Train Festival 2011 - Rock Island, IL

[sd70accsxt700]

This could prove big this year, I do believe all out of RI is steam friendly.
http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?10,2240766

[MDH]

Interesting - updates to come here:

http://www.prestigecreative.com/trainfestival2011/

At least you know what weekend to keep free!

Michael

[EJ&ESDM809]

Well, since it's practically on the Iowa Interstate, I'd expect the Chinese QJs, as well as possibly the Rock Island heritage ES44AC to be there. It's also right off the CP/IC&E so I wouldn't rule CP 2816 out either. NKP 765 is another possibilty, as it could get there down a BNSF-IAIS routing or right down the IC&E into Davenport, then onto the IAIS from there. I'd expect all the visiting steam engines that would go to use those two routes, as going straight down the Rock Island would involve using CSX and Metra track. Metra can be pretty iffy with steam, and CSX, you can pretty much forget it with. I could also see CP, CSX, BNSF, Iowa Northern, Boone & Scenic Valley and UP sending stuff in addition to Iowa Interstate, plus I could see Amtrak sending stuff to promote their future service to the Quad Cities. A longshot would be 261 if it's done, and maybe IRM could send some equipment such as the Nebraska Zephyr. Leviathan should have no problem getting there, that's practically just a two hour or so drive for them, plus I could see the 0-4-0s that were in Owosso going to this event too. I think if everyone agrees on routings, this could have the potential to match the Owosso event. Iowa Interstate knows how to put on a show alone, throw in some visiting engines, and this is gonna be quite a fun event. I could see them running trips up the Iowa Interstate mainline, and also down the IC&E which parralels the Mississippi River in Davenport, which would make for some excellent photo opportunities.

[EJ&ESDM809]

I'm thinking another possibility be Train Festival would be Southern 401 from the Monticello Railway Museum, as it was just restored to operating condition. If Little River 110 went to Owosso, I see no reason 401 couldn't make Rock Island.

[EJ&ESDM809]

The new Train Festival 2011 website is out, 765 and Leviathan are the first confirmed pieces of equipment going. http://www.trainfestival2011.com/

[GLC 392]

Next years Train Fest will be in Rock Island IL on July 21-24th 2011, So far confirmed for the event at are NKP 765 and LEVIATHON #63 which made its public debut at Trainfest 2009. you can expect much more to come! More info at http://www.trainfestival2011.com/

[EJ&ESDM809]

These are my guesses for the festival.
NKP 765
Leviathan
CP 2816 with 261's trainset
IAIS 6988
IAIS 7081
IAIS 513
One newer BNSF unit
CP or DM&E/IC&E unit
Flagg Coal 75
Viscose 6
Amtrak P42 and single level cars to promote Chicago-QCs service
*Southern 401
*ATSF 3751
* CNW 6847, CB&Q 504 or WC 7525 from IRM
*Hawkeye Express F40 and bi-levels
*Iowa Northern diesel
*UP heritage SD70ACe
*CP F-units
*IC or CN E9 and business cars
*CSX diesel
*IAIS diesel in addition to 513
*Rock Island E's currently in transit to Manly, IA

A couple of notes, I have already read UP steam will probably not be going to this event. I would like for the Nebraska Zephyr fro IRM to go but I heard its trucks need work before it can go out on a real mainline again. I three IRM diesels as maybe, but the bad thing is UP charges IRM for every movement so it's a real slim chance. I would fully expect Iowa Interstate to send both QJs, the Rock Island heritage unit and possibly an additional IAIS diesel Also, the two Rock Island E units that were stored in Kansas are moving to Manly, IA. I don't think they're operational, but they'd make a cool night photo next to IAIS 513 and possibly the Hawkeye Express F40 if that goes.

I also have a feeling that CP 2816 will be part of the event. With the CP right across the river, it wouldn't be too hard to send it straight down the old IC&E from the Twin Cities into the Quad Cities, and due to that straight shot, if it came, I bet it would bring 261's coaches in with it.

[sd70accsxt700]

I have already read UP steam will probably not be going to this event.

Wow is UP really that stuck up about there locos? it seams that unless it is a UP exclusive event, for the most part UP wont have anything to do with anyone else when it comes to steam. Rarely 4449 and what two trips to CSRM.

[EJ&ESDM809]

Well apparently this event would interfere with Cheyenne Frontier Days, which generally features UP steam. I'd guess the ones I put without *s next to them in my predictions and maybe 1-3 of the "maybes" will probably go. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.

[GLC 392]

update here http://www.trainfestival2011.com/attractions/ IAIS WILL be sending IAIS 6988, 7081 and and and and the 513 Rock island heritage unit.

[EJ&ESDM809]

I figured they'd do that. Their facebook site says a big announcement is coming Tuesday. I wonder what that could be? 3751? 2816? We'll find out then I guess!

[sd70accsxt700]

ITS ATSF 3751!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.trainfestival2011.com/santa-fe-3751-release/

[EJ&ESDM809]

Sure is! It's gonna be great seeing 3751 in the Midwest!!!

[strugglin]

Wow, I didn't think any event could be better then Train Festival 2009, but this is really coming close. Now if we can just get CP to bring 2816 down...

I chased 3985 from Kansas City to Jefferson City last month, and it was a blast. Being from Ohio, I don't make it out that far west for a lot of railfan action, I've never been to the Quad Cities, but can't wait to see everything on hand! My dad, brother, and myself will all be in attendance, along with a few other railfans from Cleveland-Columbus, Ohio. See all you guys in July!

[EJ&ESDM809]

Like Owosso in 2009, I will be out in Rock Island ALL FOUR DAYS of the event! I have already booked my hotel and am staying practically across the street from the event. If you are looking to book a hotel in Rock Island, you better do so now, all hotels within 30 miles of Owosso were sold out in 2009, so I'd say this will be just as bad, if not worse than 2009, especially with 3751 coming out. I hope to see everyone from this group out there!

Go onto Facebook, become a fan of CP 2816 and suggest a trip to Train Festival 2011 be on the schedule for next year, they seem to be up for suggestions! The CP 2816 page is here, the more people that suggest that 2816 come down, the better the chance of it happening! http://www.facebook.com/pages/CP-2816-E ... 7641208943

[penn central]

For some reason i cannot get this out of my mind i keep thinking of a triple header 765, 6988, or the 7081, and the 3751. Oh boy wouldn't that be to sweet. Oh yea i plan on being their already put in for vacation at work.

[Larken24]

This Will Be Historical, I'm trying to imagine if the 3751 and 765 will do a doubleheader or not.

[GLC 392]

Triple header http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3AeKe871zU

[penn central]

Thanks for posting GLC392 man that is so awesome.

[TrainWatcher]

Up until now, I have been not even planning on going. BUT, being the LARGE ATSF Buff that I am and not seeing the 3751 EVER, I might have to make a trip to see her stretch her legs from the West Coast. Road trip anybody?