This is great footage as far as I'm concerned. I was pretty young when the Rock went under, so footage like this is very much appreciated. Thanks for sharing!
Before its demise on 3/31/1980.A couple of its lines crossed in Des Moines.The North & South lines were operated by C&NW,Later UP.The East & West lines were operated by IRRC,Later Iowa Interstate.
No need to post a warning! You succeeded in preserving history. Its the way I remember the "Rock" from watching the trains in Council Bluffs. Thank-You for posting!
I'm trying to find any pictures/info on the MILW Omaha mainline. This line was superior to the CNW mainline but after the bankruptcy, fell apart. Banked curves, high speed freights, UP Streamliners, City of Everywhere train sets....I wish I was around that time to see it.
Just to let you know, the Rock Island was in this era in even more worse shape than the video footage. It doesn't matter if the video footage is low quality, the quality of a railroad and its infrastructure is of more importance. Shame to the government and its regulators and to other railroads in creating the mess that was the Rock Island.
Yes I can attest to that it was in terrible shape. In 1983/84 I worked for the c&nw we were the first crew to repair the track from des Moines to st.joseph Mo. It was quite the sight derailed equipment everywhere the track was in terrible shape 10 mph in most places. Some of the old timers had a lot of stories of the once proud line and how it had gone down to what it was! Sad
The blue paint only pisses me off and I'm a Santa Fe fan. Only because I knew that money on paint should have been spent on track maintenance. Man , they had implement manufacturing , home appliances , window manufacturing , tons of other things to keep them afloat and they just threw it away.
I lived by the Rock Island tracks growing up in Manly. It looks completely normal to see these liveries.
The GP38-2's sporting the Blue & White scheme & The Big "R" Herald on the Hood & on each end.
The closest we can get to time travel! I remember standing trackside in the 70s, it took some courage!
I remember the Rock Island and the Chicago and Northwestern in Des Moines saw many a train from both railroads.
This is great footage as far as I'm concerned. I was pretty young when the Rock went under, so footage like this is very much appreciated. Thanks for sharing!
This is totally awesome. This was my first chance to see Rock Island trains in motion. Otherwise watch for yourself as I am speechless. Wow.
Before its demise on 3/31/1980.A couple of its lines crossed in Des Moines.The North & South lines were operated by C&NW,Later UP.The East & West lines were operated by IRRC,Later Iowa Interstate.
Thanks for posting this. Kev in Canada.
No need to post a warning! You succeeded in preserving history. Its the way I remember the "Rock" from watching the trains in Council Bluffs. Thank-You for posting!
At least I got to name one of the bankrupt blue locos before they went under.
The sound makes up for lack of resolution.
I'm trying to find any pictures/info on the MILW Omaha mainline. This line was superior to the CNW mainline but after the bankruptcy, fell apart. Banked curves, high speed freights, UP Streamliners, City of Everywhere train sets....I wish I was around that time to see it.
Just to let you know, the Rock Island was in this era in even more worse shape than the video footage. It doesn't matter if the video footage is low quality, the quality of a railroad and its infrastructure is of more importance. Shame to the government and its regulators and to other railroads in creating the mess that was the Rock Island.
Yes I can attest to that it was in terrible shape. In 1983/84 I worked for the c&nw we were the first crew to repair the track from des Moines to st.joseph Mo. It was quite the sight derailed equipment everywhere the track was in terrible shape 10 mph in most places. Some of the old timers had a lot of stories of the once proud line and how it had gone down to what it was! Sad
Wide Vision Cabooses are bringing up the rear of the Trains.
The blue paint only pisses me off and I'm a Santa Fe fan. Only because I knew that money on paint should have been spent on track maintenance. Man , they had implement manufacturing , home appliances , window manufacturing , tons of other things to keep them afloat and they just threw it away.
Thanks for posting, I love it.