash National. I'm very thankful to have been fortunate enough to see them off into their last sunset.

Locomotive: NS 9936

8-25-24

Sidney, IL

Another rebuild program that NS recently started is the SD40-3. Two of them are currently based out of Avondale, and pictured here is the morning yard switcher pulling empties out of the Old Inbound and shoving them into the Outbound. Later in the day, 20T would take said autoracks over to the Mixing Center at Voltz to be loaded with Ford vans from Claycomo.

D18D312

North Kansas City, MO

May 12, 2022 9:23AM

The final NS Train 255 Triple Crown Services RoadRailer flies down the NS Springfield-Hannibal District along US Highway 36, with its 95 trailers and bogies, a sight that will never be seen again here or anywhere. It's hard for me to describe, it was an almost emotional afternoon chasing this train. Like losing an old friend. I have to think it was as close as I'll ever get to how guys felt when they lost the last passenger trains just prior to Amtrak or something. There's something about losing one a fond nostalgic piece of your childhood.

I know these things either ran great, or ran awful. I know they had air problems, especially late in life. I know they tore in half on occasion. But, there was no other freight train on the planet like them. I've always said they're the only train you could hear go by from a distance, sight unseen, and identify without a shadow of doubt what it was. That sustained single truck cadence always allowed me to tell when they were going by at night, rattling the frog 1,800 feet from our kitchen window the past 3 years.

These very fascinating RoadRailer trains have traversed a number of routes on the NS System and other railroads over the past few decades, but they never caught on anywhere like the TSC trains did on the NS, and had an impressive 38 year run for what was basically an experimental piece of equipment and an unique intermodal concept.

With the decision made not to invest more in the equipment, the last remaining service lane since the others ended in 2015 was this one on the Former Wabash between Oakwood Yard in Detroit and Voltz Yard in Kansas City hosting trains 255 and 256 moving mostly auto parts headed to the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant at Claycomo that rolls F-150s and Transit vans off the line.

As the equipment aged out and slowly deteriorated and became more difficult to operate, for 9 years there's been a perpetual rumor that these trains were done "by the end of the year", and that day finally came on August 26th when this one arrived at Voltz. Secondhand green 53 foot containers take over this service next week double stacked in well cars and a few of these trailers on spine cars mixed in.

The first time I saw one of these was in 1997 around Taylorville, IL, just 20 miles from here. We were traveling up a parallel highway in a 1991 GMC Safari Van headed to a family function and one overtook us, then promptly left us in the dust behind a high hood GP50 leader. I knew about them prior to that moment, but until then I'd only seen them in print. That day sparked an interest in them that never died.

On that topic, the crowds out to see this train was amazing to see; a steam train sized chase pack. I'm glad to see so many other railfans got out to see them make their last trip and could appreciate the moment. We'll never see anything else like it. The Wabash just won't feel the same without those strings of trailers—built very appropriately, I might add, by Wabash National. I'm very thankful to have been fortunate enough to see them off into their last sunset.

Rolling Stock: TCSZ 468926, TCSR 5701

8-25-24

Dawson, IL

The Pennsylvania Heritage Locomotive leads NS train 224 into Kansas City this afternoon followed by a Dash 9 and an Ex-Conrail GP40-2.

They've finished setting out the majority of the train at the NS Voltz Yard Mixing Center and shoving truck frame loads to the Ford Assembly Plant via the Claycomo Spur at Birmingham, and now they're leaving Minneville and entering Randolph on Main Track 1 of the joint BNSF Brookfield Sub - NS Kansas City District, headed for NS's Avondale Yard with a short cut of manifest traffic. 9/12/25.

The countdown is over, and today's NS Train 255, the final Triple Crown Services RoadRailer train, comes into Cerro Gordo just east of Decatur on the NS Lafayette District behind an omnipresent Dash-9, just as I'd hoped for, honestly.

These very fascinating RoadRailer trains have traversed a number of routes on the NS System and other railroads over the past few decades, but they never caught on anywhere like the TSC trains did on the NS, and had an impressive 38 year run for what was basically an experimental piece of equipment and an unique intermodal concept.

With the decision made not to invest more in the equipment, the last remaining service lane since the others ended in 2015 was this one on the Former Wabash between Oakwood Yard in Detroit and Voltz Yard in Kansas City hosting trains 255 and 256 moving mostly auto parts headed to the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant at Claycomo that rolls F-150s and Transit vans off the line.

As the equipment aged out and slowly deteriorated and became more difficult to operate, for 9 years there's been a perpetual rumor that these trains were done "by the end of the year", and that day finally came on August 26th when this one arrived at Voltz. Secondhand green 53 foot containers take over this service next week double stacked in well cars and a few of these trailers on spine cars mixed in.

The first time I saw one of these was in 1997 around Taylorville, IL, not that far from here. We were traveling up a parallel highway in a 1991 GMC Safari Van headed to a family function and one overtook us, then promptly left us in the dust behind a high hood GP50 leader. I knew about them prior to that moment, but until then I'd only seen them in print. That day sparked an interest in them that never died.

On that topic, the crowds out to see this train was amazing to see; a steam train sized chase pack. I'm glad to see so many other railfans got out to see them make their last trip and could appreciate the moment. We'll never see anything else like it. The Wabash just won't feel the same without those strings of trailers—built very appropriately, I might add, by Wabash National. I'm very thankful to have been fortunate enough to see them off into their last sunset.

Locomotive: NS 9936

8-25-24

Cerro Gordo, IL

With work completed at the Voltz Mixing Center and most of its train set out, NS train 181 begins shoving up the Claycomo Spur at Birmingham with 9 boxcars.

This train operates daily out between Oakwood, MI and Kansas City, MO, and here, they're shoving up the hill to the Ford Claycomo Assembly Plant with the conductor protecting the point via a ride with a trainmaster. The power, an AC44C6M, will come back down the hill light engine after setting out these 9 cars, headed for the roundhouse at NS's Avondale Yard. This spur is located off the joint BNSF Brookfield Sub - NS Kansas City District just west of the CPKC diamond at Birmingham. 11/2/25.

An SD70ACe-T4 leads UP train MDMNL-21 down Main Track 2 of the UP KC Metro Sub at 12th St heading to Leeds for a crew change.

To the left is the former site of Ford Assembly Plant at 10th and Winchester, which began construction in 1909 and finished two years later in 1911. This was the first Ford plant built outside of Detroit.

Ford later opened up a new plant within the Kansas City area at Claycomo, MO, which opened its doors in 1951 for military production. Eventually, consumer vehicles were then produced at the newer Claycomo plant beginning in January of 1957, and by the end of December of 1956, production ceased at the original Winchester plant.

The twin smokestacks with "Ford" in-laid on the bricks still remain standing here, serving as a reminder of a bit of Kansas City history. 12/21/24.

Charging west on the NS Springfield-Hannibal District at Arnold is the final NS Train 255 Triple Crown Services RoadRailer that these rails will ever see. There was an almost steam excursion sized chase pack after this train, and we ran into several people that I'd not seen in years. One of them was here, Pat Scott, and we happily chugged a pair of warm Busch Light Tallboys to give them a good sendoff.

Losing these trains is like the death of a friend. I know these things either ran great, or ran awful. I know they had air problems, especially late in life. I know they tore in half on occasion. But, there was no other freight train on the planet like them. I've always said they're the only train you could hear go by from a distance, sight unseen, and identify without a shadow of doubt what it was. That sustained single truck cadence always allowed me to tell when they were going by at night, rattling the frog 1,800 feet from our kitchen window the past 3 years.

These very fascinating RoadRailer trains have traversed a number of routes on the NS System and other railroads over the past few decades, but they never caught on anywhere like the TSC trains did on the NS, and had an impressive 38 year run for what was basically an experimental piece of equipment and an unique intermodal concept.

With the decision made not to invest more in the equipment, the last remaining service lane since the others ended in 2015 was this one on the Former Wabash between Oakwood Yard in Detroit and Voltz Yard in Kansas City hosting trains 255 and 256 moving mostly auto parts headed to the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant at Claycomo that rolls F-150s and Transit vans off the line.

As the equipment aged out and slowly deteriorated and became more difficult to operate, for 9 years there's been a perpetual rumor that these trains were done "by the end of the year", and that day finally came on August 26th when this one arrived at Voltz. Secondhand green 53 foot containers take over this service next week double stacked in well cars and a few of these trailers on spine cars mixed in.

The first time I saw one of these was in 1997 around Taylorville, IL, just 20 miles from here. We were traveling up a parallel highway in a 1991 GMC Safari Van headed to a family function and one overtook us, then promptly left us in the dust behind a high hood GP50 leader. I knew about them prior to that moment, but until then I'd only seen them in print. That day sparked an interest in them that never died.

On that topic, the crowds out to see this train was amazing to see; a steam train sized chase pack. I'm glad to see so many other railfans got out to see them make their last trip and could appreciate the moment. We'll never see anything else like it. The Wabash just won't feel the same without those strings of trailers—built very appropriately, I might add, by Wabash National. I'm very thankful to have been fortunate enough to see them off into their last sunset.

Locomotive: NS 9936

8-25-24

Arnold, IL

The switch heaters are working nicely at the Claycomo Spur turnout off the NS Kansas City District-BNSF Brookfield Sub.

It's almost that time of year again, folks.

2-20-15

Birmingham, MO

We're at WABIC on the NS Springfield-Hannibal District as the final NS Train 255 comes across the CN Diamond behind a Dash-9, bringing to an end the Triple Crown Services RoadRailer era in Decatur. WABIC is of course a portmanteau of the two railroads that once crossed here: Wabash and Illinois Central.

These very fascinating RoadRailer trains have traversed a number of routes on the NS System and other railroads over the past few decades, but they never caught on anywhere like the TSC trains did on the NS, and had an impressive 38 year run for what was basically an experimental piece of equipment and an unique intermodal concept.

With the decision made not to invest more in the equipment, the last remaining service lane since the others ended in 2015 was this one on the Former Wabash between Oakwood Yard in Detroit and Voltz Yard in Kansas City hosting trains 255 and 256 moving mostly auto parts headed to the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant at Claycomo that rolls F-150s and Transit vans off the line.

As the equipment aged out and slowly deteriorated and became more difficult to operate, for 9 years there's been a perpetual rumor that these trains were done "by the end of the year", and that day finally came on August 26th when this one arrived at Voltz. Secondhand green 53 foot containers take over this service next week double stacked in well cars and a few of these trailers on spine cars mixed in.

The first time I saw one of these was in 1997 around Taylorville, IL, not that far from here. We were traveling up a parallel highway in a 1991 GMC Safari Van headed to a family function and one overtook us, then promptly left us in the dust behind a high hood GP50 leader. I knew about them prior to that moment, but until then I'd only seen them in print. That day sparked an interest in them that never died.

On that topic, the crowds out to see this train was amazing to see; a steam train sized chase pack. I'm glad to see so many other railfans got out to see them make their last trip and could appreciate the moment. We'll never see anything else like it. The Wabash just won't feel the same without those strings of trailers—built very appropriately, I might add, by Wabash National. I'm very thankful to have been fortunate enough to see them off into their last sunset.

Locomotive: NS 9936

8-25-24

Decatur, IL

A single SD70 has 27M well in hand as it crests the grade at Salisbury, the last hill of any significance on the run to Kansas City. We ran a few of these solid trains of TOAX bilevels during 2015, and it seemed that each one I observed had an SD70 or a pair of SD70s for power. Kansas City(Voltz) was the primary(only?) location loading these modified cars. The B-deck was raised to accommodate loading of the Ford Transit vans(produced at Claycomo) on the A-deck while preserving room for smaller cars to be loaded above. This shot was my first successful entry for the Norfolk Southern calendar.

The final NS Train 255 Triple Crown Services RoadRailer passes through Curran on the NS Springfield-Hannibal District and underneath the abandoned CNW SI Line bridge. This is a spot that's seen a myriad of changes over the years. The C&IM used to cross the Wabash roughly even with where we're standing, the GM&O parallels the Wabash just south of here into Springfield, and the ADM facility just on the other side of the post-merger UP-abandoned CNW ROW has a lead off both the NS and CPKC. Time marches on at a far too rapid rate.

Losing these trains is like the death of a friend. I know these things either ran great, or ran awful. I know they had air problems, especially late in life. I know they tore in half on occasion. But, there was no other freight train on the planet like them. I've always said they're the only train you could hear go by from a distance, sight unseen, and identify without a shadow of doubt what it was. That sustained single truck cadence always allowed me to tell when they were going by at night, rattling the frog 1,800 feet from our kitchen window the past 3 years.

These very fascinating RoadRailer trains have traversed a number of routes on the NS System and other railroads over the past few decades, but they never caught on anywhere like the TSC trains did on the NS, and had an impressive 38 year run for what was basically an experimental piece of equipment and an unique intermodal concept.

With the decision made not to invest more in the equipment, the last remaining service lane since the others ended in 2015 was this one on the Former Wabash between Oakwood Yard in Detroit and Voltz Yard in Kansas City hosting trains 255 and 256 moving mostly auto parts headed to the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant at Claycomo that rolls F-150s and Transit vans off the line.

As the equipment aged out and slowly deteriorated and became more difficult to operate, for 9 years there's been a perpetual rumor that these trains were done "by the end of the year", and that day finally came on August 26th when this one arrived at Voltz. Secondhand green 53 foot containers take over this service next week double stacked in well cars and a few of these trailers on spine cars mixed in.

The first time I saw one of these was in 1997 around Taylorville, IL, just 20 miles from here. We were traveling up a parallel highway in a 1991 GMC Safari Van headed to a family function and one overtook us, then promptly left us in the dust behind a high hood GP50 leader. I knew about them prior to that moment, but until then I'd only seen them in print. That day sparked an interest in them that never died.

On that topic, the crowds out to see this train was amazing to see; a steam train sized chase pack. I'm glad to see so many other railfans got out to see them make their last trip and could appreciate the moment. We'll never see anything else like it. The Wabash just won't feel the same without those strings of trailers—built very appropriately, I might add, by Wabash National. I'm very thankful to have been fortunate enough to see them off into their last sunset.

Locomotive: NS 9936

8-25-24

Curran, IL

The Pennsylvania Heritage Locomotive leads NS train 224 into Kansas City this afternoon followed by a Dash 9 and an Ex-Conrail GP40-2.

They've finished setting out the majority of the train at the NS Voltz Yard Mixing Center at Birmingham and at Claycomo, and here, they're leaving the main at Block 222 as they head into NS's Avondale Yard via The Old Inbound. This short cut of manifest will be yarded and the power will be moved to the roundhouse. 9/12/25.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan - U.S.A.

Type: Falcon Futura 6 Series Model 54B 4-door Sedan

Production time: September 1965 - October 1966

Production outlet: 34,039

Engine: 2781cc straight-6 Ford Falcon Six 170 Thriftpower valve-in-head

Power: 105 bhp / 4.400 rpm

Torque: 214 Nm / 2.400 rpm

Drivetrain: rear wheels

Speed: 144 km/h

Curb weight: 1220 kg

Wheelbase: 110.9 inc

Chassis: self-supporting unibody

Steering: “Magic Circle” recirculating ball

Gearbox: three-speed manual / II and III synchronized / steering column shift

Clutch: 8.5 inch single dry plate disc

Carburettor: Holley single downdraft

Fuel tank: 61 liter

Electric system: 12 Volts 55 Ah

Ignition system: distributor and coil

Brakes front: 9 inch hydraulic self-adjusting Bendix drums

Brakes rear: 9 inch hydraulic self-adjusting Bendix drums

Suspension front: independent ball joint, upper trapezoidal wishbones, lower wishbone simple, flexibly mounted longitudinal sliding tension struts, sway bar, coil springs + hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers

Suspension rear: Hotchkiss, beam axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs + hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers

Rear axle: live semi-floating type

Differential: hypoid 2.83:1

Wheels: 14 inch steel discs

Tires: 6.95-14

Options: Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission, 200 CID (3273cc) straight-6 Thriftpower engine, 289 CID (4727cc) Windsor V-8 engine, Midland-Ross power brakes, Bendix power steering, seat belts, radio, a remote-control trunk release, Air Conditioning, two-tone colouring

Special:

- Edsel Ford first used the term "Falcon" for a more luxurious Ford he designed in 1935. He decided the new car did not fit with Ford's other offerings, so this design eventually became the Mercury.

- Ford General Manager Robert S. McNamara ("the father of the Falcon") started a project in the late ‘50s to create what by American standards of the time would be a small car but elsewhere in the world considered a mid-size: the Falcon project.

- Engineer Harley Copp designed the unibody, using as many as possible Ford (stock) parts to keep the price low yet with reasonable comfort and a simple interior.

- The ’66 Futura 6 Series was available as this 4-door Sedan, as 2-door 62B Club Coupé (21,997 units built), as 2-door 62C Sports Coupé (20,289 units built) and as 5-door 71B Station Wagon (13,574 units built).

- This third generation Falcon (1966-1970) was assembled in Edison (New Jersey), Claycomo (Missouri), Cuautitlán (Mexico), Talbotville Ontario (Canada) and in Casablanca (Chile).

Manufacturer: Mercury division of Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan - USA

Type: Comet 6 404 Series Model 54B 4-dr Custom Sedan

Production time: October 1963 - October 1964

Production outlet: 25,136

Engine: 2781cc Ford Falcon Six 170 valve-in-head

Power: 101 bhp / 4.400 rpm

Torque: 211 Nm / 2.400 rpm

Drivetrain: rear wheels

Speed: 142 km/h

Curb weight: 1235 kg

Wheelbase: 114 inch

Chassis: box frame with self-supporting steel body

Steering: recirculating ball

Gearbox: three-speed manual / all synchronized / steering column shift

Clutch: 8.5 inch single dry plate disc

Carburettor: Holley single-barrel

Fuel tank: 76 liter

Electric system: Ford 12 Volts 55 Ah

Ignition system: distributor and coil

Brakes front: 9 inch duo-servo self-adjusting drums

Brakes rear: 9 inch duo-servo self-adjusting drums

Suspension front: independent ball joint, upper wishbones, simple lower wishbone, sway bar, coil springs + hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers (to the upper wishbones)

Suspension rear: beam axle, longitudinal semi-elliptic leaf springs + hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers

Rear axle: live semi-floating type

Differential: hypoid 3.2:1

Wheels: 14 inch steel discs

Tires: 6.50 x 14

Options: four-speed manual gearbox, two-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission, S-22 Caliente “Sport” package (only on 2-door models), 200 CID (3273cc) straight-6 engine, power brakes, power steering, power windows, Air Conditioning, pushbutton radio, two-tone colouring

Special:

- The "Comet" name was trademarked to the Comet Coach Company, Memphis (Tennessee) building ambulance and hearse commercial vehicles, renamed Cotner-Bevington after Fords “buy-out” in 1959.

- The Comet was originally planned as an Edsel model, but after the demise of the Edsel marque, it was reassigned to Mercury dealerships.

- The basic lines compare to the Ford Falcon, but the front grille styling is similar to that of the Lincoln Continental.

- This second generation Comet 6 404 Series (1964-1965) was available as this 4-door Sedan, as 62B 2-door Sedan (12,512 units build), as 71B 5-door Station Wagon (6,918 units build) and as 71C 5-door Villager (1,980 units build).

- They were assembled in Claycomo (Missouri), Lorain (Ohio), Milpitas (California), Wayne (Michigan) and in Oakville, Ontario - Canada.

The Pennsylvania Railroad heritage locomotive is on the point of NS train 181, which is seen here crossing the CP diamond on Main Track 2 of the joint BNSF Brookfield Sub-NS Kansas City District at Birmingham. They've just completed setting out autoracks from the rear of the train at NS's Voltz Yard, and currently they're getting ready to shove up the hill towards Claycomo with their big block of 86' boxcars. The manifest traffic up front will go to NS's Avondale Yard in North KC.

This Pigtail Pennsy engine has made a few trips to KC this past month, leading both into town and out of town.

That former Wabash searchlight signal protecting the diamond isn't long for this world as its replacement is seen standing to the right. It'll be sad to see it fall since this one and another one on the other side of the diamond are the last searchlights west of Carrollton. 6/12/22.

A lone AC44C6M rolls across Dry Creek near MP 258 on the joint BNSF Brookfield Sub - NS Kansas City District as it leads NS train 181 headed for the Voltz Mixing Center. The cut of 86' boxcars on the head end are bound for Claycomo, MO with parts for the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant. 10/6/24.

Charging west by MP 258 on the NS Kansas City District-BNSF Brookfield Sub as it heads for NS's Voltz Yard is NS train 224 led by an SD60E and CEFX AC4400CW. A healthy cut of truck frame loads for the Ford Plant in Claycomo, MO were on the head end of this train. 7/22/17.

The Pennsylvania Heritage Locomotive leads NS train 224 into Kansas City this afternoon followed by a Dash 9 and an Ex-Conrail GP40-2.

They've finished setting out the majority of the train at the NS Voltz Yard Mixing Center, and now they're shoving up the Claycomo Spur to the Ford Assembly Plant to drop of a block of truck frame loads. The conductor is riding with an NS Trainmaster as he watches the shove all the way up the hill. Once that's all said and done, they'll come back down the hill and continue west a few miles to NS's Avondale Yard with their short cut of manifest traffic.

This is adjacent to the BNSF Brookfield Sub - NS Kansas City District at Birmingham, MO. 9/12/25.

Cotton Belt 86' hi-cube boxcar 65053 takes a ride west on #145 with another load of stampings for Ford's Kansas City Assembly plant in Claycomo, Missouri. This is a B-100-16 class car built by Pullman Standard in 1967.

Running late again is NS train 255, seen here moving west on the joint BNSF Brookfield Sub-NS Kansas City District at MP 258 near Missouri City. It's closing in on it's terminus at NS's Voltz Yard near Birmingham, MO. This train normally runs through here under the cover of darkness, but due to crew shortages on the NS, it's made a few daylight appearances out this way.

255 and it's counterpart, 256, are the last Triple Crown RoadRailer trains left operating since most of the service was discontinued in November of 2015. These two remaining trains operate between Detroit, MI and Kansas City, MO, mostly loaded with parts for the Ford Claycomo Assembly Plant. 2/26/22.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan - U.S.A.

Type: Fairlane 8 Series Model 73C 4-door Town Sedan

Production time: September 1955 - October 1956

Production outlet: 224,872

Engine: 4778cc Y-block OHV V-8 (90°) 292

Power: 202 bhp / 4.600 rpm

Torque: 386 Nm / 2.600 rpm

Drivetrain: rear wheels

Speed: 165 km/h

Curb weight: 1591 kg

Wheelbase: 115.5 inch

Chassis: box frame chassis with cross bracing and all-steel body

Steering: worm & two tooth roller

Gearbox: three-speed manual / II and III synchronized / floor shift

Clutch: 10 inch single dry plate disc

Carburettor: Holley downdraft 4-barrel

Fuel tank: 66 liter

Electric system: 12 Volts 55 Ah

Ignition system: distributor and coil

Brakes front: 11 inch hydraulic drums

Brakes rear: 11 inch hydraulic drums

Suspension front: independent ball joint with swept back front lower control arms, trapezoidal triangle cross-bars, sway bar, coil springs + hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers

Suspension rear: longitudinal semi-elliptic leaf springs + hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers

Rear axle: live semi-floating type

Differential: hypoid 3.78:1

Wheels: 6½ x 15 steel discs

Tires: 6.7 x 15

Options: four-speed manual gearbox, Fordomatic three-speed automatic transmission (by Borg Warner), Ford 5115cc Y-block OHV V-8 312 (power 228bhp/4.600rpm - torque 439Nm/2.600rpm), power brakes, power steering, seat belts (first time!), safety padding instrument panel, full wheel covers, wide whitewall tires, transistor nine-tube “Town and Country” signal-seeking push-button AM radio, power antenna, heater, Lifeguard safety package, air-cooled transmission (only on V-8 Convertible Coupe Sunliner), two-tone colouring

Special:

- The Fairlane (named after Henry Ford's Fair Lane mansion location in Dearborn, Michigan) was the top of the Ford line.

- The 1956 Fairlane 8 Series was available as this 4-door Town Sedan, as 4-door 60B Victoria (32,111 units built), as 2-door 64A Crown Victoria (9,209 units built), as 2-door 64B Crown Victoria Skyliner-transparent top (603 units built), as 2-door 76B Sunliner (58,147 units built) and as 2-door 70C Club Sedan (142,629 units built).

- This first generation Fairlane 8 Series (1955-1956), replacing the Crestline Series, was assembled in Edison (New Jersey), Claycomo (Missouri) and in Milpitas (California).

Besides the roadrailer, the other crown jewel of the Auto Artery is 181. This train used to only consist of 86' boxcars, but like everything nowadays, it will pick up manifest en route. Today, If one is lucky, the 86' boxcars will be upfront. The 86'ers are loaded with auto parts for the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, MO.

I really miss winter light. I'm looking forward to shooting all day with no high sun, then being able to eat dinner at a decent time when the sun goes down.

NS 1079

181

NS Kansas City District

Missouri City, MO

2/11/23

One of the handful of remaining ICG 86' boxcars is seen here on NS train 181 heading west through Orrick on the NS Kansas City District en route to KC with auto parts for the Ford Claycomo Plant. 2/28/23.

NS 181 rounds the curve just west of Missouri City, MO on the NS Kansas City District.

It is a nice bonus that there is only one car of manifest up front. I'm not sure how that TBOX got in the mix of the 86' boxcars. Back in the good old days of two years ago, this train pretty much consisted of only 86' box cars. They are full of auto parts from Detroit, MI en route to the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, MO. Nowadays, this train usually picks up a cut of manifest in Decatur, IL. The golden last-light makes up for the non-horse head D9 not leading.

The vines growing on the wooden post give a few hints of Autumn with some red leafs present.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan - U.S.A.

Type: Falcon Futura Sports V8 Series Model 76D Convertible

Production time: September 1963 - September 1964

Production outlet: 4,278

Engine: 4267cc Ford Windsor Challenger V-8 260 valve-in-head

Power: 164 bhp / 4.400 rpm

Torque: 350 Nm / 2.200 rpm

Drivetrain: rear wheels

Speed: 168 km/h

Curb weight: 1460 kg

Wheelbase: 109.5 inch

Chassis: box frame with 5 cross members and all-steel unibody

Steering: Ford “Magic-Circle” low-friction recirculating ball and nut

Gearbox: three-speed manual / II and III synchronized / steering column shift

Clutch: 10 inch single dry plate disc

Carburettor: Holley 2-barrel

Fuel tank: 53 liter

Electric system: Ford 12 Volts 55 Ah

Ignition system: distributor and coil

Brakes front: 10 inch hydraulic self-adjusting drums

Brakes rear: 10 inch hydraulic self-adjusting drums

Suspension front: independent ball joint, upper trapezoidal wishbones, upper triangle crossbar, lower wishbone simple, flexibly mounted longitudinal sliding tension struts, sway bar, coil springs + viscous control double acting shock absorbers (above the upper transverse link)

Suspension rear: beam axle, longitudinal leaf springs + viscous control double acting shock absorbers

Rear axle: live semi-floating type

Differential: hypoid 3.25:1

Wheels: 13 inch steel discs safety-type rims

Tires: 6.50 x 13 4-ply tubeless

Options: four-speed manual gearbox (floor shift), Ford Fordomatic two-speed automatic transmission, Bendix power steering, power brakes, power windows, Ford Air Conditioning, pushbutton radio, power antenna, heavy duty suspension, whitewall tires, tinted glass, padded instrument panel, seat belts, remote-control trunk release, parking brake warning light, two-tone colouring

Special:

* unfortunately it was a rainy day :-(

- Ford was launched in a converted factory in 1903 with $28,000 in cash from twelve investors, most notably John Francis Dodge and Horace Elgin Dodge who would later found the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company.

- Henry Ford was 40 years old when he founded the Ford Motor Company, which would go on to become one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world, the largest family-controlled company in the world, as well as being one of the few to survive the Great Depression.

- Edsel Ford first used the term "Falcon" for a more luxurious Ford he designed in 1935. He decided the new car did not fit with Ford's other offerings, so this design eventually became the Mercury.

- The “compact” Falcon made its official debut on September 2nd 1959, but the “great selling” started with the 1961 Futura models.

- Ford boss Lee Iacocca is responsible for this idea that the Mustang was an evolvement from the development of the Falcon. A variety of the chassis pieces and the design elements were Falcon pieces used to build the original 1964½ Mustang. And if there had been no Falcon, there would have never been a Mustang.

- Until model year 1963, the Falcon was a nice family car, but for 1964 the range was expanded with extra luxurious and fast vehicles, like this Sports Series and the “Futura” as top trim level: V-8 engine, ports seats and tachometer (strangely placed on the dashboard). The Sports model, overshadowed by the new 1964 Mustang, already disappearing quickly again in September 1965.

- This second generation Falcon (1964-1965) was available as this Futura Sports Convertible and as 2-door 63D Futura Sports Hardtop (8,322 units built) and assembled in Edison (New Jersey), Claycomo (Missouri), San Jose (California) and in Cuautitlán (Mexico).

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan - U.S.A.

Type: Custom 6 Series Model 54E 4-door Sedan

Production time: September 1965 - October 1966

Production outlet: 72,245

Engine: 3929cc straight-6 Ford Big Six 240

Power: 152 bhp / 4.000 rpm

Torque: 317 Nm / 2.200 rpm

Drivetrain: rear wheels

Speed: 157 km/h

Curb weight: 1740 kg

Wheelbase: 119 inch

Chassis: box frame with cross-beams and self-supporting unibody

Steering: “Magic Circle” recirculating ball

Gearbox: Borg Warner T-150 (Tremec 150-T) three-speed manual / all synchromesh / steering column shift

Clutch: 9.5 inch single dry plate disc

Carburettor: Ford 1-barrel single downdraft

Fuel tank: 95 liter

Electric system: 12 Volts 45 Ah

Ignition system: distributor and coil

Brakes front: 11 inch hydraulic self-adjusting Bendix drums

Brakes rear: 11 inch hydraulic self-adjusting Bendix drums

Suspension front: independent ball joint, upper trapezoidal wishbones, lower wishbone simple, flexibly mounted longitudinal sliding, elastically mounted tension struts, sway bar, coil springs + hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers between the handlebars

Suspension rear: beam axle, coil link, lower longitudinal links, upper torque support, Panhard rod, semi-elliptic leaf springs + hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers

Rear axle: live semi-floating type

Differential: hypoid 3.0:1

Wheels: 15 inch steel discs

Tires: 7.35 - 15

Options: Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission, four-speed manual gearbox, 289 CID (4727cc) Ford Windsor V-8 289 engine, 352 CID (5766cc) Ford FE-series V-8 352 engine, 390 CID (6384cc) Ford FE-series V-8 390 engine, 428 CID (6997cc) Ford FE-series V-8 428 engine, Ford power steering, Midland-Ross power brakes, Kelsey Hayes power disc brakes, power windows, power seats, bucket seats, radio, Air Conditioning, speed control device, non-silenced air cleaner system, vinyl room, low restriction dual exhaust system, two-tone colouring

Special:

- The Custom Series, designed by engineer Harley Copp, was Fords economy line of models.

- The 1966 Ford Custom 6 Series was available as this 4-door Sedan and as 62E 2-door Sedan (32,292 units built).

- Besides this Custom 6 Series there was also the Custom 500 6 Series, available as 54B 4-door Sedan (109,449 units built) and as 62B 2-door Sedan (28,789 units built).

- These so-called “Custom Model V Series” (1964-1975) was assembled in Edison (New Jersey), Claycomo (Missouri), Cuautitlán (Mexico), Talbotville Ontario (Canada) and in Casablanca (Chile).

* this car has the Ford Windsor V-8 289 engine with Holley 2-barrel carburettor, 203 bhp / 4.400 rpm, torque 382 Nm / 2.400 rpm, top speed 173 km/h.

The switch heaters are working nicely at the Claycomo Spur turnout off the NS Kansas City District-BNSF Brookfield Sub.

2-20-15

Birmingham, MO

Ford Motor Company is a massive swath of Norfolk Southern business in Kansas City, and the high cube boxcars on NS Train 120 are assuredly empties from the Claycomo Assembly Plant headed back east for another load of parts in a seemingly endless cycle.

You have to wonder how many model years worth of parts those things have moved over their careers. 120 is rolling east on the BNSF Marceline Sub.-NS Kansas City District on joint trackage in split main territory.

10-2-20

Norborne, MO

A short 145 eases through the small town of Harvel as it prepares to stop for a meet at the south end of Midway siding on the Brooklyn District.

This train normally ran the Springfield-Hannibal District from Decatur to Moberly, but flooding at Hannibal closed the line in early July. Auto parts traffic was slower in early July due to retooling at the Claycomo plant, so the extra hours added by running via St. Louis were not of much consequence.

The unique bracket mast searchlight signals at either end of the Midway siding were installed when NS single tracked the line in the 1980s. NS has since replaced the signals along the Brooklyn District but rule 271(Signaled with ABS/APB, operated with track authorities) is still the method of operation.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan - U.S.A.

Type: Falcon Series 10 & 20 Model 64A Base Tudor

Production time: October 1959 - October 1960

Production outlet: 27,552

Engine: 2364cc straight-6 Ford Falcon Six 144 “Mileage Maker” OHV valve-in-head

Power: 91 bhp / 4.200 rpm

Torque: 187 Nm / 2.000 rpm

Drivetrain: rear wheels

Speed: 134 km/h

Curb weight: 1140 kg

Wheelbase: 109.5 inch

Chassis: wide-contoured box frame with 5 cross members and steel unibody

Steering: Ford “Magic-Circle” low-friction recirculating ball and nut

Gearbox: three-speed manual / II and III synchronized / steering column shift

Clutch: 8.5 inch single cushion dry plate disc semi-centrufugal

Carburettor: Holley single downdraft

Fuel tank: 53 liter

Electric system: Ford 12 Volts 40 Ah

Ignition system: distributor and coil

Brakes front: 9 inch hydraulic drums

Brakes rear: 9 inch hydraulic drums

Suspension front: independent swept-back / ball joint, upper triangle cross-bar, simple lower cross-link, rubber-insulated lower arms, link-type rubber-bushed ride stabilizer, coil springs + viscous control double acting shock absorbers (above the upper transverse link)

Suspension rear: beam axle, longitudinal leaf springs + viscous control double acting shock absorbers

Rear axle: live semi-floasting type

Differential: hypoid 3.56:1

Wheels: 13 inch steel discs

Tires: 6 x 13 4-ply

Options: Ford Fordomatic/Edsel Mile-O-Matic two-speed automatic transmission, power brakes, power windows, Blendaire fresh air heater/ventilator, transistor pudh button radio, windshield washer (food operated), heavy duty suspension, whitewall tires, exterior sun visor, roof luggage carrier, two-tone colouring

Special:

- The “compact” Falcon made its official debut on September 2nd 1959.

- Ford boss Lee Iacocca is responsible for this idea that the Mustang was an evolvement from the development of the Falcon. A variety of the chassis pieces and the design elements were Falcon pieces used to build the original 1964 ½ Mustang. And if there had been no Falcon, there would have never been a Mustang.

- The “great selling” started with the 1961 Futura models.

- The 1960 Falcon Series 10 & 20 was available as this 2-door Tudor, as 4-door 58A Fordor (46,758 units built), as 3-door 59A Station Wagon (193,470 units built) and as 5-door 71A Station Wagon (167,896 units built).

- This first generation Falcon (1960-1963) was assembled in Oakville, Ontario (Canada), Claycomo (Missouri), Milpitas (California), Edison (New Jersey), Cuautitlán (Mexico), Campbellfield, Victoria (Australia), Buenos Aires (Argentina) and in Arica (Chile).

A UP SD70ACe crosses Dry Creek at Missouri City on the joint NS Kansas City District-BNSF Brookfield Sub as it leads NS train 255, the RoadRailer from Detroit, MI. With Triple Crown trailers filled mostly with parts for Ford's Claycomo Assembly Plant, this train is bound for NS's Voltz Yard near Birmingham, MO.

255 and it's eastbound counterpart 256 are the last pair of RoadRailer trains left operating, and both are typically nocturnal moves on this end of the system, so it's always nice to be able shoot this train in daylight whenever possible. 11/26/21.