Iowa Interstate Fire Dept. Special



Saturday, September 30, 2017, the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS) operated four public passenger excursions from West Liberty, Iowa east to Durant and return. The trips raised funds for local volunteer fire departments. 

The IAIS last operated public passenger trains between the two communities five years ago. Back then, trains were hauled behind a Chinese-built 2-10-2 QJ steam locomotive. No. 6988 and sister No. 7081 are owned by IAIS parent, Railroad Development Corporation but both have been in storage since September 2013 so Saturday's trains were pulled by diesels, GP38-2s 707 and 705. 

Another change from five years ago is that the old former Montreal (Quebec) commuter coaches have been replaced by cars acquired in 2016 from the Austin & Texas Central Railroad. Five of the seven cars, originally built for the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 1920s, were refurbished and re-lettered for their new owner, though they retain the Texas-themed names. 

They take care of one complaint regarding the other cars' window glazing. The five cars on Saturday's trips had clear windows and passengers were allowed to open them to keep cool in 70-degree weather. 

The Iowa Interstate ran fundraising trips between Henry and Chillicothe in September 2014 and September 2016, and is expected to do so again in September 2018. The "new" cars will provide future passengers a better view of the countryside. 




- David P. Jordan

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