The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Metra, and Iowa Northern Railway are partnering to transport historic Rock Island locomotives no. 652 and no. 630 to LaSalle Street Station for the Society’s steam powered excursion event The Joliet Rocket.
On September 15th and 16th, the locomotives will be on display for the enjoyment of The Joliet Rocket’s passengers. It will mark their return to the station for the first time in nearly 40 years. Cincinnati Scenic Railway and Trains Magazine will sponsor the movement of the engines to Chicago.
On September 15th, Trains Magazine will sponsor a special nighttime photo session at LaSalle Street Station featuring the two diesel locomotives. Tickets for the night photo session are on sale now. The Rock Island locomotives were originally built in the 1940s to power the railroad’s premiere “Rocket” trains.
After being purchased in 2007 by the Iowa Northern Railway, the locomotives were cosmetically restored in 2017 and plans call for them to be eventually returned to operation. The Society wishes to thank Iowa Northern Railway, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway, Iowa Interstate and Metra and their employees for supporting the movement of these historic locomotives.
ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
Cincinnati Scenic Railway is a 501c(3) non-profit organization operating historic railroad equipment for the education and enjoyment of the public in Southwest Ohio, providing year-round excursion train rides in the region.
Trains Magazine offers railroad news, railroad industry insight, commentary on today's freight railroads, passenger service, locomotive technology, transit and more to hundreds of thousands of readers each year.
Iowa Northern Railway Company is headquartered in Waterloo, Iowa. It was formed in 1984 on a section of the old Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company.
Photos: Rob Schriener and Jim Burd.
