Amtrak Southwest Chief #4 July 2, 2007 012

2007-07-02 536

The train was due in Topeka at 7 AM. I waited near Lecompton, (about 15 mi. East of Topeka.) About 7:30, a BNSF freight came around the curve. It was hauling rails and ties. At 8:10, the Chief rounded the curve at between 50 and 60 mph. The engineer gave me lots of horn action, even though the K5LA was either plugged with junk, or needed new diaphragms. They were running in the 2nd. notch to let the freight consist ahead of them clear the main. Noted lots of Western Bluebirds at this location while I waited. Thanks!