June 4th - Economic Development: Attack of the Clones

"If the structural changes in the Kansas grain transportation system continue, the long run viability of Kansas short-lines could be threatened," Babcock said. "Should this happen, several consequences could occur. One of the most important impacts would be increased road damage as the grain the short-lines transported is diverted to motor carriers." Click Here for the rest of the story

May 19th, 2002

The K&O will be sponsoring a fan trip on the former MP lines southwest of Wichita and then over to Kingman on May 19th. “The Kingman Special” will run from Wichita southwest to Conway Springs, then northwest from Conway Springs through Norwich & Bellemont, then across the new track built to a connection with the former ATSF lines south of Kingman, KS. The original plan for this trip was to run to the ATSF depot at Kingman, but due to the former ATSF track now being FRA excepted, passenger trains are not allowed on it. The trip will end at the new connection and turn on a wye while passengers ride a bus to downtown Kingman for a tour of the restored ATSF depot and other events in Kingman. Box lunches are provided in the $25 train ride. It is scheduled to depart Wichita at 09:00 and return back to Wichita at approximately 7:00 PM. The train will consist of WATCO’s de-powered RDC cars. The train trip has sold out all the tickets in early May. The trip is being sponsored by the Heart of the Heartlands and the K&O railroad. The train is to make some other trips in and around Wichita while it is there. Some school children will be making a short trip on May 21st. Another trip on May 22nd is for the Kansas Operation Lifesaver Quarterly Meeting. The K&O train will be used to take a short trip on the former MP lines. 

WATCO Owners Must be Happy...   5/10/02  The Kansas Legislature approved giving tax rebates and other funding in order to assist Watco (owners of the K & O railroad - among others).  The money, according to Watco spokesman will be used to upgrade various tracks.

Liberal Kansas & KDOT. 5/11/02  Ok, so KDOT can not come up with the funds to help out  a few rail lines, but they can help out cities with de-funk depots.  KDOT along with a few other entities provided Liberal Kansas with additional funds (totaling some 2.1 million) - to finish restoring the former Rock Island Depot.

Amtrak moving south?  It is has been verified that Amtrak and BNSF officials are looking at moving the Southwest Chief from Emporia KS thru Raton Pass - to the busier BNSF southern mainline.  The rumor is ~because BNSF is getting ready to sell the rail line from Hutchison Ks, west to as far as Raton NM.  If you know, let us know at Support@DepotNew.com