IAIS 6988 puts out a nice cloud of black smoke as it passes IANR 678 on Vernon Siding. 6988 will eventually head to Rock Island after a short stop in Iowa City to take on water.

The Americanized QJ rests in the yard the day before it will pull an excursion at Train Festival 2011.

One of the Chinese QJ's gets a little TLC at the end of the day.

QJ 6988 poses on the Iowa River bridge during the Trainfest excursion from Rock Island to Homestead.

Iowa Interstate's "Americanized" QJ leads its sister #7081 and a freight train in route to Trainfest at Rock Island.

Iowa Interstate's "Americanized" QJ leads its sister #7081 past the depot at West Liberty with a freight train for Rock Island.

IAIS QJ #6988 double heads an Amtrak heritage locomotive across the bridge over the Moscow River. This was one of the few spots along the route that chasers were able to catch up to the train. A... (more)

Due to the rising costs of petroleum, the Iowa Interstate recently made the switch to an all steam powered roster. Some diesel power, like the Rock Island inspired engine will be kept for nostalg... (more)

Sporting a new Americanized look, QJ #6988 leads a double header through Iowa City en route to Newton, IA. The pair were making a return trip after Train Festival 2011 appearances the week prior.

2hr excursion to Walcott.

IAIS 6988 and 7081 steam through Walcott, on the home stretch into Rock Island. I'm not sure what the guys were doing on the tenders, but I suspect that they were just trying to cool down. The t... (more)

IAIS 6988 and 7081 thunder past the old Rock Island depot in the sleepy little town of Wilton, Iowa (note the "Welcome to Wilton" sign, complete with steam engine).

IAIS 6988 and 7081 steam across the old Rock Island bridge spanning the Cedar River at Moscow, Iowa on the doubleheaded move to Train Festival.

Despite the lack of smoke, IAIS 6988 and 7081 are really working hard as they rattle the metal buildings at tiny Downey, Iowa on their way to Train Festival.

Sporting her new "Americanized" look, Iowa Interstate's QJ #6988 leads the Iowa City excursion east.