Miracle Mindset

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.

  Exploring Steamtown National Historic Site: A Journey Through Railroad History Nestled in the heart of downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) offers a remarkable glimpse into the rich history of America’s railroads. Spanning 62.48 acres, this railroad museum is built on the remnants of the former Scranton yards of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad (DL&W), providing an engaging environment for railroad enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

  The Legacy of Locomotive #202: A Snapshot of Railroad History in Louisiana For railroad history enthusiasts, few stories encapsulate the rich tapestry of early 20th-century logging operations in the United States like that of Locomotive #202. This venerable machine, with its beginnings dating back to 1913, provides a fascinating glimpse into the timber industry’s reliance on rail transport and the technological evolution of locomotives during that era. Locomotive #202 was part of an ambitious order by the Crowell Interests, consisting of twelve distinct locomotives, each crafted to meet the burgeoning needs of the Meridian Lumber Company in Meridian, Louisiana. Designed primarily as a woods engine, #202 was instrumental in transporting timber from the expansive forests to the mill, symbolizing the industrial energy that characterized the American landscape in the early 1900s.

 This year, one of my goals is to return to the basics of my life and embark on a journey of self-discovery. I want to reflect on my past and understand how I arrived at this point in my life, all in hopes of improving my future. I know that might sound convoluted, but it makes sense to me. Perhaps that’s my problem? I’ll have to think more about it. One of my passions is photography , particularly railroad and nature photography. If you're a railfan, I believe you'll enjoy the photo features I plan to share. As I contemplated where to begin my exploration of my extensive collection of images, I was tempted to dive into some shots I took about 15 years ago. However, I decided to look back even further, so I pulled an old photo album off the shelf to see if I could find something from the 80s or 90s. I selected what I thought was one of my better images to experiment with and scanned it.

Today, I want to share the story of the first railroad built in central Louisiana. Known as the Red River Railroad , or sometimes the Ralph Smith Smith Railroad , this was the very first railroad constructed west of the Mississippi River. It was a simple and roughly built line that transported cotton and other goods that were brought in by barges on Bayou Boeuf .   The place where this railroad began is called Smith’s Landing , and the remaining building in the town of Lecompte is recognized as the first train station built west of the Mississippi. The tracks ran from Lecompte to the banks of the Red River in Alexandria , but much of this route has been lost to time. During the Civil War , Union soldiers tore up the tracks to create a levee, and because of that, we don’t know exactly where the railroad used to go. Interestingly, when crews were constructing the old Jefferson Highway that runs between Lecompte and Alexandria, they found some remnants of the Red River Railroad, whi...