QJs to Rock Island -
Iowa Interstate Railroad’s two Chinese QJs traveled to the festival as a
double-header, the first day with a passenger consist from Newton to
Iowa City. The next day they brought a record-setting 55 car freight
train to Rock Island. We get the first look at QJ 6988 after mostly
cosmetic changes and a new whistle made it appear and sound more like a
North American steam locomotive.
NKP 765 to Rock Island -
we cover a portion of Nickel Plate 765‘s journey across Indiana on the
Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway. The scorching heat actually caused
the entire railroad to shut down for part of the day.
Silver Creek & Stephenson -
the Freeport, Illinois operating railroad museum conveniently scheduled
a Photographer’s Special between the events at Little River Railroad
and the Rock Island Train Festival. Great steam action provided by a
1912 Heisler, plus a Brookville “critter” and antique cars and trucks.
Rock Island Train Festival - Days 1 & 2 -
This one-time event brought together 7 steam locomotives, historic and
modern diesels and more to a Mississippi River site in Rock Island,
Illinois. The festival featured daily steam trips to Walcott, Iowa and
all-day trips to other destinations pulled by steam and diesel. This
chapter features Day 1 Walcott trips pulled by NKP 765 and QJ 6988 from
onboard and trackside, and the all-day Bureau, Illinois excursion with
765 on Day 2. We also capture the excitement on the festival grounds
both during the day and after hours, and a cab ride in 765.
