Peoria Station

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 f...

When I head to the downtown library on Saturday morning, I usually check East Peoria for possible rail movements. This morning, I knew that Iowa Interstate power (513 and 153) would take NS 5281 on PESI later in the day, and decided to check its status. I existed I-474 at Creve Coeur and drove Wesley Road, noticing the yellow signal indication at Wesley East and also toward the Illinois River Bridge. I figured an empty BNSF coal train or loaded BNSF gluten feed train might be lined up. Turns out, it a Tazewell & Peoria Railroad local from Pekin.  CAPTION: A Tazewell & Peoria Railroad local, enroute from Pekin to East Peoria, Illinois, rolls along the double track at Hilliards and later at Wesley late-morning Saturday, January 11, 2025. TZPR 1521 and 21 cars pulled toward the bridge so it could back into the East Peoria Yard's south end. The Iowa Interstate units were still resting on the Creve Coeur Team Track, so I headed for the downtown library. I finished up a roll...

Sunday can be a good day for local railfanning, especially for variety. I managed to capture four local movements, one of which I had never seen before!   I went to check the Tazewell & Peoria Railroad's East Peoria Yard after learning that the Iowa Interstate brought in an SIPE train and a new crew would take PESI north shortly. Turns out I had time to capture a Tazewell & Peoria Railroad "Powerton Turn" (not sure if a regular job or extra) depart through Wesley as PESI was moving. Note the northbound leg of the Powerton Turn was actually the last movement of the day for me.) CAPTION: The Tazewell & Peoria Railroad's Powerton Turn (handled by a regular crew or extra job) departs the East Peoria Yard midday Sunday, August 18, 2024 with interchange business for the Illinois & Midland Railroad at Powerton Yard near Pekin. TPW 3443 and IORY 5014 have 78 cars. By mid-afternoon, the turn is shown on the Illinois & Midland RR mainline at Pekin on its re...