Final consists

Jeff Osman Dec 31, 2000

  1. Jeff Osman

    Jeff Osman E-Mail Bounces

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    This day in 1978 trains 6 and 12 and 5 and 11 made their last revenue runs. Anyone know the final consists?
     
  2. AFN

    AFN TrainBoard Member

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    Jeff,
    Received a phone call from Harold 1-1-79
    informing me of deadhead move eastbound. I believe this was the previous nights #11 as it had 2 E-units and 2 cars. The Peoria Rocket was running with two units at the time because the turntable in Peoria was out of service. Jan 1st was notable because of a major blizzard. I drove to Champlain Street and photographed the move crossing the Fox River. I will search for my photo. I do know that the consist was a blue GP-7, the two E-units back-to-back(652 & 655) two coaches(342 & Duncan or Herington) and a caboose. When I find the picture I will confirm this. The QC Rocket consist moved back east either later in the day or the next day.
    Arnold
     
  3. Jeff Osman

    Jeff Osman E-Mail Bounces

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    Thanks, Arnold. I had absolutely NO idea there was a Geep on the last Peoria Rocket. I have 2 pics of the last 6 east of the Bureau depot taken by Stu Eidson (old Christmas cards) but this comes as a complete surprise. BTW, I first heard of the Rockets demise on WBBM New Year's Day 1979 and called Stu to confirm the sad fact.

    Happy New Year to you and Julie and your family.

    Peace,
    Jeff
     
  4. AFN

    AFN TrainBoard Member

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    Jeff,
    Happy New Year to you!!! I found my two photos of this deadheading equipment. The quality of the pictures (faded?!) and the fact that it was snowing made positive ID of one of the locos impossible. I believe the GEEP was there only because this was a deadhead move of the previous nights final number 11. Dont know for sure, but this would have been considered an extra freight move eastbound that just happened to be towing a passenger consist. Upon examination with a magnifier the two E-units appear to have been east facing 654 and then 652. No mistaking "Independence" even through the blizzard! The equipment was Duncan and Herington. Too bad the train could not have made it back to Chicago under its own power. Hope this helps some.
    Arnold
     
  5. Jeff Osman

    Jeff Osman E-Mail Bounces

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    Thanks, Arnold. "Duncan" and "Herington" were two of my favorite cars. Funny about needing the Geep that frosty morn. Guess the Peoria Rocket did indeed run until it could go no more.

    Happy New Year,
    Jeff
     

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