Iowa Interstate QJs for Flood Relief

On August 14, 2008, Railroad Development Corporation and Iowa Interstate announced a weekend of steam operations as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army, as a way of thanking and supporting them for their relief efforts during the record-breaking summer floods of 2008. The railroad would run four sets of trips out of Rock Island, IL – two runs towards Walcott, IA, three runs towards Silvis, IL, a dinner train to Walcott and back, and a Sunday trip from Rock Island to Iowa City – with all proceeds going to charity. All costs – operations, food (in the case of the dinner train), and staff – were donated either by the railroad, their partners, the City of Rock Island, or individuals so that every dollar raised went straight to the Salvation Army.

Tuesday / Wednesday – October 14-15, 2008

While I was primarily making the trip home to photograph Iowa Interstate’s two QJ class 2-10-2s, I decided that with the coming of the dozen new ES44ACs, I should make an effort to photograph the railroad’s regular operations one more time while the trains were still primarily being handled by the old GP38-2s and SD38-2s. So, I took the entire week prior to the QJ events and spent as much time as possible chasing and photographing operations across the Rock Island to Newton segment of the system.

Tuesday was relatively calm. I slept in, and consequently only went as far west as Iowa City before meeting the east train (CBBI) coming past the old Rock Island depot. Both the east and west trains were into town by 1030h, so I just waited around for a while for the east train to head out towards Rock Island. Of note was that it was lead by 153, one of the SD38-2s. It used to be that the six axle EMDs held down the Cedar Rapids – Iowa City – Rock Island turns, and seldom wandered further. Now, with the GEs entering service, I found the 150s wandering the system on the regular through trains, such as this CBBI. By just before noon, 153 and crew had a warrant, and so after grabbing some lunch, I headed east after it.

I caught up with it just short of the Cedar River bridge, preparing to enter the work area on the western approach to the bridge. Maitenance of Way was still out lining the grade with heavy rip-rap, presumably in an effort to prevent severe erosion damage as was seen during this past summer’s flooding. There was no work train out, though, when I went by the first time.

Proceeding on into Wilton, the east train met the RIIC turn and a work train. The work train had been using 154 as power when it was dumping rock out on the west side of the bridge earlier in the day, and the turn was still swapping 154 out for 719 when the east train arrived. This was the first time I’d seen the SmartStart automatic shutdown actually work – the east train had to wait so long that both engines stopped. Rather eerie to be standing next to two huge diesels and have them just suddenly go quiet.

With the meet done, I decided to follow the turn back towards Iowa City, given that the sun had shifted over and all three SD38-2s on the front were running backwards. I wouldn’t have wanted to be the engineer trying to run that way, but it did make for an interesting sight. I caught them at Moscow and West Liberty, and then decided to head back for home as I was supposed to meet my aunt for dinner in Clinton in about two hours.

On the way back, I stopped to see Work Extra 719 near the Wendling Quarry. The work crew was loading rock into the six side dump cars with a backhoe and getting ready for another run up to the work site.

What follows is an abbreviated copy of the update I sent to the IAIS list to accompany the photos from Wednesday, 15-Oct-2008. Just thought I’d make a note of it, since it’s written in a short first person style that’s a little different from how I usually narrate trip reports.

I went west today, on the off chance the QJs started to move. Unfortunately for me, they didn’t budge. The good news is that by the second time I went by, both engines were hot and smoking. Maybe tomorrow? (Turns out the answer was Friday, 17-Oct-2008…)
I did run into the Menlo ethanol train (506/502) today just outside of Grinnell, and wound up chasing it all the way to its meet with the west train at Marengo. It was a tight fit – the ethanol train held the main, just barely clearing between the switches – and the huge west train ran past on the siding. Put it this way – by the time they re-entered the main at the west switch, the IAIS 506 crew estimated that there were still 35-40 cars yet before the end of the west train cleared the east switch.
As for why it was so big… By the point it got that far west, it had dropped the power set from the morning and picked up five EMDs – 717, 714, 702, 715, and 151. It had the regular freight (grain empties, intermodal, etc.) plus a huge string of ethanol empties, presumably headed out for loading at Menlo later in the week.
Given the clouds to the east and the blue skies to the west, I decided to follow the west train instead. Shot it once at the US 6 bridge between Ladora and Victor, then again at Malcom and a couple times west of Grinnell. I tried for the interlocking at Grinnell, but I’m not used to chasing this new, faster IAIS and got skunked in the process.
From I-80, I saw what I assume was the CR job at Tiffin at about 1815h. Looked like it had a 500 on the front, but didn’t turn around to chase it – too little light.
The final train for the day was around 1930h at Walcott, when 155 and 704 blasted through with a string of coal empties. For tomorrow, the DS told the coal empty that they’d probably tie down in the hole at Atkinson. So, for those of you out east, look for a second sub run tomorrow.

My first pass by Newton, IA, on Sunday, 12-Oct-2008, found only the two tenders sitting outside and the engines still stored in the shed.

Continuing eastward towards my parents' place in Walcott, I found the west train preparing to depart Iowa City with IAIS 716 (which I've taken to calling Baldy due to the lost logo) in the lead and three other 700s trailing. — Continuing eastward towards my parents’ place in Walcott, I found the west train preparing to depart Iowa City with IAIS 716 (which I’ve taken to calling Baldy due to the lost logo) in the lead and three other 700s trailing.

The east train comes into Iowa City with 153 in the lead, followed by 708

IAIS 153 and the east train again continuing their trip towards Davenport near the Cedar River crossing

The east train (CBBI) meets the RIIC turn at Wilton

The SmartStart automatic shutdown is just eerie - it's strange to be standing next to two huge diesels and just have them shut off — The SmartStart automatic shutdown is just eerie – it’s strange to be standing next to two huge diesels and just have them shut off

The turn swapped out IAIS 154 for IAIS 719 on the work train. Here's 719 ducking out onto the main to swap cars around - something about not having the right air hoses in the right places. — The turn swapped out IAIS 154 for IAIS 719 on the work train. Here’s 719 ducking out onto the main to swap cars around – something about not having the right air hoses in the right places.

There's something you don't see every day - three SD38-2s running backwards on the mainline. — There’s something you don’t see every day – three SD38-2s running backwards on the mainline.

The last unpainted unit on the railroad - IAIS 154. With the ES44s on the property, will it ever get painted? — The last unpainted unit on the railroad – IAIS 154. With the ES44s on the property, will it ever get painted?

IAIS 151 and the RIIC turn passing the famous West Liberty depot. I'm standing in the middle of what used to be the north-south CRI&P (ex-BCR&N) line from Burlington to Manly, IA, and points north. The line was abandoned from Burlington to Cedar Rapids in the 1980s with the fall of the Rock. — IAIS 151 and the RIIC turn passing the famous West Liberty depot. I’m standing in the middle of what used to be the north-south CRI&P (ex-BCR&N) line from Burlington to Manly, IA, and points north. The line was abandoned from Burlington to Cedar Rapids in the 1980s with the fall of the Rock.

Two sticks of CWR at Atalissa - 115 pound, rolled in Pueblo, CO, and installed in 2005. Just amazing how much the track has improved in the last few years. — Two sticks of CWR at Atalissa – 115 pound, rolled in Pueblo, CO, and installed in 2005. Just amazing how much the track has improved in the last few years.

IAIS 719 and work train are out on the main and loading rock near the Wendling Quarry. IAIS is still working on the western approach to the Cedar River bridge after it was washed out during the summer's floods. — IAIS 719 and work train are out on the main and loading rock near the Wendling Quarry. IAIS is still working on the western approach to the Cedar River bridge after it was washed out during the summer’s floods.

Upon returning to Newton on Wednesday, the two steamers were hooked up and were obviously under test, as there were wisps of smoke rising from the stacks, and pressure gauges plugged in near the safeties.

The eastbound ethanol train from Menlo headed east at Victor, IA, with one of the new ES44ACs - IAIS 506 - in the lead — The eastbound ethanol train from Menlo headed east at Victor, IA, with one of the new ES44ACs – IAIS 506 – in the lead

The west train (BICB) approaching Marengo with 717 in the lead

IAIS 502 on the rear leaving Marengo after the meet with BICB. Who would have thought twenty years ago that we'd see the day when Iowa Interstate was running new DPU power and stack trains? — IAIS 502 on the rear leaving Marengo after the meet with BICB. Who would have thought twenty years ago that we’d see the day when Iowa Interstate was running new DPU power and stack trains?

IAIS 717 and the west train about to pass under US 6 between Ladora and Victor

IAIS and a cornfield - it's just a natural fit — IAIS and a cornfield – it’s just a natural fit

After missing the interlocking shot, I picked this spot near the west end of Grinnell

About to cross county road T38 between Oakland Acres and I-80

Thursday – October 16, 2008

What follows is an abbreviated copy of the update I sent to the IAIS list to accompany the photos from Thursday, 16-Oct-2008. Just thought I’d make a note of it, since it’s written in a short first person style that’s a little different from how I usually narrate trip reports.

Another fine Iowa day out there. I picked up the CBBI with 156/709/151 at Marengo, the crew having stopped to re-line the west switch (still reversed from yesterday’s meet). Chased it all the way into Iowa City, grabbed lunch, then caught 708/153/712/700 with the west train coming into town about 1300h. Not one GE to be found in the IC yard, and I can live with that. Just as happy to shoot the old power doing their thing, particularly the 150s roaming further from their old haunts.
Once 708 west was in the yard, 706 left (by itself) with a very short CBBI. The plan was for them to pick up 701 at the Wendling spur, and then meet the returning turn at North Star. That said, they made it as far as mp 214 when their warrant ran out, as 701 and the work train were still holding their warrant from 211 to 214. (Note: Yes, it was 719 put on the work train on Tuesday. It was swapped out for 701 Wednesday morning, being bad-ordered after reportedly trying to push through rip-rap and damaging the front handrails.)
Maintenance (of / in the) Way is still working on putting down rock along the repaired western approach to the Cedar River, using 701 and a couple of air dump cars, as well as some big Case gear. One of the air dumps had dropped a wheel or two off the rail, though, so everything was on hold.
After an hour or so, they got the air dump back on the rails and shoved into the clear. 706 east stopped to pick up 701 and then met 720/154 and the turn at North Star. From there, it was a chase back into Iowa City (and finally running into Andy after being here for five days) and then back to Walcott for dinner with the family.

The east train (CBBI) at Marengo, after having stopped at Marengo's west switch to re-line it for the main. Power is IAIS 156, 709, and 151. — The east train (CBBI) at Marengo, after having stopped at Marengo’s west switch to re-line it for the main. Power is IAIS 156, 709, and 151.

And the chase for more 3/4 wedgies is on! (This one being at the west switch of Yocum.) There are at least four of us following CBBI this morning.

IAIS 156 passing over one of the crossings east of Homestead. Contrast this with the next shot, taken only three months earlier.

A shot that won't be possible again - a rebuilt first gen geep leads CBBI at the same spot as above. Today, only two months later, IAIS 468 is retired, and the shot is presented only for contrast. — A shot that won’t be possible again – a rebuilt first gen geep leads CBBI at the same spot as above. Today, only two months later, IAIS 468 is retired, and the shot is presented only for contrast.

With a delay in getting a new warrant, 156 was forced to stop just west of Oxford, allowing me to catch up and get this shot.

Another shot at Oxford - I liked both of them, and couldn't figure out which one to include (as usual). — Another shot at Oxford – I liked both of them, and couldn’t figure out which one to include (as usual).

Approaching Iowa City and passing beneath I-80 in Coralville

And CBBI disappears into the west end of the IC yard, both to do some switching and to meet BICB.

Speaking of meeting BICB, 708 leads the west train into the Iowa City yard.

Shortly after 708's arrival, 706 leaves Iowa City eastbound as sole unit on a very short CBBI (as seen near Midway). — Shortly after 708’s arrival, 706 leaves Iowa City eastbound as sole unit on a very short CBBI (as seen near Midway).

The one unit wonder passes through Atalissa. I knew I should have gone and stomped down those weeds, but there was just no time... — The one unit wonder passes through Atalissa. I knew I should have gone and stomped down those weeds, but there was just no time…

706 stopped short of milepost 214 because of maintenance in the way at the Wendling spur, still working on dumping and spreading rip-rap rock.

Notice something not right? Normally they would have cleared up in time for CBBI, but the last dump car derailed and they were working on getting it back on track.

After an hour or so sorting out the derailed car, they got it back on and cleared up in the spur track. Here we see 720 and the RIIC turn waiting to meet 708 and CBBI at North Star.

Friday – October 17, 2008

Friday was finally the day. The day the two QJs made their way from their storage building in Newton over to the Iowa City yard. There they’d overnight and wait for the Saturday morning steam-powered freight into Rock Island.

IAIS 6988, 7081, and parts car 9201 finally leave the Newton yard under cloudy skies and drizzle at about 0930h on Friday, 17-Oct-2008.

Crossing the UP's former M&StL line at Grinnell, IA — Crossing the UP’s former M&StL line at Grinnell, IA

The light power heads east past the grain bins at Malcom

An overhead shot of the two from the Brooklyn bridge. (Seems like there should be a joke in that somehow...) — An overhead shot of the two from the Brooklyn bridge. (Seems like there should be a joke in that somehow…)

Through the fields east of Brooklyn, making all of their allowed 30 mph

Two of my fellow chasers look on at Victor

Approaching the US 6 overpass west of Ladora - if only we had a little light. — Approaching the US 6 overpass west of Ladora – if only we had a little light.

The two pass through Ladora after pausing west of town

Coming around the bend at Marengo, the two were throwing off such huge steam plumes that any wider shot was all clouds, no background.

6988 crosses over the long-abandoned Milwaukee at Yocum

At Homestead, the light engines pass a line of stored grain hoppers

A grade crossing that's become a routine stop for me east of Homestead — A grade crossing that’s become a routine stop for me east of Homestead

At Vernon, between Coralville and Iowa City, the Hawkeye Express is waiting in the siding. It's stored here between games. The next day, though, it will be out hauling Iowa football fans from the Coralville mall parking lot to Kinnick Stadium. — At Vernon, between Coralville and Iowa City, the Hawkeye Express is waiting in the siding. It’s stored here between games. The next day, though, it will be out hauling Iowa football fans from the Coralville mall parking lot to Kinnick Stadium.

The equipment, including the Rock-inspired F40PH, actually belongs to the Iowa Northern. For the first two years, IAIS and the IANR borrowed the Ski Train from Colorado, but in 2006 they acquired their own equipment for the operation, including these bilevel commuter coaches.

The QJs pass the Hawkeye Express in the spur.

After running through the yard, the engines backed past the old IAIS headquarters towards the 4 track to drop the parts car

The two steamers will overnight on the enginehouse lead (track 5)

Mr. Henry Posner III of Railroad Development Corporation (IAIS's parent company) speaks with a group in front of 6988 at Iowa City. — Mr. Henry Posner III of Railroad Development Corporation (IAIS’s parent company) speaks with a group in front of 6988 at Iowa City.

Saturday – October 18, 2008

In addition to the passenger trips, IAIS planned to run what was billed as a “record setting” amount of tonnage behind steam on Saturday morning. Well, record-setting for the 21st century at least, since much more tonnage was routinely handled before mainline dieselization. Since the railroad needed to get 6988 and 7081 from Iowa City to Rock Island anyway, they just attached what appeared to be the regular freight from ICRI (the Iowa City-Rock Island turn) on the back, totalling 62 cars and some 6950 tons. The weather was supposed to be beautiful for a chase, but Saturday broke with a dense fog overlying most of the route. Still, though, there were good spots where the sun broke through, such as West Liberty and Walcott, and by the time the freight reached Rock Island for the main events, the fog had all burned off.

Uh, what's this? Saturday was supposed to be sunny, and instead I can't see a hundred yards. It made for an interesting drive to Iowa City, and promised to make for an interesting chase. — Uh, what’s this? Saturday was supposed to be sunny, and instead I can’t see a hundred yards. It made for an interesting drive to Iowa City, and promised to make for an interesting chase.

The train leaves Iowa City in the morning fog, with 6250 trailing tons in 63 cars of RIIC freight. Unfortunately, there was so much fog that when added with the condensing exhaust from the engine made most shots impossible.

The first real break (thankfully) came for the depot shot at West Liberty

The break didn't last long, though. Just past the depot, it was back into the fog. — The break didn’t last long, though. Just past the depot, it was back into the fog.

However, by Atalissa, the fog was again so thick you could barely see through it (and I was shooting at ISO 1600)

Coming through the east end of North Star, just shy of Wilton. (The siding actually continues for a few hundred more yards to form a pocket track.)

With old US Hwy 6 closed due to bridge repair between Durant and Stockton, I shot south to US Hwy 61 to get ahead of it (and the pacers) into Davenport. Just past Blue Grass, Andy Brown called with, "You did know they were making a water stop in your home town, right?" Okay, back to Walcott we go... — With old US Hwy 6 closed due to bridge repair between Durant and Stockton, I shot south to US Hwy 61 to get ahead of it (and the pacers) into Davenport. Just past Blue Grass, Andy Brown called with, “You did know they were making a water stop in your home town, right?” Okay, back to Walcott we go…

Yours truly in front of 6988 at Walcott (thanks to Andy Brown for the shot)

As you can see, the Walcott Fire Department had one of their new toys out. Presumably this is what brought the hoses for watering the two steamers.

They spent nearly an hour in Walcott, having arrived around 0925h and not departing until around 1020h. During that time, quite a large group of both fans and locals collected around to see the event.

Poor 7081 - it never gets to lead. Even two years ago it was always in the back. — Poor 7081 – it never gets to lead. Even two years ago it was always in the back.

At around 1020h, the eastbound steamers highballed Walcott, as seen here passing over County Road Y-48 at the east end of town.

Waiting in the Walcott siding (located east of the town itself) was the west train (BICB) with 719, 718, and 505 as power.

The eastbound steam-powered turn meets the west train at Walcott, with dozens of camera-toting fans looking on. The odd part is that the steamer is actually newer than the lead diesel it's meeting (6988 in 1985 vs 719 in 1972). — The eastbound steam-powered turn meets the west train at Walcott, with dozens of camera-toting fans looking on. The odd part is that the steamer is actually newer than the lead diesel it’s meeting (6988 in 1985 vs 719 in 1972).

Coming down the bluffs into Missouri Division Junction in West Davenport, where the Rock's former Golden State Route once diverged to the left. Today it's just an interchange track with the IC&E/CP. — Coming down the bluffs into Missouri Division Junction in West Davenport, where the Rock’s former Golden State Route once diverged to the left. Today it’s just an interchange track with the IC&E/CP.

A wider view of Missouri Division Junction

Having dropped the train in the Rock Island yard, the two engines and the parts car come down to the yard under the Centennial Bridge near downtown Rock Island (as seen from the cab of IAIS 502).

The two engines were uncoupled, and 7081 was turned out at the wye beyond the yard. 6988 would be leading the Silvis trains, while 7081 would handle the Walcott runs.

RRDX 806, one of RRDC's ex-Agence; Métropolitaine de Transport (Montreal's commuter railroad) coaches. The cars are of Canadian Pacific heritage, built in 1953 by Canadian Car & Foundry and purchased by RRDC in 2006. These cars will be used for the day's short trips towards Walcott and Silvis. — RRDX 806, one of RRDC’s ex-Agence; Métropolitaine de Transport (Montreal’s commuter railroad) coaches. The cars are of Canadian Pacific heritage, built in 1953 by Canadian Car & Foundry and purchased by RRDC in 2006. These cars will be used for the day’s short trips towards Walcott and Silvis.

Saturday afternoon consisted of five shorter runs: three from downtown Rock Island towards Silvis at 1200h, 1400h, and 1600h, and two towards Walcott at 1300h and 1500h. One steam engine, four passenger cars, and a GP38-2 (for the reverse move) were assigned to each. In addition, for those waiting on their train or just watching the activities, Iowa Interstate had IAIS 502 on display in the downtown yard. Looking at ticket sales before the event, the Walcott trips were selling reasonably well, but the Silvis trips looked to be struggling a bit. I don’t know how exactly it panned out, but those observations were mirrored by the number of people I saw on board.

On Saturday night, the railroad ran a dinner train consisting of IAIS 7081, BNSF 45 (Powder River), IAIS’s own 100 and 101 (Hawkeye and Abraham Lincoln), and IAIS 716 on the back for the shove from Walcott. (Note: 716 was likely following and not added until we started back from Walcott.) The chefs for the occasion were all either RRDC or IAIS employees, representing four different sites on the globe – Robert Pietrandrea, President of RRDC (Pittsburgh), Mick Burkhart, IAIS Chief Transportation Officer (Cedar Rapids), Hugo Avila from RRDC’s Ferrocarril Central Andino (Peru), and Joel Lopez of RRDC’s Ferrovías Guatemala. In addition, a wonderful selection of wines for the evening was provided by Dmitri Papageorgiou of Dmitri Wine & Spirits. If any of the chefs happen to see this, I want to both thank you for volunteering your time and talent, and commend you on what has to be the best charity dinner I’ve ever eaten.

Also on display in Rock Island was IAIS 502, one of the dozen new ES44ACs IAIS is acquiring. Al Hunt, IAIS's Manager of Car Hire and one of the original founders of the IAIS railfan list, was on hand to solicit donations for the Salvation Army and to shut the bell off every couple minutes. — Also on display in Rock Island was IAIS 502, one of the dozen new ES44ACs IAIS is acquiring. Al Hunt, IAIS’s Manager of Car Hire and one of the original founders of the IAIS railfan list, was on hand to solicit donations for the Salvation Army and to shut the bell off every couple minutes.

The inside of 502, looking at the engineer's control stand and chair. — The inside of 502, looking at the engineer’s control stand and chair.

The back wall on the engineer's side, with all of the various breakers and control switches — The back wall on the engineer’s side, with all of the various breakers and control switches

The conductor's side of the cab — The conductor’s side of the cab

And looking across the front of the cab from the conductor's side — And looking across the front of the cab from the conductor’s side

Here's 6988 pulling up to the loading point for a run towards Silvis. The runs didn't actually get to Silvis, but instead stopped just short of the East Moline switch, where the IC&E, BNSF, and IAIS all leave joint trackage. — Here’s 6988 pulling up to the loading point for a run towards Silvis. The runs didn’t actually get to Silvis, but instead stopped just short of the East Moline switch, where the IC&E, BNSF, and IAIS all leave joint trackage.

The first Silvis train pulls out of the downtown yard. Each trainset consisted of the steamer, several old Montreal commuter coaches, and in order to accomodate the long reverse moves, 700-series GP38-2 (717 for the Silvis runs, 716 for the Walcott runs).

The first Silvis train heads out of downtown Rock Island, with the arches of the Centennial Bridge in the background.

Here's a Silvis run passing the John Deere building in downtown Moline. — Here’s a Silvis run passing the John Deere building in downtown Moline.

The eastbound train passes under the Arsenal Island access road.

A Silvis run out between Moline and East Moline

...and 717 bringing up the rear — …and 717 bringing up the rear

On the opposite hours from the Silvis runs, the other steamer would depart with a run towards Walcott. This is actually the second run, but it's creeping along eastbound behind the QC Botanical Center towards the Rock Island yard, where it will reverse directions and head west over the Government Bridge. — On the opposite hours from the Silvis runs, the other steamer would depart with a run towards Walcott. This is actually the second run, but it’s creeping along eastbound behind the QC Botanical Center towards the Rock Island yard, where it will reverse directions and head west over the Government Bridge.

The star of the show, 7081, actually brought up the rear for the first mile or so until they took the main down at the yard.

The Walcott run eases around the corner from the Rock Island yard out on to the Sylvan Slough bridge.

A side-on shot of 7081. I always forget just how high the boiler sits on these engines until I'm up next to them. — A side-on shot of 7081. I always forget just how high the boiler sits on these engines until I’m up next to them.

Catching the pseudo-street running in West Davenport. I tried to chase it back towards Walcott for another shot, but failed miserably, so I just went to change clothes for the evening's dinner train. — Catching the pseudo-street running in West Davenport. I tried to chase it back towards Walcott for another shot, but failed miserably, so I just went to change clothes for the evening’s dinner train.

Coming up the bluff and about to pass under the Locust St. bridge on its way west. (Danny Holmes photo)

Contrary to popular opinion, I do actually clean up rather well from time to time.

The final Silvis train of the day comes back into the downtown Rock Island yard.

The sun sets on a great day of steam-powered fundraising. They've already got 7081 attached to BNSF's Powder River and IAIS's two business cars, Abraham Lincoln and Hawkeye, for the evening's dinner train. — The sun sets on a great day of steam-powered fundraising. They’ve already got 7081 attached to BNSF’s Powder River and IAIS’s two business cars, Abraham Lincoln and Hawkeye, for the evening’s dinner train.

An interior view of Hawkeye's main room. In addition to this elegant room, the car is also equipped with several sleeping compartments. Tonight, the railroad brass and their guests will be dining here, but we all got to walk through and look, since Abraham Lincoln does not have vestibules. — An interior view of Hawkeye’s main room. In addition to this elegant room, the car is also equipped with several sleeping compartments. Tonight, the railroad brass and their guests will be dining here, but we all got to walk through and look, since Abraham Lincoln does not have vestibules.

Another look at Hawkeye's interior, since most people who don't work for the railroad never get to see this beautiful car's interior. — Another look at Hawkeye’s interior, since most people who don’t work for the railroad never get to see this beautiful car’s interior.

The chefs for the evening are all RRDC employees. Skipping Mr. Posner, they are Mick Burkhart, IAIS Chief Transportation Officer (barbeque pork), Hugo Avila from RRDC's Ferrocarril Central Andino in Peru (the lomo saltado and tacu-tacu), Joel Lopez of RRDC's Ferrovías Guatemala (the Tres Leches cake), and Robert Pietrandrea, President of RRDC (the lasagna). Not seen is Robert's wife, Christine, who made some of the best crab cake appetizers I have ever experienced. — The chefs for the evening are all RRDC employees. Skipping Mr. Posner, they are Mick Burkhart, IAIS Chief Transportation Officer (barbeque pork), Hugo Avila from RRDC’s Ferrocarril Central Andino in Peru (the lomo saltado and tacu-tacu), Joel Lopez of RRDC’s Ferrovías Guatemala (the Tres Leches cake), and Robert Pietrandrea, President of RRDC (the lasagna). Not seen is Robert’s wife, Christine, who made some of the best crab cake appetizers I have ever experienced.

A copy of the evening's menu — A copy of the evening’s menu

Also not seen in the previous photo is our sommelier for the evening, Dmitri Papageorgiou of Dmitri Wine & Spirits in Rock Island. I thought I'd post the evening's wine selections in addition to the menu. — Also not seen in the previous photo is our sommelier for the evening, Dmitri Papageorgiou of Dmitri Wine & Spirits in Rock Island. I thought I’d post the evening’s wine selections in addition to the menu.

Sunday – October 19, 2008

One final charity trip was made Sunday morning – the return run from Rock Island to Iowa City with both QJs on the front end, followed by the coaches, and bought up in back by IAIS’s pair of business cars. The train ran just a hair late, not clearing West Davenport until a bit after 0900h (scheduled departure was 0830h), and arrived in Iowa City at around 1115h, with the full fan contingent trailing behind.

There was one last run to make - the return trip from Rock Island to Iowa City on Sunday morning, 19-Oct-2008. Here are the two steamers and the passenger cars heading through West Davenport on their way out. — There was one last run to make – the return trip from Rock Island to Iowa City on Sunday morning, 19-Oct-2008. Here are the two steamers and the passenger cars heading through West Davenport on their way out.

Hawkeye is, as expected, bringing up the rear, and appropriately enough, HP3 is on the platform.

Since there were quite a few people chasing and old US 6 was still closed between Stockton and Durant, I figured my best shot was to just use I-80 to get on around the pack to Wilton, where I set up on the highway bridge.

Rounding the curve just east of Atalissa, IA.

I grabbed the shot of Hawkeye at Atalissa since IAIS list members Andy and Darren are over on the right side of the platform.

...and passing the famous Downey elevator. I figured I'd be one of a handful of people at this spot, but the whole gaggle showed up. — …and passing the famous Downey elevator. I figured I’d be one of a handful of people at this spot, but the whole gaggle showed up.

Coming out of the west end of the Iowa City yard, the train will stop at the IC depot to let everyone off.

Pulling up a bit further so that the Hawkeye is spotted just short of the depot.

The passengers for the morning trip disembark off the back of the Hawkeye

I heard an eastbound get out of Iowa City, but never did catch it until I reached Walcott. When I got there, a combined BICB-RIIC train was trying to get past on the main, but one of the GEs was showing a not-very-helpful error of "Unit Alarm" and the crew couldn't move them. As they were fouling the east switch for over an hour, CBBI just got to sit and wait. — I heard an eastbound get out of Iowa City, but never did catch it until I reached Walcott. When I got there, a combined BICB-RIIC train was trying to get past on the main, but one of the GEs was showing a not-very-helpful error of “Unit Alarm” and the crew couldn’t move them. As they were fouling the east switch for over an hour, CBBI just got to sit and wait.

One of IAIS's unique non-rev cars - IAIS 9075 - was on CBBI that Sunday. The car is a gon made from a cut-down boxcar with a door installed in the side. — One of IAIS’s unique non-rev cars – IAIS 9075 – was on CBBI that Sunday. The car is a gon made from a cut-down boxcar with a door installed in the side.

Having taken one of the GEs offline and started another one (506 being the problem motor, I think, based on radio chatter), 151 west gets started again. Power is 151, 157, 702, 506, 505, 509, 502, and 717.

A little different view on 151 leaving Walcott

While I'm thrilled to see IAIS be successful enough to purchase new power and have this perfectly manicured track, it's going to take a while before I get used to seeing the new toasters and chasing trains that make 40 mph consistently. — While I’m thrilled to see IAIS be successful enough to purchase new power and have this perfectly manicured track, it’s going to take a while before I get used to seeing the new toasters and chasing trains that make 40 mph consistently.

When I left Iowa nearly nine years ago, I never would have guessed that the IAIS I'd be chasing in 2008 would be running unit ethanol trains, large numbers of stack cars, two steam engines and a dozen new AC-traction GEs. It's a very different railroad than the one I once knew. Once again, I'd like to thank IAIS and the City of Rock Island for all they did this weekend in support of a very worthy charity. — When I left Iowa nearly nine years ago, I never would have guessed that the IAIS I’d be chasing in 2008 would be running unit ethanol trains, large numbers of stack cars, two steam engines and a dozen new AC-traction GEs. It’s a very different railroad than the one I once knew. Once again, I’d like to thank IAIS and the City of Rock Island for all they did this weekend in support of a very worthy charity.

All photographs in this trip report were taken with a Canon EOS 40D using either a Canon 24-105mm F4 L IS/USM, Sigma 18-50mm, or a Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS/USM.

This work is copyright 2022 by Nathan D. Holmes, but all text and images are licensed and reusable under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license. Basically you’re welcome to use any of this as long as it’s not for commercial purposes, you credit me as the source, and you share any derivative works under the same license. I’d encourage others to consider similar licenses for their works.