cluding federal dollars and a bi-state sales tax. A massive $250 million was generated for the restoration project that lasted from 1997 until 1999. In- stead of cavernous hallways and the sad “bubble,” KCUS now boasts Science City, several restaurants, a large screen movie theater, and many retail shops in a beautifully restored build- ing, both inside and out.
The Freight House Bridge
Also important to making KCUS a wonderful railroad photo location was creation of the Freight House Bridge. Officially opened with a dedication cer- emony in October 2006, this structure came into being when Kansas City Southern’s president Michael Haverty donated his company’s unused 1890s- era Pencoyd railroad bridge, which was languishing by the nearby Missouri River. Crews gingerly moved, then sandblasted and repainted the struc- ture, inserting a concrete pedestrian walkway across its steel beams. Con- necting Union Station to the south with two restaurants on the north, the Freight House Bridge is a wonderful walkway over the busy triple-track KCT rails. Signs representing every
railroad that serves or once served Kansas City are on the outside of the bridge girders. For a number of reasons, the Freight
House Bridge is an ideal location to watch and photograph trains. The hor- izontal aluminum panels on each side are spaced far enough apart so that one can get just about any still photo or video lens through them. The panels and overhead roof provide some protec- tion from the elements without block- ing your view. No matter what time of year, one can get favorable light some- where on the bridge or the approach walkway. In winter the south end pro- vides the best light for trains, while in summer the north end can yield good pictures. To the west and the east of the bridge, constantly lit searchlight-style signals let you know what is coming. Usually the wait is not very long. I have always felt safe on the bridge
when visiting during daylight hours. A KCUS security officer will occasionally walk by, sometimes smiling or engag- ing in small talk. The bridge is a fami- ly-friendly location where one often sees parents and small children walk- ing and talking. Seldom have I spent more than an hour there without run-
ning into at least one other photogra- pher. Only for railfans who wish to be by themselves in a quiet location would the bridge be undesirable. Restrooms, a drinking fountain, quick snacks, and restaurants — all in climate-controlled comfort — are just a short walk away through the door leading to the station.
Parking Garage
Another excellent platform for viewing and photographing trains is the top deck of the KCUS parking garage, lo- cated a short walk west of the Freight House Bridge and the main station. During the cooler months of the year when the sun is lower in the sky, the light is excellent for trains coming ei- ther way, since they are moving more or less east to west, with the garage on the south side of the tracks. It is easy to work the downtown Kansas City sky- line into your shot, as well as the at- tractive private passenger cars stored nearby. On occasion, you may also see special varnish like the Kansas City Southern Holiday Express or its busi- ness train on display. This spot suits railfans who want to
be alone, since there is seldom anyone else on the top deck. The garage is free
OPPOSITE: A westbound BNSF Z-train is about to pass under the West Pennway bridge just west of Kansas City Union Station on the early evening of June 30, 2008. Freight House Bridge is visible in the background, as are various privately-owned passenger excursion cars, a Kansas City streetcar display, a Kansas City Southern unit that is part of the “K.C. Rail Experience” exhibit, and Amtrak’s Southwest Chief. Due to flood- ing east of here, the Southwest Chief had to temporarily terminate in Kansas City and wye in preparation for its journey back west to Los Angeles. ABOVE: Eastbound and westbound Union Pacific stack trains meet while St. Louis-bound Amtrak train waits to depart at the far right. View is from Freight House Bridge on the afternoon of March 19, 2008. It is common to have two, and occasionally three, trains passing through at once. The iconic Western Auto sign, which lights up at night, can be seen on the east side of the Main Street overpass.
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