BNSF M-GALPEI, KJRY EP Turn 3-21-25

I had just pulled into the downtown library parking lot when I heard the TZPR dispatcher give M-GALPEI instructions into the East Peoria Yard. So I decided to check out the action. When I arrived Sanger Street, I saw a Union Pacific Decatur-bound (via CN) coal train pulling off the Low Line in the distance at Darst Street. Lighting was better across the river so I contemplated shooting video at Hilliards until I noticed BNSF's M-GALPEI waiting at Darst Street for the UP train to clear. 

 

I will take a manifest over a unit train any day.

CAPTION: BNSF Railway train M-GALPEI (Manifest, Galesburg IL to Peoria IL) has entered the Tazewell & Peoria Railroad in Peoria, Illinois mid-afternoon Friday, March 21, 2025. BNSF 7441 and BNSF 4111 have 52 cars.

 

After the BNSF train cleared, I knew a Keokuk Junction Railway local would cross the river and head back to Mapleton. But I wanted to continue my research and returned to the downtown library. I left early, and caught up to the KJRY local before the Route 9 crossing at Hollis. 

CAPTION: The Keokuk Junction Railway's East Peoria Turn is shown on its return leg back to Mapleton early-evening Friday, March 21, 2025. LTEX 6537, PREX 2003 and LTEX 3836 have 33 cars. 

 

- David P. Jordan