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I just want to mention El Dorado Park in Kansas is a good place to railfan. You can see many trains a day on the BNSF Emporia sub without leaving the park. If you get the right campsite at Boulder Bluff, you don't even have to leave your site. But if you want electricity, you will have to pitch a tent at Walnut River. If you go to the overpass just south of Boulder Bluff, this is a good photo shoot. An elevated persrective always yields good pictures. If you have questions about the area, let me know.
------------------ Bill
The Chief Member # 2172
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Hi Bill. I've never been to that park but have passed it many times on the Kansas Turnpike. That long trestle over the water just beyond all those partially submerged trees always has been a fave spot for me to see a BNSF.
It's on the east side of the KTA. I used to drive from here in Texas up to Kansas about 10 times a year and always hoped I'd spot a train there -- and did many times.
It sure was refreshing after having to drive through Oklahoma.
- - Johnny
mr_sd40-2 Member # 2217
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Yes you can see trains on the trestle from the turnpike but they are far away (as far as I recall). Next time I go there, I will look for a good spot to see them on that trestle at a distance of about 500 feet or less.
------------------ Bill
mr_sd40-2 Member # 2217
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Yes you can see trains on the trestle from the turnpike but they are far away (as far as I recall). Next time I go there, I will look for a good spot to see them on that trestle at a distance of about 500 feet or less.
------------------ Bill
CP-home Member # 1924
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I lived in El Dorado for 9 months back in 77-78 and I remember that park, the Walnut River and that Trestle! I remeber seeing a Santa Fe train come through and at the time that was the fastest I had ever seen a train move. Unfortunately this was a few years before I became a railfan but trains were always fascinating!
Cthetrains Member # 2148
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I would just like to know generally how far away from the KC area this place is?
------------------ Cory (o:}=
The Chief Member # 2172
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C, it's a little over 100 miles south of Topeka.
Cthetrains Member # 2148
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Thank you. I think I'll try to find time to make that trip soon.
------------------ Cory (o:}=
Santa Fe 5704 Member # 2277
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El Dorado is milepost 172.8 on the BNSF Emporia Subdivision. Milepost 0.0 is located one mile west of Kansas City's Union Station. This route follows I-35 very closely as everyone seems to know. I catch the Eastbound Z trains out of Argentine for the Marceline Sub and we always watch on BNSF computers for these trains to pass El Dorado. Outbound crews are ordered when the trains pass Lebo [mp 93.8]which is just east of Emporia. At 70 MPH it doesn't take long to get to Argentine Yard.
[This message has been edited by Santa Fe 5704 (edited 02-07-2003).]
Cthetrains Member # 2148
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So, SF5704, you're familiar with my home stomping grounds? I grew up in Kirksville, about 14 miles north of La Plata, and could probably show you any and all top-notch, legally accessible railfanning locations between Elmer and Baring.
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