Norfolk Southern D49 4-22-96

After work, I learned that Norfolk Southern's D49 local had already left East Peoria. I decided to go after it, catching just before Carlock. I knew I could not set up in time there, but exited I-74 (due to construction) onto US 150 (waiting on the train in town) and just barely beating it to Yuton, where it had slowed before pausing for the conductor to line the switch into the "make up" track and into Good Yard's Track 5. 

 

This was a good one. Three Caterpillar tractor loads (one D10 and two D11s), four coiled wire rod loads, a plastic load (from IMRR), an alcohol load and the usual ADM traffic from the Iowa Interstate. Two empty coil steel cars from IAIS, and a scrap metal empty. Two probable steel billet empties (also from IAIS), brought up the rear.

CAPTION: Norfolk Southern Railway Train D49 (Normal IL to E. Peoria IL Turn) is shown slowing at Yuton, Illinois as it approaches its home terminal, Good Yard, in Normal late-afternoon Wednesday, April 22, 2026. NS 6923 and NS 7035 have 39 cars, including three Caterpillar track-type tractor loads.

 

On a historical note, I photographed D49's predecessor leaving East Peoria 30 years ago today, April 22, 1996. I believe the train still carried the "D41" symbol and ran through to Decatur. Shortly, it would be replaced by manifest 410, from East Peoria to Bellevue, Ohio. Movement east of Bement required power ran around on the double track just west of town, tying up traffic for about an hour. 

 

- David P. Jordan