Miracle Mindset

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey This past week I was granted special permission to photograph the Ouachita Railroad facilities in El Dorado, Arkansas . The Ouachita is a small railroad that switches cars from a chemical plant south of town and exchanges them with the Union Pacific . The railroad used to operate over former Rock Island Railroad trackage into northern Louisiana through the nearby town of Junction City. In fact, the facilities that the Ouachita now occupy once belonged to the Rock Island.

 Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey Back in 2012, the San Bernardino Railroad Days in San Bernardino, California, featured a true star of railroading: the ex-Santa Fe "Northern" locomotive #3751. The event attracted a lively crowd of railroad enthusiasts and photographers who eagerly lined the tracks in front of the beautifully preserved vintage passenger depot, all hoping to capture a glimpse of this remarkable piece of living history. As expected, this proud locomotive of the Santa Fe steamed down the Metrolink tracks from her home in Los Angeles, presenting an impressive sight for all to behold. 

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey I honestly should change my official title to 'Louisiana Railroad Archeologist' because I have the knack of finding all sorts of abandoned railroad equipment all over the Pelican State. Case in point, last week I was driving around Cross Lake in Shreveport looking for a place to view and photograph the water when I stumbled upon this old steam locomotive just off the road in a closed portion of Ford Park. Wanting to get a good set of photos of the locomotives I snuck in an open gate and weaved my way through twisting roads to the back of the park, dodging crews cutting down all the trees along the way. The old steam locomotive is in bad shape, as is the case with all such locomotives in the state, and it was obvious that the workers at the park had stopped taking care of it long ago.

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey Above: A CPKC mixed freight roars across the Louisiana and North West Railroad diamond in Gibsland. Kansas City Southern Railway (Images of Rail) Paperback Edition - $21.99 @ Amazon.com   The CPKC train continues thundering eastward out of Gibsland and into open country. (Above) The same CPKC train, again, taken further away as it approaches the LNW yard. 

 Photos By Ken Hulsey Text from signage adjacent to the railcar History of ICG 199328 The St. Francisville Caboose is an important historical attraction for the town. The caboose was purchased by the town in 1995 and moved to its current location through a generous donation by Richard Holcomb. The intention was that it would serve to remind visitors and future generations of the history of the West Feliciana Railroad, the third oldest railroad in the United States. The WFRR ran from Bayou Sara to Woodville, MS from 1834 to 1978, carrying the region's valuable cotton crop to the Mississippi River where it could be easily shipped to New Orleans. It was innovative, ahead of its time and necessary.

 Story and Photos By Ken Hulsey One of the things I truly miss about Southern California is spending leisurely days at the Southern California Railway Museum (formerly known as the Orange Empire Railway Museum). While sifting through an old folder of photographs from a few years ago, I rediscovered a treasure trove of images I took at the museum. The highlight was definitely the museum's operational steam locomotive, the former Ventura County Railway 2-6-2 No. 2. I thought it would be great to share some of these photos with fellow rail enthusiasts.

 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey Halfway between Memphis and Nashville is the historic town of Jackson, Tennessee. Though you may not have heard of Jackson, just about everyone has heard of the town's most famous former resident, Casey Jones.  Just in case you haven't heard the tale of  his death and the song that transformed him into an American folk hero:

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey If you have ever driven on Interstate 20 through Shreveport, Louisiana, you may have noticed a building just north of the highway that looks very much like an old railroad station. I have literally driven past it over a dozen times and wondered just that. A week ago, my curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to go see if what I was seeing was indeed what I thought it was. (Writing can be hard at times, my friends.)

 Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey This past Saturday, I spent the afternoon exploring the grounds of the Southern Forest Heritage Museum in Long Leaf, Louisiana. The museum is situated on the site of the former Long Leaf Sawmill Complex, which was one of many mill complexes in the region. While the mill itself is fascinating to explore, I chose to focus on the old facilities of the Red River and Gulf Railroad on this gloomy day.

 Story and Photos by Ken Hulsey I've been diligently capturing railroad images across the South over the past three months. My work has taken me through Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and whenever I spot a train, I make it a point to pull over and get a shot. This is a practice I used to do regularly back in my California days, which has resulted in a sizable collection of images from that region.

 Experience the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: A Journey Through Time and Nature For railroad enthusiasts, few experiences match the charm and adventure of riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNG). Nestled in the heart of Colorado's rugged San Juan Mountains, this iconic railway is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s a captivating journey that immerses you in the rich history and stunning scenery of the American West.

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey In April 2022, I received a tip from a fellow railfan on Facebook that the Kansas City Southern Executive Train would be in Baton Rouge . To my excitement, I spotted a set of vintage FP9/F9B diesel locomotives resting on a bridge over the 110 freeway while driving toward downtown. My enthusiasm for the F-series locomotives compelled me to navigate some of Louisiana's poorly designed streets (and that’s saying something) to get close to the railyard. I made my way through what felt like a jungle that belonged somewhere in Borneo, only to climb a steep hill to reach the railyard.

 Photos & Story By Ken Hulsey Last week, as I made my way back from some work in Arkansas , I decided to take a scenic route back to my hotel in Shreveport by traveling through Texas instead of retracing my steps through Arkansas and Louisiana . Along the way, I stumbled upon several charming small towns that I couldn’t help but think would make great weekend getaway destinations. One town that particularly piqued my interest was Marshall. I recalled reading about how Marshall was once the original headquarters of the Texas and Pacific Railway and that there might be a display commemorating the history of this now-defunct railroad. As a railfan, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore this piece of history.

Experience the Magic of Spring on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad As the snow melts and flowers bloom, there's no better time to embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad . This spring, immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and rich heritage of the American Southwest. Whether you’re a seasoned railroad enthusiast or simply looking for your next adventure, our exciting line-up of excursions has something for everyone.

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 t...

Experience Easter on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad This Easter weekend, on April 4 and 5, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad invites tourists and railroad enthusiasts to embark on a memorable journey through one of Colorado’s most stunning natural attractions. Nestled within the breathtaking scenery of the Royal Gorg e , this experience goes far beyond a traditional train ride. It’s an adventure that captures the heart of the great outdoors, all while providing the comfort and joy of exceptional dining and views you won’t find anywhere else.

Photographer: Ken Hulsey  Location: LA County Fairgrounds (Pomona, CA)  Ex Santa Fe 4-6-4 #3450 stands as a testament to the golden age of railroading in America, proudly located in its final resting place at the LA County Fairgrounds in Pomona, California . This magnificent locomotive, a product of the Santa Fe Railroad , is a remarkable piece of history that reflects not just the engineering prowess of its time but also the rich tapestry of stories surrounding American railroads.

The Unseen Connections: How Railroads Shaped Albuquerque's Spirit Before Route 66 For railroad history buffs, the evolution of cities often reveals a story of interconnectedness, especially in the American Southwest, where the rise of the railroad preceded the fame of highways like Route 66 . Before it became a symbol of adventure and the freedom of the open road, Albuquerque was transformed by iron rails that forged the city’s economic and cultural identity.

 One of my favorite subjects to photograph in Louisiana is the ex-Crowell & Spencer Lumber Company Steam Locomotive #400. There’s something about capturing images of this locomotive that draws me in. This old locomotive has a presence that resonates with me profoundly. If a picture conveys a thousand words, then this piece of railroad history speaks directly to my soul.

 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey This afternoon, I dove into my extensive collection of unpublished railroad photographs from my time living in Southern California. These images feature trains from both BNSF and Union Pacific, captured at famous railfanning spots like Cajon Pass, Tehachapi, Bakersfield, Fullerton, San Bernardino, and the Mojave Desert.