Keokuk Junction Rwy. EP Turn, Iowa Interstate PESI 1-13-25

I left work for the downtown library as usual this afternoon, but knew to check on the Iowa Interstate's PESI. The carrier brought SIPE into town late Sunday evening on SD38-2s 150 and 151 so I figured PESI would leave this afternoon. 

I was correct. But minutes after the Iowa Interstate crew received permission to depart the West Lead for the North Limit Yard, the Keokuk Junction Railway's local (unofficially the "East Peoria Turn") asked for permission to run from Iowa Junction to East Peoria. I knew I should get the KJRY first. 

Looks like most of the train was loaded with corn from Sciota. The two ALAB covered hoppers might contain corn germ for Norfolk Southern or corn screenings for Alto ICP at Pekin. 

CAPTION: The Keokuk Junction Railway's East Peoria Turn is shown in Peoria, Illinois rolling along the Tazewell & Peoria Railroad toward the Illinois River Bridge and East Peoria mid-afternoon Monday, January 13, 2025. LTEX 3836, PREX 2003 and LTEX 3010 have 18 cars (all loads).

Long shadows in mid-January afternoons are problematic for video and photography through much of Peoria, so I waited until PESI reached home rails. The sun had already begun to set so shadows no longer mattered. 

CAPTION: Iowa Interstate manifest PESI (Peoria IL to Silvis IL) rolls through Peoria Heights, Illinois late-afternoon Monday, January 13, 2025. IAIS 151 and IAIS 150 have 21 cars (20 empties, one load).

 

- David P. Jordan