At 11:45 on Mardi Gras (23 February) 1993 – while most visitors to New Orleans were out enjoying holiday festivities – this Union Pacific inspection train was roaring across Live Oak Blvd. in Waggaman, on its way out of New Orleans on the former Texas & Pacific main line. The 9-car train consisted of DDA40X 6936, power car 207, staff car CABARTON, sleeper NORTH PLATTE, office car FEATHER RIVER, sleepers PORTOLA and GREEN RIVER, dome lounge HARRIMAN, diner OVERLAND and track observation car IDAHO. The train had arrived in Avondale Yard at 2:30 the previous morning, so perhaps its passengers did get to enjoy some Lundi Gras activities! The banner attached to the 6936's handrail stanchions included a T&P emblem and read TEXAS EAGLE. a |