The "Flying Crow" and "Southern Belle"

The "Flying Crow" and "Southern Belle"  In the heyday of passenger train service, these were the flagships of the Kansas City Southern Railway. Both were anchored in their home city with the Crow traversing to Houston by way of Shreveport. Likewise the Belle's route included Shreveport but turned southeast to New Orleans. Here the "Flying Crow" is billed as the fastest way from Kansas City to Houston as advertised in the local newspapers.

Source: Kansas City (MO) Star 03-Apr-1930 Page 12

Note stops in Vivian, Oil City, and Mooringsport are touted in response to demand related to the area's booming oil activities. Below "The Flying Crow" is  making a stop in Spiro, OK in 1940. 

This page from an October 1947 copy of the Railroad Magazine shows the trains as they looked then. At top, the "Southern Belle" approaches Mooringsport, while below the "Flying Crow" now diesel-powered, is parked at Mena, AR.

Railroad Magazine - Oct-1947, Page 34

An example of amenities on board the "Southern Belle."

Railroad Magazine - Oct-1947, Page 35

Below is a truncated 12-Jan-1958 schedule for the two trains that includes stops in Rodessa, Vivian, Oil City, and Mooringsport:

Source: Kansas City Southern Railway by Thad Hillis Carter

Due to declining demand and reduced profitability in passenger rail service, the "Flying Crow" was discontinued 10-May-1968, while the Southern Belle made its last run 02-Nov-1969.

Source: The Kansas City Southern Lines - History

See also North Caddo Towns Along The KCS Rail Line - 1917