The train, 411-412, between Wichita and Geneseo, by the 50s consisted of a baggage-mail, one or two coaches and a Wichita-Denver sleeper, often a 6-6-4. At Wichita, the train boarded at the station which had stub tracks. The train backed out, completely crossing over 1st St. The turnouts were located across from the team track yard. It then proceeded forward, across the river and on to Geneseo. The trackage at Geneseo, which still exists, curved to the east toward the station. In passenger days there was a depot built about 1886, according to the condensed profiles. Only the sleeper was interchanged between the two trains. I do not know exactly what the switching moves were.

The same consist, with a different sleeper, returned to Wichita. It came across the river and turned north, then backed into the station. The sleeper, which allowed passengers to stay on board the car until 7 am or so, was cut off and the balance of the train went to 25th St, based on some photos I’ve seen with the sleeper sitting by itself. I do not know for sure where it was serviced.

At 25th St. there were two or three (I forget which) yard tracks which ran east-west, as part of the south leg of the wye. This was the passenger yard, and had steam connections. Later work equipment was spotted there, sometimes for weeks at a time.

Ron Merrick

Larry,

I got to ride the train out and back one night when my great uncle was the fireman. It was in the late 50’s, very early 60’s…I was about 10 or less. We arrived at the MP passenger station and the train was set to go. The GP-7 was facing south looking at Douglas Ave, next was the bagg-exp-rpo, like in Charlie’s photo, next was a modernized HW coach like 6309, I think, then the 6-6-4.

I boarded the coach, got to a seat and we left shortly after…backing out to the ML, then heading west out of town. Out in the country the train stopped for an inspection, and I was taken off the coach and turned over to my uncle. On to the head end and away we went. After a cup of coffee (to stay alert) sitting with my uncle, I moved over to the engineers side and was taught when and how to blow the whistle. These were my duties until the next stop just as we arrived Geneseo. I went back to the coach and fell asleep for the remainder of the activities. Can’t tell you how we swapped Pullman cars with the Eagles…I missed it. I was aware of the arrival back in Wichita as my uncle woke me up. As we walked to his car I did notice that the Geep was now pointed North as we had backed into the station.

It was way too cold to be much fun as I helped scrape the windows on my uncles car…I was back asleep before we left the depot I did ask how the train got turned for the next night and my uncle told me that a switch engine would drag it out to 25th Street Yard for cleaning and service. I don’t know about the Pullman.

It was a great adventure for a young boy! (even though I missed the Pullman swap!)

Gary H.