COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – The “hospital” train ferrying historic Union Pacific steam locomotives and other equipment to Silvis, Ill. was detoured onto the Iowa Interstate Railroad at Council Bluffs this morning. The train has been making a slow move across the UP main line since departing Cheyenne, Wyo. on Nov. 11. The slow speed of the train (20-25 mph), frequent stops, and an overheating bearing on one of the steam locomotives combined to delay the train. With a lack of UP crews and congestion on its main line across Iowa, the decision was made to move the train to Iowa Interstate. Originally IAIS was to receive the train from UP today at Des Moines, Iowa.
The train is ferrying UP 4-6-6-4 No. 3985, 2-10-2 5511, Centennial diesel No. 6936 and other equipment to the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America shop in Silvis, Ill. UP donated the equipment to RRHMA in April. RRHMA has planned a ceremony at Silvis on Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. that includes officials and major donors, so it was essential that the equipment be in Silvis in time for the ceremony. Another event on Nov. 20 is open to the public.
This morning the train departed Council Bluffs with a planned destination of the IAIS yard at South Amana, Iowa arriving sometime tonight. The train will move from South Amana to Silvis tomorrow morning and early afternoon.
When the trip was all coming together before November 11th I thought I read that it was going through South Amana. Guess I was always under the impression it was on IAIS from Council Bluffs.
Interesting, UP can get a 25mph consist with frequent stops through their system just fine at time where they are asking private cars to furlough, but struggles with a 78mph consist with frequent stops (Amtrak).
Something doesn’t compute.
You Tube has been rife with videos covering this movement.
However they get there, as long as they do, may they have smooth sailing, and RRHMA be able to do everything they have planned.
I’m thrilled that they even trying to do what they’re doing.
The IAIS route is more direct anyway. However, I thought they were dropping a diesel off at Boone. How is that being handled?