Chasing the Rock Island heritage unit, IAIS 513, on its first daylight run across Illinois! 01/29/10

Thanks to many heads ups the night before, I got the opportunity to drive out west, to capture the Rock Island heritage unit (IAIS 513) on its first daylight run across Illinois. It was leading the Z038-29 (ANBIU), an extra ethanol train from Annawan, IL., to Blue Island, IL.

I woke up before daybreak and began heading west. When I arrived to Seneca, the 513 was tucked away in the siding, awaiting the westbound J745's passage. J745 eventually showed up and went about its usual switching work in town. After about 45 minutes of watching 745 switch, we watched it leave town, Ottawa bound. A couple problems in Rockdale and Joliet delayed the 513 getting out of Seneca, for about two and a half hours, so that gave ample time for other railfans to come into town.

Eventually, 513 left the siding and thundered through town. IAIS 502 is pushing as a DPU.

It was then off to Morris. I set up, on the Route 47 overpass.

We were then Minooka bound. The train passes the grain elevators in town.

Houbolt Road in Joliet, followed Minooka. A classic Rock Island moment here. Despite having its signals stripped, a Rock Island signal bridge still stands.

Off to downtown Rockdale we were. 513 passes through the CSX Yard in town.

Here, the train parallels Route 6 for a little ways. The train is approaching I-80.

513 leads its train off of the 407 lift bridge, in Joliet.

513 exits the Metra Yard and throttles eastbound, through Joliet, home free for Blue Island.

I was planning to follow it further, but an EJ&E leaving town caught my attention. SD38-2 664 is running solo, with the Night Flyer (a train that normally runs under the cover of darkness), as it thunders up the hill in Joliet.

Noticing the trouble this train was having getting up the hill, I took advantage and headed a little further east to capture it again.

Still having noticable trouble, I headed into New Lenox to, again capture the 664.

I headed a little further east, to get one more shot. As the end of the train passed, the train was showing signs of speeding up.

Definitely a fun day! 01/29/10

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• IAIS 513

[tdluvs]

Great video. I noticed in another one of your videos that on a CSX train they have a GP15 on the rear. What is the purpose of that engine if you know?

[NicTrain35]

@tdluvs: Thanks, Tony! The GP15 is used as a shoving platform, when departing Barr Yard.

[Trapster99]

Great Vid, excellent editing.

However, one thing, the scenery never seems to change: Always FLAT in Illinois.

I wonder why thiat is???

[gaycowboy31]

cool video Nick I like that opening shot of that CSX SD50 and for the RR purist if it an SD60 sorry my mistake but its an older unit and i like seeing them on trains...sweet day running shots of the IAIS unit I really must try and do some railfanning up there someday the last few times driveing up there I have been in a hurry on runs no time to stop and railfan

[lostinthe619]

Great video.

[Railhead1956]

Top notch video 5*s.

[incidious13]

I typically watch videos prior to reading the info... the RI heritage was great then the suprise of the J emerging was great!!!

[basicbill1]

Nicely done. Great video and chase.

[Metallsteinera]

Very nice!! *****

[sexyelma86]

Wow!cmb.Nice train..