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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
