White extra flags are being placed on the front of L&N RS-3 240 for a very special run. For more than a decade, L&N operated several “Kiddie Specials” each March for Louisville-area elementary school students. In March 1959, photographer Charlie Castner—then a producer for Louisville radio and TV studio WHAS---covered this train preparing to head south to Lebanon Junction behind boiler-equipped RS-3s 242 and 243. After a two hour, 60-mile round trip, the students will return to LUS and their waiting school buses. These specials usually rated 17 to 18 coaches, plus a stripped down diner. The first car is an NC&STL coach, still in green and lettered for the “Dixie Line.” (Charles Castner Photo)
A colorful and diverse group of railroads operated passenger trains in the South that ranged from speedy limiteds like the Panama Limited and Silver Meteor to regional and branchline services.
