HawkinsRails.net - Mississippian

Known for years as the "Bentonite Road" - a clay bonding material shipped on the MSRY - the 24-mile Mississippian has always been a railfan favorite. John made several trips to northeast Mississippi to see the line between 1960-1970. For much of its life, the Mississippian stabled a handsome pair of ex-Frisco Baldwin kettles (originally Jonesville, Lake City & Eastern), operated by two brothers who not only alternated engines each month but also monthly reversed their respective duties in the cab. Eventually, the Baldwins were replaced with Alco switchers. The road's shops and mainline connection are at Amory, Ms. This ex-Frisco Mississippi branchline survives today, making interchange with the big BNSF at Amory, Ms. The two steamers survive as well, in excursion service when not in storage waiting rebuilding.

Steam Locomotives

Mississippian #76

Smithville, Ms / Aug 1966 / JCH

Mississippian #76

builder:Baldwin Locomotive Works
arrangement:2-8-0 Consolidation
built:Dec 1920, Baldwin #54265
fuel:coal/water
notes:
blt Jonesboro, Lake City & Eastern #40
leased to Frisco #76, 1925
to Mississippian #76, 1947
to Penn View Mountain #76, 1967
to Gettysburg #76, 1976
to Ohio Central, 1999

Mississippian #77

Amory, Ms / May 1960 / JCH

Mississippian #77

builder:Baldwin Locomotive Works
arrangement:2-8-0 Consolidation
built:Dec 1920, Baldwin #54266
fuel:coal/water
notes:
blt Jonesboro, Lake City & Eastern #41
to Frisco #77, 1926
to Mississippian, 1947
to North Alabama Railroad Club, 1967
to Magnolia State Rwy, 1984
to Central Western Rwy, 1989
currently Alberta Prairie #41