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Railroading in the South - Trains Up and Down the Pelican State | Ken Hulsey Photographer

I recently rediscovered my passion for railroad photography and have been making the most of every opportunity during my travels to capture photos of the trains I encounter. I enjoy getting creative, framing interesting images that truly convey the spirit and excitement of being a railfan.

Over the past two days, my travels have taken me across Louisiana, from Opelousas to Bunkie, then to Lecompte, and finally to Gibsland. There, I spent my lunch break watching the CPKC maneuver two local freights with impressive skill. I observed these trains pulling forward and backing into various sidings before continuing on their routes—the first headed east, while the second dropped off a long set of cars for the Louisiana & Northwestern.

On Monday, I visited Opelousas in hopes of soliciting some work from the Acadiana Railroad for my company. I was also curious about the fate of the old locomotives that used to be stored at their headquarters. The staff informed me that they had been moved to a siding along Railroad Avenue. I went there and captured some great shots.

On my way home, I chased a Union Pacific train from Bunkie to Lecompte, photographing it at both locations. It was a wonderfully productive couple of days for railroad photography, and I'm excited to share my experiences.

- Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey


The Louisiana & Arkansas Railway, colloquially termed "The Better Way," commenced operations at the turn of the 20th century and expanded its network to create a vital corridor connecting New Orleans and Dallas. This regional railroad, characterized by its robust infrastructure and sustained profitability, flourished largely due to the strategic leadership of three influential figures: William Edenborn, William Buchanan, and Harvey Couch. These men expertly navigated the complexities of the rail industry, implementing strategic acquisitions that facilitated the line's growth and operational efficiency.

The narrative of the L&A serves as a case study in effective management and entrepreneurial vision, as it reflects the cumulative biography of Edenborn, Buchanan, and Couch. Each leader brought a unique blend of industry acumen and commercial insight, skills honed in prior professional endeavors, alongside a profound passion for rail transportation. Their combined efforts established the L&A as a preeminent regional carrier, characterized by efficient operations and customer service excellence.

In this comprehensive examination of the L&A's history, Fair meticulously chronicles the railway's evolution from its inception during the rail boom to its eventual dissolution amid corporate consolidations in the late 20th century. Notably, while the L&A operated under the aegis of a parent company, specifically Kansas City Southern (KCS), for a substantial portion of its operational history, it retained a degree of operational independence. However, the definitive acquisition by KCS in 1992 effectively culminated in the complete dissolution of the L&A, marking the end of an era in regional railroading.
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