Z STPCHC is closing in on its destination as the trio of SD40-2's engage their dynamic brakes on the approach to Clyde Yard.
Clearing the diamonds at Joliet, the 4 EMD's get under way hauling ethanol eastbound over Metra territory.
An extra IAIS ethanol train bound for Blue Island and points east passes the old RI now CSXT MoW depot in "downtown" Ottawa.
The attractive IAIS units pass the Minooka grain elevator with extra ethanol for the east.
The extra ethanol train leans into a curve through Morris past the restored ex RI Morris depot.
An extra ethanol train from the Quad Cities heads east through the town of Seneca, passing a vintage RI frieght depot.
With the train finalized, all three Geep's are now on the head end ready to depart Sibley for the 10 mile trip to Gibson City.
A pair of repainted GTW GP38-2's double team a lengthy manifest past the former IC Gibson City depot, now used as a MoW base like everything else.
Bloomer 7591 winds the train through town negotiating the tight right hand curves with ease.
This is the cliche view of the Bloomer that always comes to mind... open fields and weeds...
For a good 5 mile stretch, the Bloomer Line parallel's Rte. 47 opening the window for easy chasing and pacing.
Now on heavier, well maintained rail, the engineer opens up the old girls and takes em for a run as they pick up speed through the town of Strawn.
The pair of Geep's split vintage Wabash search lights and battery boxes at the Risk Junction.
The pair of Geep's are struggling through town about to slam the TP&W diamond.
After re-assembling their train as one, 7591 and 7561 depart Charlotte for Sibley where they will combine the rest of the cars and pick up 7504 for the trip to Gibson City.