KCS still uses this caboose on the Gulfport (MS) Branch whenever a local run must include a backup return. This particular run was returning to the North Gulfport Yard after picking up the TFM gon that brought in a mess of tie plates for the Branch Upgrade project. The caboose originally was built for the IC. It then was transferred to Mid-South when they bought many IC Branches in Mississippi. Finally, KCS picked it up when they took over the MSRC properties. (CN/IC recently tried to buy back the Branch to benefit from Gulfport's State Port expansion. I assume KCS told CN/IC to fly a kite or something more colorful because nothing has been heard about this since.) It's interesting to note that, although the caboose has a red flasher light on the roof, the crew stuck a red flag into the coupler. Apparently it's cheaper to buy a flag than to repair the light which probably stopped working many, many years ago. Actually, I doubt if maintaining the Branch's only caboose is very high on their priority list. This photo was shot yesterday by my good friend David Carter behind the Lyman Elementary School in Gulfport. BTW, those are Crawdad mounds in the grass for anybody who is interested in harvesting some for dinner....LOL
UP's good for using cabooses as well.....here in Muskogee, they have an ex-MP "doghouse" hack used on the run to Tulsa, and another at Pryor for switching the industrial complex south of that city. When I was living in Grand Junction,CO, I spotted a BN crummy (ex-Frisco) used by BNSF for switching out the Conoco tank farm.
Interesting to read the CN/IC comment. It does make me curious as to response and reaction. BNSF keeps one or two cabooses in my area for infrequent local trains or work.
Ken, I think that CN assumed they could ride rough-shod over "little" KCS and have KCS whimper away with their tails between their legs. It's obvious that CN management didn't understand the culture that Mike Haggerty infused into KCS. KCS has become a very efficient and powerful company with equally powerful allies. KCS may not have the mileage or gross income of BNSF or UP, but it's got very savvy management.
Hank, tell your friend Nice Catch! There were a couple old bay windows buried int the Baton Rouge Yard for a long time for the same purpose - but don't know if they still have them. Those mounds are a sure sign that we'll have an early - and therefor productive - mudbug season. Now if I can just get some shipped to DC live for cheap . . .
Hytec, Thanks for sharing it with us. I see two jobs a day out of the CP yard in St.Paul that use cabooses (the Newport turn and one that runs north). I know of at least one (the Union Job) in Minneapolis where BNSF uses one. The Newport Turn uses SOO GP38s and a SOO caboose. It's like a trip back in time.
