Author: Matthew Zisi
An engine that has seen better days.
2652 used to be ATSF 1387, built in 1965.
Only the 2nd time GN 3444 has been seen (under that number) on this site! Started out as SLSF 359, in 1973. Of course, it is obvious why this is not a photographer's favorite.
I love how they still have the caboose in the yard!
leads a mixed freight past as 2663 sits in the background. Trains always go really slowly as they pass the station.
I guess there was nothing wrong with the word grain...
Rare sighting, you say? Yes, but this was one of FOUR on this train!
Still #1 (WRWK 205114)
#2. WRWK 205119 BUT you can still see the old Rock number ROCK 30073 on the side of the car!
Did not have a chance to reset the camera, but the graffiti-stricken car in front of MDW 13002 is #3
#4. Could not tell the current number, but this one (as were the other 3) now bears WRWK numbers.
End of the train. Despite the yard, this route is not used a ton, so I was lucky to catch this train as it came through! (The chances of finding 4 Rock Island boxcars on the train are even slimmer, I am sure!)
Arrives just after midnight in Topeka
Built in 1950 for Santa Fe, replacing one of the first Harvey Houses.
Amtrak picked this over the UP station, probably because it uses the Santa Fe tracks for its Southwest Chief route.