Rock Island history

The Rock is not one of the RR's I model, but I do have fond memories of the road around Chicago in the early 60's. A couple of the guys in our club worked as 3rd trick or extra board CRI&P levermen, and when our meetings or op sessions broke up at about 11:00 Friday nites, there would usually be an invite to meet at Englewood or Washington Heights or Joliet at 12:30 after the 2nd trick man was sure to be gone. The requirement was always to bring a hot pizza and root beer (rule G you know). While it is not a general RR history, I find the B&W photo book "Rock Island Recollections" by Olmsted (1982 and now out of print I think - ISBN 0-934228-06-X) brings back memories of what the Rock Island was in those days.

The Rock Island also operated more 4-8-4's than any other RR. As a somewhat student of steam, I also like the book "Rock Island Steam Power" by Krambeck/Edson/Farrell (2002 and probably still available - ISBN

0-9632913-3-5) which surveys their steam, with complete rosters and many B&W photos. GQ

Marty,

Well here' a couple Rock Island books:

...and a video:

...and a historical society:

...and an online discussion group:

...to get you started.

There's a heck of a lot more out there. Do some Googling and see what else you can come up with. Hope this helps.

Paul - "The CB&Q Guy" (Happily Modeling 1969 in HO.)

Marty: Visit Rock Island Technical Society home at

.

-- Alan --

Marty: Here's a link to the bibliography on Jeff Prince's excellent site:

-- Alan --

I also think the Four Ways West has published a couple of all color books on the Rock Island. Check Ron's Books in New York. He advertises in Trains magazine and on the internet. He has a great selection and low prices. If the order is over $18.00 there is never a shipping charge Jerry

Thanks for the information on the RI books. I will see if I can find them. I have a lot of reading to do before I get started on any layout. I am not sure how involved I want to become. A simple 5x9 pike might be all I need for quite some time. I have been interested in the RI for a long time. The mainline between El Reno and Oklahoma City runs within a 100 feet or so of my house. I remember sitting in the yard watching RI freights runs by years ago, before they went belly up and the Katy then UP took over. My grandfather was an engineer on the RI years ago out of El Reno. Most of the old RI plant is still there and will probably be what I model. Thank everyone for the advise Marty Hall

Geezer wrote: > The Rock Island also operated more 4-8-4's than any other RR. As a somewhat > student of steam, I also like the book "Rock Island Steam Power" by > Krambeck/Edson/Farrell which surveys their steam, with complete rosters > and many B&W photos.

Hmmm, that surprises me. Any idea what the exact number was? I would have guessed the Northern Pacific would have had the most Northerns. Looks like they only had 33 and then favored the Challengers instead.

Rock Island had 85 4-8-4s, to the Northern Pacifics 52, which includes the 3 SP&S engines. The largest fleet of 4-8-4s in North America was the Canadian National's, with 203 engines.

Canadain steam just doesn't have the same look as American steam. The Rock Island 4-8-4 's were really good looking. That is one of the engines my grandfather was on when he was in El Reno. Thanks, Mary Hall

Whatever you say, John.

Marty Hall wrote: >>

That's your . Others would differ. None of your various personas seem capable of distinguishing opinion from fact.

Whatever you say, John.

(The usual snivelling, snipped.)

Whatever you say, John.

Whatever. I see you couldn't contribute anything useful or meaningful to a discussion about railroads.

Mark, how can Jerry contibute anything constructive? After reading most of what he has written, I get the feeling that Jerry is either under 13 years of age (either physically or mentally) and has not experienced life very much. Maybe that stereotypical picture of the fellow still living in Mama's basement and working at the local fast food chain.

Not where you are involved. But at least you changed your response showing I am still leading you around by the nose. Jerry

Whatever. I see you still can't contribute anything useful or meaningful to a discussion about railroads.