Class I Underdog :
Kansas City Southern

Is the KCS really a Class I railroad? Most railfans have asked this question at least once, not realizing that the Kansas City Southern is indeed a big player in North American railroading. The subtle KCS pales in comparison to the other Class I giants, and unless you happen to live somewhere near the railroad, which is limited in the geography it covers, you probably don't get a chance to see its operations too often. Perhaps this is what intrigues the few railfans that do actually visit this railroad. Or maybe it's the fact that the KCS is the only Class I road left that still boasts a predominantly all-EMD spartan-cab locomotive roster. Although the KCS originates and terminates much of its own traffic, it enjoys a growing amount of interchange business. It's no doubt that the partnership it has formed with the NS at Meridian, Mississippi has become one of the most successful interchange gateways anywhere. This DVD primarily focuses on the Meridian gateway traffic and shows the KCS-NS joint trains operating on both railroads. The KCS and NS train symbols are given. All trains featured have KCS power in the LEAD position. Another portion of the DVD is specific to the KCS Vicksburg Subdivision in Louisiana, a key segment of the KCS Transcontinental ("Trans-Con") Division. The Vicksburg Sub footage clearly shows how successful this part of the KCS system has become. The type of trains seen include long, heavy manifests, "hot shot" intermodals, and several, different Military movement "specials" for the US Government! So come take a rare glimpse into this interesting, little railroad we call the KCS. Will the KCS one day become another installment in our Fallen Flag video series? Maybe. Maybe not. But one thing's for sure : the KCS is a true Underdog in the Class I world, and we better enjoy it while we still have it! Videography by Mike Dixon. Edited and Produced by Mike Dixon.