PASSING TRAINS PT 33; KCT35 PT 1

 In the fall of 1996, run-through UP power could be found on the head-end of several AP&W trains, especially intermodals...

Southern Pacific Dash-9 8110 leads KCT35, the Kansas City-Trenton piggyback intermodal into town.

UP 9575, another Dash-9, follows it's now fellow roster-mate, as the UP acquired the SP earlier that year. The UP also acquired the C&NW, making this time period a colorful one for both UP and AP&W fans!

89'9" flatcars were still in vogue, as they lead the way carrying a variety of trailers, including one with a 53' Swift and a 28' Roadway.

UPS 40' drop frame "Possum-bellies" were also still common, as were CF (Consolidated Freightways) 28' pups, seen here occupying several RTTX triple 28 flatcars.

Another common sight in the 90's was the 48' spine car, seen here with a mix of 45' and 48' trailers.

More 89'8" flats, with both 45' and 28' trailers.

More CF trailers, with an Overnight 28' pup.

The 2000's would bring wholesale changes to the intermodal landscape. Sadly, CF would declare bankruptcy in 2001 and cease operation; Overnight would be purchased by UPS in 2005 and become UPS Freight; the classic 40' UPS drop frame trailers would be gone by the late 2000's; most of the flatcars would be rebuilt for general purpose and pipe loading; and the 48' spine cars -made obsolete by 53' trailers and containers- would be retired or re-built for wind turbine blade hauling.

The rest of KCT35 next week.