This brought back some memories for me. In 2009 I acquired a 2 foot gauge railroad in Clinton. I spent the next few years making trips up there to disassemble the track and haul it down to Arkansas. (There are a couple of videos of it on my youtube channel but this is not a plug for it) A few times I was lucky enough to catch the local in Clinton. At that time they did a run around move at the grain siding and did a shove move all the way to the end. Great video.
Hello! Clinton is a pretty neat town with a lot of interesting history. I’ve always been amazed when I think of all the railroads it used to have, and now it’s at the end of the branch line. They have to make some interesting maneuvers when they come to town now. The grain elevator started using rail again, which takes that track away from run-around moves. I wasn’t aware there was a 2 foot gauge railroad in Clinton. I’m sure there’s quite a story regarding that! I’m going to have to take a look at your videos of that.
I've delivered train parts to the headquarters in Carthage Missouri. One of my favorite places to go. I'm a huge railfan so seeing these massive locomotives in action makes my day. Ironically I'm a truckdriver and I love trains 😆
Haha...that's quite alright. You're not the only truckdriver I've heard of who likes trains. I've heard of some who love driving a truck because they get to travel the country and see more trains out there! I appreciate you tuning in.
I'm mostly an EMD guy as well. But, I do have a soft spot for the chugging of an old GE prime mover! Funny thing about the SD40s in this video...when M-K-T operated the line, it was all 4-axle units. The bigger 6-axles generally weren't allowed as to reduce wear and tear on the track. So, it find it funny that all these years later, 6-axle units are the norm! UP was also running 6-axle units on the coal trains to the power plant until it closed.
Sometimes you wonder why did they end the line at Clinton instead of Sedalia? Then the next question would be why didn't they end it at Boonville, etc.. At least in Sedalia & Boonville, the line could connect to the UP lines (formerly Mo-Pac).
Randy, that is the million dollar question for a lot of us Katy fans! I actually ran across a Trains Magazine article from the mid 1980s talking about the then-impending UP-MKT merger. Union Pacific "promised" line redundancies and abandonments would be minimal, but mentioned possibilities for getting the ax were Parsons-Fort Scott and Clinton-Sedalia (and some segments in Texas). So, UP went into the merger already eyeing those segments for abandonment. Fort Scott to Clinton had been rebuilt in the late 70s and early 80s and was in good shape (and had plenty of business with the power plant). Clinton to Sedalia was in rougher shape and good for around 20 to 25 mph. On that segment, there were no major/regular customers to pay the railroad's bills. Ripping it out was an easy way to get rid of it. It was also good insurance against future competition should the line end up in some other company's hands. Severing it took away it's value as a through-route. It's just one of many railroad abandonments over the years that left us scratching our heads! As for a potential connection at Boonville, the interchange track to the UP/MP had been taken out by then. Again, there were no major online industries other than an ag business in Pilot Grove that got the occasional covered hopper. All of these issues make for good "what if" scenarios!
the Rival plant was right next to the MKT track with a spur to the plant. Too bad Nucor wasn't around at that time. They built a spur connecting to the UP Sedalia sub.
Hello Main Track, I am new to your channel, it was amazing and now a Subscriber. i like this segment from Parsons to St louis, MO I live here thanks again and look forward to your post in the future. 🙂 BTW love the music 😀
Very nicely done as always. It would be cool to see a video like this on the MNA between Harrisonville and Carthage, or even from Nevada out to the ADM plant west of Deerefield that uses the rest of this old MKT line
I appreciate you watching! I would love to do another segment on the line out to Deerfield. I have yet to nail down a schedule, though. It seems to run as-needed. But, it would definitely make a great Part Two!
Yes a would love a Deerfield one in live in webb city mo and the MNA goes though here maybe u could do one frome Carthage Missouri to Joplin Missouri the have quit a few factory's
Well done informational documentary of the branch! The Montrose grain elevator is currently planned on being upgraded to a max of 84 cars per week, so long live the Clinton Line! Great shot of it crossing the trestle, I've been trying figuring out how to get there myself, must have a been a heck of a hike!
Thank you for watching! And, I appreciate the details about the Montrose elevator! That’s definitely fantastic news for the line and helps fill the void left with the disappearance of the coal trains. I was able to get back to the trestle with a long hike along the lake shoreline. If I were to do it again, I’d wait for a much drier time! But, it was worth getting the shot.
Was this segment of the line upgraded by the M-K-T prior to abandonment of the St. Louis line in 1986? The rail looks heavier than 90 lb rail, which was found along much of the line. I really enjoyed your book on the Katy in Missouri. Excellent coverage of the route, its facilities, signal systems, and operating characteristics.
Hello! Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed Show Me Katy. Yes indeed, the trackage between the Missouri/Kansas state line and La Due was rebuilt in the early 80s to handle the coal trains. The portion between La Due and Clinton had already been rebuilt/rerouted in the 1970's as part of the Truman Lake relocation. So, things on that part of the subdivision were definitely much better than, say, Clinton north to Sedalia and beyond. I'm glad the rails are still seeing action all these years later!
I live in New Franklin. Former junction and roundhouse of mkt! Now it's known as the Katy trail where thousands of bicyclists can ride the once rail line. Just had peddlers jamboree celebrating the trails History with vendors and live music along the way! Very fun and cool
Hi! New Franklin is a neat little town. I have visited there a few times. Lots of cool history there- and across the river in Boonville! I think it's neat they're restoring the Boonville Katy bridge. Hopefully they're able to complete the walkway across the entire span.
@@MainTrack I recently opened a Barbershop here in New Franklin on main st. Last week an 84 year old gentleman came in for a haircut. After talking a few minutes he told me he used to be an engineer for 30 years and lived here all his life. I kinda put things together and asked him if he was one of the engineers for the MKT railroad. He said yes, he is one of the few still remaining. Engineers 9f the old Katy railroad. He drove the mkt train for 30 years! He believes he was on the last train to make the last trip in 1986. He goes by the name Buck and still lives here in New Franklin! Just never know who will be getting their hair cut!
Hey there! I would love to do one out to Deerfield. It seems operations out there are a little less predictable. I know they run some long unit trains out to ADM, so that would be cool to catch! I’ve got a KCS Joplin video in the works, but I will put an MNA one my list too!
I model the Katy and would really like to railfan this line. Can anyone tell me when would be the best time to catch this train? Is it daily or just certain days of the week?
Hi, William. I do believe I've seen some photos and coverage of your layout before. You model around Kansas City, correct? It seems MNA runs the branch at least a couple times a week. The run in the early week (I'm not sure which day) usually goes as far up as La Due and back. The local that makes the full trip all the way into Clinton usually happens on Saturday- and occasionally Sundays. It tends to reach Clinton in the early afternoon hours, is in town for an hour or two switching, and then heads back south. I have been "stood up" a couple of times when I headed up there on a Saturday-- and they ran on Sunday instead. But, overall, I've had decent luck on Saturdays more often than not. I hope that helps!
Hi there! Yes, you are correct! The MKT originally had a line that went from New Franklin up to Moberly and then on to Hannibal. In the 1920s, MKT sold the part from Moberly to Hannibal to the Wabash Railroad…and that’s the current Norfolk Southern line. The Katy line south out of Moberly was taken up in 1975. So, technically part of the ex-MKT out of Moberly is still very much active today…although it’s NS now. -Mike
wow those hopper cars have seen some miles, mostly virgin cars with no graffiti....feels like watching trains in the 90's when they weren't all covered in spray paint like nowadays
Yes, I agree- I'm not sure how so many cars in one train can look so clean- especially after this many years (most of those cars are obviously a lot older). I know most cars tend to get bathed in graffiti in the bigger cities. I'm guessing most of these cars haven't spent a lot of time in those places! -Mike
This is the type of content I could spend hours watching! Please upload more!!!
I saw a missouri and northern arkansas railroad 3363 engine in Batesville, Arkansas!
Hi, Ethan! That’s pretty cool! I need to make a visit to Batesville. It has been a few years for me! -Mike
This brought back some memories for me. In 2009 I acquired a 2 foot gauge railroad in Clinton. I spent the next few years making trips up there to disassemble the track and haul it down to Arkansas. (There are a couple of videos of it on my youtube channel but this is not a plug for it) A few times I was lucky enough to catch the local in Clinton. At that time they did a run around move at the grain siding and did a shove move all the way to the end. Great video.
Hello! Clinton is a pretty neat town with a lot of interesting history. I’ve always been amazed when I think of all the railroads it used to have, and now it’s at the end of the branch line. They have to make some interesting maneuvers when they come to town now. The grain elevator started using rail again, which takes that track away from run-around moves.
I wasn’t aware there was a 2 foot gauge railroad in Clinton. I’m sure there’s quite a story regarding that! I’m going to have to take a look at your videos of that.
I've delivered train parts to the headquarters in Carthage Missouri. One of my favorite places to go. I'm a huge railfan so seeing these massive locomotives in action makes my day. Ironically I'm a truckdriver and I love trains 😆
Haha...that's quite alright. You're not the only truckdriver I've heard of who likes trains. I've heard of some who love driving a truck because they get to travel the country and see more trains out there! I appreciate you tuning in.
Grew up in Sedalia and have very fond memories of the Katy.
Gotta love the SD40s!
EMD all the way if you ask me.
I'm mostly an EMD guy as well. But, I do have a soft spot for the chugging of an old GE prime mover! Funny thing about the SD40s in this video...when M-K-T operated the line, it was all 4-axle units. The bigger 6-axles generally weren't allowed as to reduce wear and tear on the track. So, it find it funny that all these years later, 6-axle units are the norm! UP was also running 6-axle units on the coal trains to the power plant until it closed.
Sometimes you wonder why did they end the line at Clinton instead of Sedalia? Then the next question would be why didn't they end it at Boonville, etc.. At least in Sedalia & Boonville, the line could connect to the UP lines (formerly Mo-Pac).
Randy, that is the million dollar question for a lot of us Katy fans!
I actually ran across a Trains Magazine article from the mid 1980s talking about the then-impending UP-MKT merger. Union Pacific "promised" line redundancies and abandonments would be minimal, but mentioned possibilities for getting the ax were Parsons-Fort Scott and Clinton-Sedalia (and some segments in Texas). So, UP went into the merger already eyeing those segments for abandonment. Fort Scott to Clinton had been rebuilt in the late 70s and early 80s and was in good shape (and had plenty of business with the power plant). Clinton to Sedalia was in rougher shape and good for around 20 to 25 mph. On that segment, there were no major/regular customers to pay the railroad's bills. Ripping it out was an easy way to get rid of it. It was also good insurance against future competition should the line end up in some other company's hands. Severing it took away it's value as a through-route. It's just one of many railroad abandonments over the years that left us scratching our heads!
As for a potential connection at Boonville, the interchange track to the UP/MP had been taken out by then. Again, there were no major online industries other than an ag business in Pilot Grove that got the occasional covered hopper.
All of these issues make for good "what if" scenarios!
the Rival plant was right next to the MKT track with a spur to the plant. Too bad Nucor wasn't around at that time. They built a spur connecting to the UP Sedalia sub.
Hello Main Track, I am new to your channel, it was amazing and now a Subscriber. i like this segment from Parsons to St louis, MO I live here thanks again and look forward to your post in the future. 🙂 BTW love the music 😀
Hello! Thanks for joining us! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the videos. I appreciate you watching! -Mike
@@MainTrack ytour welcome Mike 🙂
Very nicely done as always. It would be cool to see a video like this on the MNA between Harrisonville and Carthage, or even from Nevada out to the ADM plant west of Deerefield that uses the rest of this old MKT line
I appreciate you watching! I would love to do another segment on the line out to Deerfield. I have yet to nail down a schedule, though. It seems to run as-needed. But, it would definitely make a great Part Two!
Yes a would love a Deerfield one in live in webb city mo and the MNA goes though here maybe u could do one frome Carthage Missouri to Joplin Missouri the have quit a few factory's
Great video! I just discovered this channel & love the content provided.
Hello! Welcome aboard! I sure appreciate that.
Well done informational documentary of the branch! The Montrose grain elevator is currently planned on being upgraded to a max of 84 cars per week, so long live the Clinton Line! Great shot of it crossing the trestle, I've been trying figuring out how to get there myself, must have a been a heck of a hike!
Thank you for watching! And, I appreciate the details about the Montrose elevator! That’s definitely fantastic news for the line and helps fill the void left with the disappearance of the coal trains. I was able to get back to the trestle with a long hike along the lake shoreline. If I were to do it again, I’d wait for a much drier time! But, it was worth getting the shot.
Thanks for doing this, Mike, and I love your books. I grew up in the area and have great memories of the Katy. I thoroughly enjoyed this video.
Thanks, John! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I’m hoping to get back to the line again sometime soon to make some additional videos!
Like the footage as well as your commentary. Thank you for editing and uploading. Have a good year 22
Thank you! I sure appreciate it. I hope you have a fantastic 2022 as well!
Thanks for a great production and identifying the engines, SD40 - 2
Thank you! I’d like to get back up there sometime soon for an update video. They’ve been using quite a mix of interesting power on those trains!
Awesome catch bro I love capturing the mna train alot because I always chase the mna
Thank you! It’s a fun railroad to chase.
Was this segment of the line upgraded by the M-K-T prior to abandonment of the St. Louis line in 1986? The rail looks heavier than 90 lb rail, which was found along much of the line. I really enjoyed your book on the Katy in Missouri. Excellent coverage of the route, its facilities, signal systems, and operating characteristics.
Hello! Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed Show Me Katy. Yes indeed, the trackage between the Missouri/Kansas state line and La Due was rebuilt in the early 80s to handle the coal trains. The portion between La Due and Clinton had already been rebuilt/rerouted in the 1970's as part of the Truman Lake relocation. So, things on that part of the subdivision were definitely much better than, say, Clinton north to Sedalia and beyond. I'm glad the rails are still seeing action all these years later!
I live in New Franklin. Former junction and roundhouse of mkt! Now it's known as the Katy trail where thousands of bicyclists can ride the once rail line. Just had peddlers jamboree celebrating the trails History with vendors and live music along the way! Very fun and cool
Hi! New Franklin is a neat little town. I have visited there a few times. Lots of cool history there- and across the river in Boonville! I think it's neat they're restoring the Boonville Katy bridge. Hopefully they're able to complete the walkway across the entire span.
@@MainTrack I recently opened a Barbershop here in New Franklin on main st. Last week an 84 year old gentleman came in for a haircut. After talking a few minutes he told me he used to be an engineer for 30 years and lived here all his life. I kinda put things together and asked him if he was one of the engineers for the MKT railroad. He said yes, he is one of the few still remaining. Engineers 9f the old Katy railroad. He drove the mkt train for 30 years! He believes he was on the last train to make the last trip in 1986. He goes by the name Buck and still lives here in New Franklin! Just never know who will be getting their hair cut!
The, super. s epic edition!
I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!
Can you please post more CZcams videos on the Missouri And Northern Arkansas Railroad
Hi! I would certainly love to produce more MNA videos. Stay tuned…I have some things in the works!
Track at 22:30 looks pretty sad.
Yes, it is pretty rough riding through there!
Please do a Deerfield one and Joplin mo one
Hey there! I would love to do one out to Deerfield. It seems operations out there are a little less predictable. I know they run some long unit trains out to ADM, so that would be cool to catch! I’ve got a KCS Joplin video in the works, but I will put an MNA one my list too!
The Joplin mo yard has a branch of BNSF in it
@@MainTrack the Deerfield line goes daily
I model the Katy and would really like to railfan this line. Can anyone tell me when would be the best time to catch this train? Is it daily or just certain days of the week?
Hi, William. I do believe I've seen some photos and coverage of your layout before. You model around Kansas City, correct? It seems MNA runs the branch at least a couple times a week. The run in the early week (I'm not sure which day) usually goes as far up as La Due and back. The local that makes the full trip all the way into Clinton usually happens on Saturday- and occasionally Sundays. It tends to reach Clinton in the early afternoon hours, is in town for an hour or two switching, and then heads back south. I have been "stood up" a couple of times when I headed up there on a Saturday-- and they ran on Sunday instead. But, overall, I've had decent luck on Saturdays more often than not. I hope that helps!
Did mkt trains go up to Moberly big I thought they did but I guess not
Hi there! Yes, you are correct! The MKT originally had a line that went from New Franklin up to Moberly and then on to Hannibal. In the 1920s, MKT sold the part from Moberly to Hannibal to the Wabash Railroad…and that’s the current Norfolk Southern line. The Katy line south out of Moberly was taken up in 1975. So, technically part of the ex-MKT out of Moberly is still very much active today…although it’s NS now. -Mike
@@MainTrack you are a really smart person. How do you know so much?
@@MainTrack maybe you should do a video in Moberly
wow those hopper cars have seen some miles, mostly virgin cars with no graffiti....feels like watching trains in the 90's when they weren't all covered in spray paint like nowadays
Yes, I agree- I'm not sure how so many cars in one train can look so clean- especially after this many years (most of those cars are obviously a lot older). I know most cars tend to get bathed in graffiti in the bigger cities. I'm guessing most of these cars haven't spent a lot of time in those places! -Mike