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

Returning from Altoona with an excursion, Iowa Interstate "QJ" 6988 puts on a great show!

6988 is out in the country but will soon arrive in Mitchellville.

Iowa Interstate QJ 6988 leads a excursion east, just west of Michellville.

Iowa Interstate QJ 6988 leads a excursion into Mitchellville. Word on the street has it this is the last weekend of excursions for the 6988 before retirement.

6988 leads one of its trips back into Mitchellville, where it will re-load passengers.

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.

IAIS 6988 leads her second steam excursion trip of the day towards Mitchellville where she will take on 1,000 more gallons of water. IAIS 703 would lead the train West and 6988 would take it back ... (more)

The Iowa Interstate Railroad's Council Bluffs Subdivision usually only sees two trains a day. The daily Eastbound can be seen here racing through Booneville.

In preparation for a weekend excursion, volunteers fill the tender and make final adjustments to the QJ. The train will run on both Saturday and Sunday to support fire departments along Iowa Inter... (more)

IAIS 515 leads the loaded coal train passed the old Geneseo depot.

Iowa Interstate's overnight Rock Island Road Switcher pulls extra duty and makes a run down the Milan Branch after sunrise passing the former Rock Island & Peoria depot at Milan.

Iowa Interstate's westbound road freight handles 49 loaded flatcars from the Illinois National Guard. According to the Illinois National Guard Facebook page, the Guard was sending equipment and tr... (more)