TZPR Pekin Local, IMRR Transfer 1-4-26

This afternoon, I went to check Tremont Grain Barge & Rail in Pekin as 16 loads are in place for unloading, or to be pulled by TZPR. I decided to check the TZPR along Rt. 29 and make my way toward East Peoria where I noticed an IMRR interchange delivery on the Nickel Plate. The train's power was already on the outbound when I arrived. 

 

Lots of activity on TZPR today, including IMRR 43 working Kickapoo Yard and TP&W working a Collier Turn with three motors (IORY 3472 was leader). The TP&W crew obviously had delivered corn loads to BioUrja's South Yard because that distillery's critter came out to grabbed them, asking TZPR permission to cross its line at Bridge Junction going down there and returning to the plant. 

 

While waiting for the IMRR train to depart, a TZPR local from Pekin came up the line. 

CAPTION: A Tazewell & Peoria Railroad local from Pekin rolls by Hilliards and Wesley mid-afternoon Sunday, January 4, 2026. TZPR 1352 has five cars.

The IMRR train was short, but it had at least one interesting car, a loaded tank car with ADM markings. Trona loads dominated, but that ADM car must have contained soybean oil or some non-hazmat grain product for Agridyne LLC's liquid feed plant by Crystal Lake. 

CAPTION: The Illinois & Midland Railroad's 1000 Powerton Roadswitcher departs the Tazewell & Peoria Railroad's East Peoria Yard at Wesley mid-afternoon Sunday, January 4, 2026. Later, it is shown rolling through Hilliards on Main 1 of the TZPR's Pekin double track. TPW 2105, IMRR 2084 and HESR 2107 have 21 cars.

 

- David P. Jordan