On June 19th, the NRHS ran a special train from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Rock Island, Illinois and return as part of the 2012 NRHS convention. Between Homestead and Rock Island, steam power pulled t... (more)

The 6988 departs Iowa City with the NRHS special for Cedar Rapids.

The Iowa Interstate steam locomotive 6988 pulls across the Iowa River bridge in Iowa City. The 6988 escorted the RRDX passenger cars to West Liberty for excursions the next day to raise money for ... (more)

Holding steady at 175! At 01:26, the hostlers are keeping a steady watch on the steam gauge mounted right next to the QJ's serial number tag.

The first excursion of the 2012 NRHS is nearing its end as QJ 6988 rolls through Homestead under a nice plume of smoke.

On it's way to Davenport till the Extrusion Thursday.

Robert Franzen eases on the throttle of 6988 as he pulls it off the siding heading for the depot and the first trip of the day.

Father's Day 2012 saw IAIS operate 3 excursions from West Liberty to Durant to benefit both town's volunteer fire departments. IAIS 6988 pulls the first excursion east over the Cedar River.

Father's Day 2012 saw IAIS operate 3 excursions from West Liberty to Durant to benefit both town's volunteer fire departments. IAIS 6988 is towed west behind the excursion meeting the eastbound f... (more)

6988 runs at track speed through Wilton on the first run of the day to benefit the West Liberty Fire Department.

A couple of blast on the whistle sends the horses running.

QJ 6988 is making track speed as it rounds a curve west of Brooklyn, Iowa.

On my last morning on Jingpeng Pass after two trips, our group took one last hike up to the hill above Tunnel 4 to witness one last time the great show.

Wide angle version of the view atop Tunnel 4. The windchill was 15 below and the wait at least an hour, but the sight and experience was well worth it.

Eastbound coal climbing Jingpeng Pass at tunnel 4.