RS-3M cab ride: Part 1

On Easter weekend in April 2009 i got an invitation to ride in the cab of MKT RS-3M # 142 as it was pulling special easter trains for kids that Saturday on the Midland Railway at Baldwin City, KS (to see what it's like in case i decide to volunteer there :) ).

The 3 trains that day wold run out to Norwood (S. of Baldwin), where the kids went on an easter egg hunt. After they were done everybody reboarded and the train returned to Baldwin. The kids also visited with the easter bunny on the train. Normally the engine runs arround the train at Norwood, but the last passenger car had it's coupler and drawbar broke off in a small runaway accident, so the operation was pull-push.

#142 Is an Alco RS-3 built in1951, then rebuilt in1959 with an EMD 567, electrics, and geep long hood (the engine has both EMD and Alco builders plates). Midland got it in the late 1990's. And it's been the most valued diesel ever since. An electrical fire sidelined it in 2005, but it was back in 2007.

Thanks to sunny and mild weather, the trips were an overwhelming success. All 3 trains sold out (the last one was standing room only) with a total of nearly 800 passengers, earning Midland a nice sum of needed money.

Part 1 is of switching before the trips. In the videos you'll see more of Midland's engines, including NYC RS-3 #8255 (nothing modified on that Alco :) ), NW-2 # 524 (ex CB&Q), and 44 tonner #460 (ex ATSF, currently sidelined), There's also glimpses of the Rock Island E's 630 and 652 (idk why i didn't get video of them. As soon as a bridge is repaired the'll be leaving Baldwin).

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• train
• cab
• ride
• excursion
• mkt
• alco

[atsf3415dbr]

I haven't been to the Midland in many years! It's sad that the Rock Island E units left to Iowa.

[train2589]

i ride that train all the time(not the easter one). i was in the santa fe caboose when the 142's knuckle popped out and the train went into emergency.