IAIS QJ's running again!

[trainman6446]

Just read in the local paper that the IAIS will be running the QJ's on the weekend of Oct 18th. No details on times or prices, but it sounds like there will be several runs in Ia and Ill that weekend. Proceeds from the riders will go to flood relief.

[Dakguy201]

On October 18th, the engines will be doubleheaded to pull a freight to Rock Island.  They will then be split up and one will do a passenger round trip to Silvis, while the other goes to Walcott, Iowa.  On the 19th there is a one way trip from Rock Island to Iowa City.  More information was supposed to be on the City of Rock Island's web site, but I failed to find it.

  Welcome to the City of Rock Island, Illinois

[fredswain]

I was in their engine house last week! Sadly it isn't as fun as it sounds. I was technically in the building. However the bay doors were closed and I was only in the office for a few minutes. I was a simple open door away from seeing them except a door wasn't open. Just literally a few feet away. So close yet so far which is sad considering I live 1000 miles away from there.

[EJE818]

The info will be on Rock Island's website closer to when the trips happen when more details are known. I wonder what kind of passenger equipment will be used, I don't think IAIS has enough equipment, maybe they could borrow some cars from Friends of the 261? The double headed freights sound like they would be neat to see, I'm going to have to try getting out to Davenport/Rock Island that weekend.

[fredswain]

The IAIS has a whole string of passenger cars. They sit right next to the engine house which is located just northeast of Newton, IA. next to the small intermodal yard.

[Dakguy201]

In late September 261 goes down for an extended maintenance period, so its consist would be available.  However, the planned excursions are very short ones; and I doubt enough will be charged to cover the cost of the move to/from the Twin Cities.   I think what Fred is suggesting is correct -- that they will use the cars at Newton.

[EJE818]

I've also heard they will probably be using RDC owned cars, and also that the freight will exceed the tonnage of the freight they pulled in Iowa last year, making this the longest steam powered freight of the 21st Century. They will be running 3 excursions to Silvis, two to Walcott and a third trip to Walcott, but that one will be a dinner train. Apparantly there is a chance that Iowa's business car will be used on the dinner train.

[kschmidt]

Tickets are now available for the QJ Trips in October. 

They are available either online at www.rigov.org or by calling the Rock Island Parks Dept at 309-732-parks(7275) Monday thru Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM CDT.

Here are some specifics of the trips.  The "record setting" freight train will leave Iowa City on October 18th at 7:30am with the doubleheaded QJ's pulling eastbound. 

Trip Details

Saturday, October 18, 2008

noon                Rock Island to Silvis and return

1 p.m.              Rock Island to Walcott and return

2 p.m.              Rock Island to Silvis and return

3 p.m.              Rock Island to Walcott and return

4 p.m.              Rock Island to Silvis and return

 

320 coach tickets will be sold per trip on the train rides toward Silvis and Walcott. Trips will last approximately 90 minutes. Tickets are available for a $40 donation. Tickets for children 12 years and under are available for a $25 donation (with purchase of adult ticket), and children 3 years and under are free if not occupying a seat. Children's tickets are only available for these Saturday excursions.

 

Saturday, October 18, 2008

6 p.m.              Dinner train

 

A limited 116 tickets will be sold for this trip which includes the full-course "celebrity chef" dinner. The dinner train trip will last approximately three hours. Passengers will ride in two classic dining cars, the IAIS' "Abraham Lincoln" and BNSF's "Powder River." Dinner train tickets are available for a $150 donation.

 

Sunday, October 19, 2008

8:30 a.m.         Rock Island to Iowa City (one-way)

 

The train will consist of coach and first class cars. 200 coach and 100 premium tickets will be sold for this trip which includes bus transportation back from Iowa City to Rock Island. An option will be available for riders to catch the bus in Iowa City at 6:45 a.m. to come to Rock Island to ride the train. Coach seats for this trip require a $125 donation and premium seats require a $200 donation.

 

All train trips will leave from downtown Rock Island in the railyard at 1^st Avenue and 17^th Street.

Shot of the QJ's from a Photographers Special June 2007 in Casey, Iowa

Keith

[route_rock]

  Powder river for a dinner train???? Ummmm ok. I will try to figure it out when I go. The fiance bought tickets for saturday night.

[rockislandb]

Dinner Train is officially SOLD OUT!  Still tickets for donations to a great cause for Saturday afternoon short trips and Sunday bus from Iowa City to Rock Island/train back or train to Iowa City/bus back, coach and premium.  Or buy a t-shirt. Or come to the rail yard and buy a sandwich and tour a new IAIS engine. Info at www.rigov.org All proceeds to the Salvation Army to replenish the disaster response fund.

[SchemerBob]

rockislandb

Dinner Train is officially SOLD OUT!  Still tickets for donations to a great cause for Saturday afternoon short trips and Sunday bus from Iowa City to Rock Island/train back or train to Iowa City/bus back, coach and premium.  Or buy a t-shirt. Or come to the rail yard and buy a sandwich and tour a new IAIS engine. Info at www.rigov.org All proceeds to the Salvation Army to replenish the disaster response fund.

I haven't found any information about the locomotive tours. Wonder if that will be one of their new Evolutions? That would be cool!

As for the QJ's, we're planning on making the long journey up and seeing the freight train somewhere east of Iowa City, and then maybe going into Davenport Rock Island to see the activities there. It'll be a very interesting experience.

[SchemerBob]

Found it! It's confirmed, you will be able to tour an ES44AC as part of the acitvities! http://www.iaisrr.com/sites/iaisrr.com/files/Steam%20Train.pdf 

[Dakguy201]

The weather on the western Iowa border on Saturday morning is pretty miserable -- fog and low clouds.  Out of curiosity, I looked it up for the Quad Cities area and found you are supposed to be sunny and near 70 both days.  Good luck!  Take lots of pictures!. 

[SchemerBob]

Well everyone, I had a GREAT time chasing the QJ's yesterday. We first saw the freight train pass through West Liberty, IA, and then we chased it all the way to Durant. Along with a lot of good pacing video between Wilton and Durant I got at least four run-bys. Plenty of other railfans followed right along with us. Then that afternoon in Rock Island, I saw the first Silvis train depart, and toured the Evolution diesel #502. Then after 1 o'clock I saw the Walcott train go through the Central Park Ave. grade crossing - out with the QJ leading and back in with the diesel on the front. I had a great time!

[route_rock]

I had a great time as well. They ran out of seats on the Powder River.So me and the girl had to be moved to another car.Yes fans we got to sit on the Hawkeye and I had Dinner with Henry Posner sitting right beside me.What a class act is all I can say.

 

  The food was great!! Mr Posner loved the reaction he got for the trips so I can almost promise there will be more.

[trainman6446]

What an awesome sight seeing doubleheaded steam crossing the Government bridge. Rode the 1:00 Walcott train, did not do the dinner train though. Maybe next time.

[dknelson]

Keith Schmidt, one of the better rail photographers in the midwest, posted some nice shots elsewhere on the Forums.

 http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/t/139882.aspx

 

 

Dave Nelson