KCS – Two In A Row
We were headed to Houston on Hwy 90 on Oct. 31, 2010 when I saw an oncoming headlight at MP 15 of UP’s Glidden sub mainline. As I had the camera with me, I told my wife that I was going to turn around for a quick shot of this train.
I set up at CP SA019, the west switch of Missouri City for KCS 4684, a loaded 1×1 grain train.
KCS 4684 leads a loaded grain train at Missouri City, TX on Oct. 31, 2010.
An ex-TFM SD70MAC is handling the DPU chores on this 1x1 grain train
KCS 3926 shoving into the long curve that begins at MP 19 of the Glidden sub.
With the grain train by me, I got back on Hwy. 90 to resume my journey to Houston. Approaching Heacker (CP SA 014), I saw another headlight. My first instinct was to let it go as we had things to do.
As I got closer, I could see it was stopped, and it had another KCS Belle on the point. What to do? Rhetorical question, for sure!
I pleaded my case that it wouldn’t take long to turn around (again) to get the shot, all the while my wife is rolling her eyes. I guess that means she’s heard that one before.
Anyhow, I interpreted the eye roll as a yes, so I u-turned and headed west to find an acceptable spot to set up. Not wanting to go too far , I stopped just west of the detector at MP 15.6 to wait for the next train.
- KCSM 4713 is westbound at MP 16 of UP’s Glidden sub on Oct. 31, 2010
As I reviewed the shot on the camera LCD , I was unhappy with the angle of my shot. Since the sun was fairly nosy, I should have gone for a more head-on view. But I wanted both Belles to be visible. What to do? Again.
The solution was to head further west, beyond MP 20, where I knew the sun angle would be better for a 3/4 angle wedgie.
As soon as I got in the car I was spinning. “The light was not good. I need to head back west to a better spot.” My wife made a face and mumbled something under her breath. I took that to be a yes.
I ended up going to a spot near MP 20.5 where the sun was much nicer for a 3/4 view of the train.
KCSM 4713 leads KCS symbol PALR through Stafford, TX on Oct. 31, 2010
I typically don’t care for wide-angle views a locomotive, but I did like this next shot.
KCSM ES44AC at Stafford, TX on Oct. 31, 2010.
One last going-away view before I finally got the car headed toward our destination, vs. going the opposite direction!
Southwest Rails 
The eye rolling and mumbling sound familiar. I think we are married to the same woman! Hope our wives never compare notes.
If these long-suffering souls should ever compare notes, they might conclude they are married to the same man.