Jim,

Really admire your photographs! A slight change to your description of the IAIS line south from Bureau, IL. The ex-CRI&P line goes through Chillicothe, IL. (M.P. 142.5 from Chicago, IL.) to Peoria, IL. (M.P. 157.5 at the Peoria Water Works). The IAIS connects there with the Tazwell & Peoria (owned by Genesee & Wyoming). The TZPR leased the Peoria & Pekin Union Railway in 2004 for 20 years.

The IAIS has the Bureau Switcher that comes to Peoria 3 or 4 days a week. Some days about 11 A.M. and other days about 11 P.M. The NS Cedar Rapids, IA. coal trains (NS power runs through)are 1-2 days a week. The NS ethanol trains (NS power runs through)are 2-3 times a week. The NS 115 (Merchandice) trains (IAIS power is used on the IAIS) are 2-3 times a week. Also, have some grain trains from the CP in Quad Cities that use IAIS power to TZPR in East Peoria, IL..

A BNSF (CB&Q) line from Peoria runs west to Galesburg, IL.

As an aside, a previous thread asked abiut about the area covered on this board. Well, I grew up near Lansing, MI. in the late 40's, 50's & early 60's. Rode and chased many GTW & CN steam excursions. Am still a member of the Michigan Railrod Club.

Ed Johnson
Peoria, IL.