Looking for information in KCS operations and yards around Gulfport MS. Pictures of the yard would be appreciated, not so much the equipment but just the general area and the yard. What are the main industries there served by KCS? Are there any other railroads operating in Gulfport? And last, does KCS own their own trackage in Gulfport or do they just have trackage / haulage rights?
Here is a link from the Kans City Southern’s web site:
http://www.kcsouthern.com/en-us/Documents/SystemMap.pdf
It would appear that the access by KCS to Gulfport is over a haulage agreement with CN from Meridian, Ms to Palmer, Ms and then their own tracks, Palmer to Gulfport,Ms. and to De Lisle, Ms.
Not sure what their volume is over this line and the line, Meridian to Mobile, Al. [ which appears to be all trackage rights and a short line operator’s services [ according to their route map.]
Personally, I was surprised to see this link and their operations further East on the Gulf Coast. Primarily, I think the lion’s share of their railroading is concerned with the Shreveoprt,La., Baton Rouge, New Orleans, La. Where they enjoy their access to plants on the Mississippi River around the Geismer, La area. This operation is, I think far more productive than the Mississippi and Louisiana routes [ to Gulfport, and Mobile].
This link to to Wikipedia’s site is pretty informative, but I am not sure how accurate their info is. The railroad’s own site at www. kcsouthern,com. is pretty interesting and is available in both Spanish and English, for anyone interested.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas_City_Southern_Railway
Sure hope this helps to get you some answers you were looking for.
I’ve saw the system map before. I’m looking for information mostly on the yard, or any pictures of it. There are 2 yards that I can see from Google Earth right off of Hwy 49 running North/South along side the track. They appear to be fairly close together, one looks very small, maybe 4-5 tracks and the other just to the north looks a little larger. Just trying to figure out what is what there.
Looking at the KCS timetable, I can give you the following information: Hattiesburt to Gulfport is considered part of the Transcon Division.
From Hattiesburg (MP 70.2) to Bell Yard (MP 65) is all yard limits.
Bell Yard to Wiggins (MP 35) is Direct Traffic Control
Wiggins to the CSX Crossing (MP 0.0) is, again, all yard limits.
There are turning facilities within the yard limits at both ends, and an automatic interlocker with CSX a half a mile past Gulfport (MP 0.5).
Maximum speed over the DTC section is 25 MPH; 10 MPH in the Yard Limits. The switches on both ends of the siding in Gulfport are 5 MPH.
As far as industries around Gulfport, none are listed. The first one in the timetable is Lyman, at Milepost 9.3, with a south entry. The listing for Gulfport only mentions “West Pier Track” and “East Pier Track”, both of which are speed restricted to 5 MPH.
Gulfport Yard tracks 3, 4, 5, and 6 are FRA exempted.
There is mention of a “Middle Yard” which may be the other one you’re seeing, track 3 is FRA exempted.
All in all, doesn’t look like much. Maybe a small interchange with CSX.