Railfan Exchange II: Part 14, UP Warrensburg, MO July 93

Title:
Railfan Exchange II: Part 14, UP Warrensburg, MO July 93

Description:
In late July 1993, the great floods were reaching their peak. This adversely affected many railroads, including the former Missouri Pacific lines of the Union Pacific. In Western Missouri, the old MOPAC is divided into two east/west subdivisions. One is called the River Sub-division, which runs along the Missouri River to the north, and the other, which Amtrak travels is called the Sedalia Sub-division. Due to a really steep hill in Independence, the Sedalia Sub-division is primarily used for westbound traffic. Rarely do trains travel both ways (except Amtrak of course). However, the aforementioned floods have overrun things next to the river, including railroad tracks. There were even trains left stranded for weeks on riverbound tracks. On this day, I was brought out because Union Pacifics steam locomotive, the 3985 was to make an appearance. Also, as a bonus, I got the opportunity to see trains going both ways. Not only were the freight trains heading east -- a rare sight in Warrensburg, but they were also longer and heavier, which made for some interesting railroading as they attacked the grade heading east. You will see and understand the meaning of the word "drag" as the deisel engines look like old steamers smoking it up the hill.

Author:
Srovets

Tags:
Railfan, Exchange, Union, Pacific, Warrensburg, Missouri, July, 1993, flood, sedalia, sub, division, river, MOPAC, depot, stevo, svoboda,