We were able to see the Goddard Ave.
Viaduct to
the
east and soon took photographs from that location too. With
sunset
approaching, photography of the west end of the locomotive facility was
beginning to become difficult.
There
appeared to be a line of dead locomotives on the most northerly
track.
Large Burlington Northern Santa Fe logos were visible on the largest
brick roundhouse building.
Below, one last view of the yard to the west of the locomotive faciltiy.
Since it was almost dark and airplane
departure time was only 2-3/4 hours away, we made our last stop at
Kansas City Union Station, a Beaux-Arts building dating back to
1914.
The goal was to visit the station and get an official KC barbeque
dinner. Our new friends Steve and Tim suggested KC BBQ or Jacks
Stack
House.
After parking the car and entering the building, we found
that
we had to walk completely throught the great hall with its 95 foot
ceilings, then across the tracks via pedestrian bridge to Jacks.
I was
worried that if the restaurant was too busy, we would have to abandon
the idea of dining here. The restaurant parking lot had many
cars, but
the hostess stated we could be seated imediately and served
quickly. Chris splurged and ordered prime rib and I ordered 1/2
rack baby back
pork ribs which were delicious. After making our way back to the
car
and examining the map, we departed. We found no I-35
northbound
entrance, so in desperation, I walked into a Kansas City Fire
Department building and interrupted the firefighters dinner to
ask for
directions. They were very accomodating and instructed me on the
proper route. It was now 6:45 PM and we had drive 15 miles to
return
the rental car and clear through TSA inspection before 7:30 PM.
Of
course, being a first time visitor to Missouri, I did not know exactly
where to exit the Interstate to find the car rental facility.
After
several cell phone calls to the rental car company, we took care of all
necessary business and made it to the gate where Barbara Cepinko told
us that there may be a delay in departure. Whatever was wrong
with the
plane was resolved and we left on time. The pilot stated that our
flight would take 3 hours and 11 minutes. Kansas City
International
Airport (MCI) is a beautiful facility dating back to 1972 with 3
different terminal areas. When we arrived at LAX, I was struck by
the
incredibly large volume of cars, busses, and taxicabs on the arrival
level roadway. It was close to gridlock. Steve Grande
finally
returned with his van and drove me home before heading to his home in
Anaheim.
LINKS:
Trainweb.com
Train Party
The Depot Inn & Suites
Richard Elgenson RailNews Site
