It's 1986, and we're in Nevada, MO looking at the former Missouri Pacific, now a part of the Union Pacific. We see two SD60s. among the newest, biggest power on the system. They're pulling a solid train of trailers on flat cars. So far, so good. But what's up with the track? Smallish, jointed rail; crummy ballast that looks the size of pea gravel; and weeds everywhere, even in the gauge. Well, this is what was happening. A big track blitz over on the line through Coffeyille has sent a flood of rerouted traffic over this line, which is not equipped to handle the crush. That's why the dispatcher could not find a siding where this TOFC train could meet an opposing train, and so has directed it on to the lightly-trafficked former MP branch to Pittsburg, KS. When the other train has cleared, this train will back slowly back onto the main, then continue toward its destination.
