Rock Island's Last Days

Rock action around El Reno from January-March of 1980

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Rock Island
• railroads
• the rock
• trains

[Dhoylandrules84]

One of my first train sets had rock island f unit. I was 8 at the time and being from MA i was like "what the hell railroad is this?" after seeing the paint scheme. Anyways, i instantly fell in love with this railroad. Nothing beats the yellow and red. The RI really couldnt seem to pick a color scheme and stick with it either which is interesting. Would you know anything about that? Also by 1980 were most of their locos in bad shape? Seems kinda stupid not to maintain a RR and tracks

[dbmcg2000]

@Dhoylandrules84

They went to blue paint because it was cheaper than the vermillion that they were used. That's the story I got from a motive power official after the end. All the variations came from management changes, experiments, and shop improvisation (Chicago Red).

[dbmcg2000]

The issue wasn't so much money as it was the way it was to be spent. Henry Crown, the major shareholder wanted the railroad liquidated since the mid '60's. He allowed management to invest in rolling stock and power, but they could not put money in track or signals. The other items could be resold, but money on the ground was money gone.

That's the main reason RI had bad track and inadequate sidings. It was trying to run a 1920's railroad in the 1970's.

[dbmcg2000]

Odd as it may sound, they had more business than they could handle at the end. Glad you liked the vid!

[BNforever2009]

Just imagined if there were Government Stimulus money back then, i'm sure the RI would have used it wisely and have those track up to Santa Fe style and a major locomotive rebuilding and repainting and for the frieght cars too and major mgmt restructuring

[21navyseabee]

THE ROCK never met an engine hood door that they couldnt leave unopened. air cooling, or just sloppy?

[htc6600]

@gonetoworkbbackin5mi They tried to merge with UP and then Northwestern but by the time an agreement could be reached it was already too late.

[htc6600]

@BNforever2009 They did have "stimulus" money in the 4R Act, which R.I. didn't qualify for. 

[ChachaChapati]

Love that powder blue scheme with "THE ROCK." Oh, and great music to accompany this video.

[atsf3768]

@gonetoworkbbackin5mi

Actually the Rock and the UP reached a merger agreement, but the federal government wouldn't allow it. Ironically, the UP ended up with most of the former Rock Island lines after time.

[gonetoworkbbackin5mi]

I was working freight for Lee Way Motor Freight in 1980. I was stunned when RI shut down. I can remember thinking I would like to work for the railroad. Why didn't RI sell out to another line? The RI trackage laid unused for years in my part of the USA.  Guess I answered my own question, nobody wanted it.

[Irishmanb4vr6]

Great video...anyone know the name of the music used?

[aquatodabone]

@htc6600

that is not hard for me to beleive for i was harrassed by my younger supervisor and was fired and the union din nothing so i am a anti union person now. so you may be right or lordofthe katy

[htc6600]

@LordoftheKaty Let's not forget antiquated union work rules. Rock Island management was trying to implement changes that would have improved services and lowered labor costs while keeping the same number of workers. The unions, being the rigid organizations they were, struck. Management was winning the strike when Carter needlessly stepped in. Rock's management could not meet union demands so they closed up shop. The unions destroyed their own jobs.

[htc6600]

@BNforever2009 There was a "stimulus" of sorts for bankrupt railroads called the 4R Act.