Peoria & Pekin Union Railway EMD SW9 No. 605 sits at the railroad’s facility near East Peoria, Illinois, in March 1984. This 1,200 hp switcher looks similar to the SW8, but has two exhaust stack... (more)

Steam killer. Though it gets less credit than the GP9 this model drove a stake into the heart of many a steam switcher roster. Photo by Jim Satterwhite. From my collection.

Looking rather worse for wear this old horse is probably down for rebuilding into a CAT power PLW2000. The frame behind looks like it may have be owned by IC. Photo by Jim Satterwhite. From my... (more)

I've always wondered why railroads chose colors like this and Brunswick green. Why both? But that's just me. Anyway, in good sunlight, it's not so bad. And they were very hospitable. Photo by... (more)

Peoria & Pekin Union's GP35CAT locomotives have Iowa Interstate interchange in tow as they make their way through Peoria's riverfront district. Built by the long defunct Peoria Locomotive Works, ... (more)

Peoria & Pekin Union Railway EMD SW7 No. 407 is at the railroad’s locomotive facility near East Peoria, Illinois, in March 1984. The SW7 model can be identified by having a gap between upper and... (more)

Peoria & Pekin Union's Pekin Job is led by a SC15A-CAT on this fall morning. Three of these locomotives were built in the 1990's by the Peoria Locomotive Works. At last count, one remains (the 8... (more)

The two GP35CATs, powered by Caterpillar 3516 engines, were the "big power" for the Peoria & Pekin Union Railway back in the day, handling much of the heavy grain and coal interchange with the Iow... (more)

Peoria & Pekin Union NW2 No. 405 rests at the railway’s yard at Creve Coeur, Illinois, in March 1984. This EMD Switcher was built new for the railway in June of 1949.

PPU 800 (a rebuilt SW10 w/Cat power) is switching the yard in Peoria on a wonderful Fall day in October of 1996.

Peoria and Pekin Union Railway NW2u No. 607 switches industrial trackage along the Illinois River at Peoria, Illinois, in March 1984.

On a springlike January day P&PU 600, a NW2u is westbound across the Illinois River Bridge.

Manufacturing makes the Peoria area rather unique. It seems like almost every went to, but not througn. All the terminal traffic has resulted in this unique short line. There's something we lik... (more)

PPU yard job switching on exRI track in Peoria, IL

PPU SW7 #406 at Pekin awaiting its next work, June 1975.