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The day after the Rock Island Train Festival I traveled with NKP 765 as she headed east from East Peoria, IL to Logansport, IN on the Toledo, Peoria & Western (TPW), a short line operated by RailAmerica. Just after the festival closed, NKP 765 headed out of town to East Peoria where it would spend the night.

Instead of following NKP 765, I chose to spend the evening at the Rock Island rail yard as the Iowa Interstate QJs were preparing their train for what would be a high speed run across Iowa to their home in Newton. (Videographer Mark Paulson followed the QJs for a program which is also featured on the Steamin’ Summer Volume 3 DVD).

Following NKP 765

On Monday morning I got up early, gobbled the “free” breakfast at the motel and checked out. Not knowing exactly what time NKP 765 would be leaving East Peoria, I stopped at the yard first to confirm she had indeed left. Turned out she had moved out really early, and it was not until about 100 miles later that I caught up with the train near Watseka, Illinois.

It was another hot day but less so than the westbound trip the previous week, so the railroad did not have any heat-related speed restrictions. Due to the general condition of the track, there were a few spots where the speed was slow, but overall the train was able to move along at a reasonable clip, which made for a more interesting chase. There were a few chasers, but it was a weekday, and possibly the previous four days of high speed chases to Bureau, Illinois and Iowa City, Iowa was enough to satisfy many potential participants today.

The day was excellent in terms of good light, and despite the heat, it didn’t seem nearly as awful as some of the previous days. Maybe I was getting tough.

Most of this line was new territory to me, and we traveled through some beautiful areas, especially as we we were getting closer to Logansport.

NKP 765 Arrives at Logansport

Arriving in Logansport brought out crowds of local folks, many of whom had the chance to see NKP 765 the previous week when it traveled west. As the engine was serviced on the TPW, a large group gathered in the late afternoon sun to see and be seen. As I finished up with video and photos, I realized my 11 day steam quest (Little River Railroad, Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad, and the Rock Island Train Festival) had just come to end.

After both celebrating and feeling some sadness at this milestone, I ate a meal at Mr. Happy Burger and departed Logansport for 10 more hours behind the wheel.

As I headed northwest, I thought about my great day traveling with NKP 765. I also thought about the crew members who had ferried the engine to and from Rock Island, and all those who helped service the engine at the Rock Island Train Festival. My mind wandered on that long trip, thinking about all the volunteers who had helped restore NKP 765, and the people who contributed financially for that effort. Plus all the continuing work and expenses required to keep NKP 765 active.

For those of us who enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of steam locomotives, we owe these individuals a great deal of thanks. I hope you will consider donating or becoming a member of the Fort  Wayne Railroad Historical Society. You will help keep NKP 765 running now and in the years ahead.

You can learn more about the Steamin’ Summer DVDs and see a preview of this historic trip by visiting the Yard Goat Images website. 

Thanks, Steve, Yard Goat Images

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