Rock Island remnants and ghosts
A lot of the Rock Island Manly roundhouse still stands but it's not contiguous. A section in the middle has been removed to accommodate a track serving a grain facility. The near track in this photo angles between the two pieces and edges a water-filed turntable pit before connecting with the other yard tracks. The Rock Island caboose is just one of a number of historic pieces of equipment stashed around the Manly Yard with a new museum in the works.
What can I say about the fabled Rock Island? I grew up a long ways from any of it and it threw in the towel when I was seven. So I didn't have the inherent fascination I did with other upper Midwest railroads. It's been more of a slow burn, starting with occasional visits to the Spine Line in Minnesota during the CNW and UP eras. Reading up on the high price of the extended and failed attempt to merge with Union Pacific. Spending time along the Iowa Interstate and seeing the artifacts lining the Iowa Northern continue to rachet up that budding interest. Even on a quiet morning, there are enough bits of history still standing for the ghosts to speak to you despite the modern importance of this place. October 18, 2024.
Rock Island remnants and ghosts
A lot of the Rock Island Manly roundhouse still stands but it's not contiguous. A section in the middle has been removed to accommodate a track serving a grain facility. The near track in this photo angles between the two pieces and edges a water-filed turntable pit before connecting with the other yard tracks. The Rock Island caboose is just one of a number of historic pieces of equipment stashed around the Manly Yard with a new museum in the works.
What can I say about the fabled Rock Island? I grew up a long ways from any of it and it threw in the towel when I was seven. So I didn't have the inherent fascination I did with other upper Midwest railroads. It's been more of a slow burn, starting with occasional visits to the Spine Line in Minnesota during the CNW and UP eras. Reading up on the high price of the extended and failed attempt to merge with Union Pacific. Spending time along the Iowa Interstate and seeing the artifacts lining the Iowa Northern continue to rachet up that budding interest. Even on a quiet morning, there are enough bits of history still standing for the ghosts to speak to you despite the modern importance of this place. October 18, 2024.