This morning, 14-Aug-2008, Iowa Interstate and RRDC issued a press release announcing that once again, Railroad Development Corporation’s two Chinese 2-10-2 QJ-class steam engines will run on passenger excursions on IAIS. On October 18 and 19, a series of different runs will be made between Iowa City and Silvis, IL. All proceeds from the events will go to the Salvation Army, in support of their relief efforts for flood victims this year. A PDF copy of the official announcement can be found [here].
The two QJs will operate a freight eastward from Iowa City to Rock Island on the morning of Saturday, 18-Oct-2008. After arriving, one will run passenger trips east to Silvis, and the other will run west to Walcott. A dinner train will follow on Saturday night, though the press release states that this will be a private trip. On Sunday, the two will return west with a special Rock Island to Iowa City passenger train, and then be returned to storage in Newton, IA.
The City of Rock Island is acting as both host and coordinator for the events. Additional details and ticket information will be available from [their website] in late August.
– NDH