Norfolk Southern D49, BNSF M-GALPEI 11-13-24

Norfolk Southern's D49 was reported westbound at Deer Creek around 1300 hours Wednesday, so I knew there was a chance to see it in the other direction after work.

 

I first went to check the TZPR diesel shop area where IAIS 151 was on the Creve Coeur Team Track and a PESI-like train was positioned on the West Lead (I later learned that the actual PESI had departure a short time prior to my arrival; 151 took a potash train from Wesley later in the afternoon).

 

I then backtracked to the Cedar Street Extension and found the NS local in the A Yard short tracks. With no radio chatter indicating that its departure was imminent, I crossed the river.  

 I found BNSF's M-GALPEI waiting at Darst Street for intructions from the TZPR dispatcher. Shortly, I heard the NS local get permission to depart. As I prepared to leave my spot and cross the river, the BNSF crew asked the TZPR for permission to enter the property. Fortunately, the dispatcher told them to wait, giving me time to go after the NS local!

CAPTION: Norfolk Southern Railway train D49 (Local, Normal IL to E. Peoria IL Turn) is shown on its return leg to Good Yard in Normal, Illinois late-afternoon Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Location is near Dolans Lane in East Peoria, Illinois with the TP&W yard in the background. NS 6923 and NS 5338 have 20 cars.

 

I quickly returned to Peoria's south side and arrived Sanger Street with plenty of time to capture the BNSF train's approach. In fact, I heard it receive TZPR's instructions as I drove down SW Washington Street on the Peoria side! 

 

Usually, M-GALPEIs are planned for Mondays and Thursdays, but are known to run a day early from time to time.  

CAPTION: BNSF Railway train M-GALPEI (Manifest, Galesburg IL to Peoria IL) rolls across Sanger Street shortly after entering the Tazewell & Peoria Railroad late-afternoon Wednesday, November 13, 2024. BNSF 5891 and BNSF 4880 have 18 cars (11 loads/seven empties).

 

- David P. Jordan