With a GEVO and two GP's on the head end and another GEVO bringing up the rear, the Iowa Interstate's CBBI is climbing through Altoona, Iowa and passing by the Landus Cooperative's grain elevator.... (more)

Iowa Interstate GP38-2 703 is on the west end of the excursion trains being pulled by QJ 6988 between Mitchellville and Altoona. The unit is in charge as the train reverses westbound.

One of Iowa Interstate's QJ Steam locomotives is the point of the first of the day's excursions as it speeds west through rural Iowa.

Iowa Interstate QJ steam locomotive 6988 leads an excursion past the grain elevator in Altoona, Iowa, being run as a benefit for local fire departments.

Iowa Interstate QJ steam locomotive 6988 leads the return trip east on the first train of the day, crossing over 8th Street in Altoona pulling a passenger train being run as a benefit for local fi... (more)

Iowa Interstate 6988 leads the second benefit run of the day through the farmland between Mitchellville & Altoona, Iowa.

Iowa Interstate 703 leads the second of two test trips through the farmland between Mitchellville & Altoona, Iowa.

"A Nice Surprise" After landing in Des Moines earlier that morning and getting my rental car, I headed straight for Newton in the hopes of catching the ferry move to Mitchellville, expecting th... (more)

During the first of two test runs the day before, the Mitchellville benefit special waits in the siding in Altoona, Iowa for CBBI to clear the block. After receiving the track warrant, the 6988 wi... (more)

Iowa Interstate QJ 6988 trails a westbound excursion just east of Altoona.

The QJ heads east to Mitchellville gaining speed in Altoona.

Iowa Interstate "QJ" #6988 really brought out the crowds as the Datong, China built steam locomotive highballs through the small town of Altoona, Iowa.

IAIS QJ 6988 leads the 2nd trip out of five up the hill and into Altoona.

IAIS QJ #6988 leads an eastbound passenger train at Altoona Iowa.

GP10's 401 and 406 sit on the siding at Altoona, Iowa a few days (June 30,1988) after the worst accident in IAIS's history. Five locomotives (309,401,406,470, and 471)were involved in the head on ... (more)