Train Festival 2011 is a go!

Miketherailfan · **Posted:** Thu Aug 19, 2010 11:40 am

A little late, but Rock Island, Illinois City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to begin start-up marketing for next year's big event. http://www2.rigov.org/clerk/minute/072610.HTM

Quote:

Agenda Item #24
Report from the Parks and Recreation Department regarding the 2011 Rail Festival, recommending that $25,000.00 from fund 207 (Hotel/Motel Tax revenue) be earmarked out of the current budget as start up money.

Alderman Foley moved and Alderman Conroy seconded to approve the request as recommended and authorize staff to negotiate and execute an agreement between the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau and Prestige Rail Marketing. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Jones, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

DavidKaplan · **Posted:** Thu Aug 19, 2010 10:38 pm

On the steam front, I'm hoping for an event that matches or exceeds Trainfest 2009 in Owosso. Might we hope to see 765, 261, 2816, an NS Steam Program Loco, a UP Steam Loco, 3751, and/or any others? I know this list is very optimistic.

I am also hoping IRM might have steam back on their property in 2011.

o anderson · **Posted:** Fri Aug 20, 2010 10:34 am

The 1630 has undergone its third in-house hydro and is nearing the point where the inspector will be called in to check things out. It is extremely unlikely that it will travel over other railroads to any event, being a smaller-drivered locomotive with extra-wide tires that will foul self-guarding frogs.
http://irmsteamteam.com/

Gary P Bensman · **Posted:** Sun Aug 22, 2010 10:26 pm

Let's not forget two Chinese 2-10-2's in the neighborhood. I'd like to see the new-boilered Southern 2-8-0 from Monticello come out and perform!

Unseenthings · **Joined:** Mon Jun 14, 2010 7:51 pm **Posts:** 155

Yay, 1 hour from home, I wish it it the best, would like to see 4449, that is one I have yet to see. Has UP ever shown up at someone elses event?

sooline1003engr · **Posted:** Mon Aug 23, 2010 2:27 am

Is anyone aware of hoping to see Soo Line 1003 make it to Rock Island?

Dave Crosby · **Posted:** Mon Aug 23, 2010 1:47 pm

One vote for the 1003...

I for one would love to see the 1003 make an appearance. Haven't seen this one since I participated in a photo charter a few years ago. Heck, I'd probably drive out there to see that before I would to see the QJ's. Of course, I have no idea (aside from $$$) what it would take to make that happen.

Dave

sooline1003engr · **Posted:** Tue Aug 24, 2010 1:06 am

We have a photo trip in October with some openings left, know anyone interested? Details at www.steamspecials.com

Kevin Gilliam · **Joined:** Thu Nov 04, 2004 10:28 pm **Posts:** 292

DavidKaplan wrote:

On the steam front, I'm hoping for an event that matches or exceeds Trainfest 2009 in Owosso. Might we hope to see 765, 261, 2816, an NS Steam Program Loco, a UP Steam Loco, 3751, and/or any others? I know this list is very optimistic.

I am also hoping IRM might have steam back on their property in 2011.

Judging by comments posted on the O Gauge Railroading forum, 765 will be there, as will the Iowa Interstate QJs (though likely one or both will be Americanized), and no UP steam as they don't serve the Quad Cities. Obviously subject to change, but that's what has been officially announced so far.

If the information is correct, it also means that the UP 50th Anniversary of Steam in November will be the last time to see the Iowa Interstate QJs together and both looking basically authentic. Personally, I hope they at least leave one as is. Odd how we get all bent out of shape for a museum that won't repaint locomotive X back to it's original livery, but everybody wants an Americanized QJ. Interesting...
Kevin

Dave Crosby · **Posted:** Tue Aug 24, 2010 2:02 pm

Kevin,

I'm not sure why the difference in opinion amongst the masses. I can only speak for myself when I say that the QJ's are akin to the "retro" Thunderbird Ford made for a few years. Neat in its own right, cool even, but doesn't have the legacy of say.... a 56 T'Bird with convertible hard top. Don't get me wrong, they're great machines and they make economical sense to their owners, but...

A vintage engine in steam is a tangible remnant of a great legacy. It has lasted longer than its builders had ever imagined and is a tribute to those who once built, maintained and operated it. It defies conventional logic in a weird, wonderful way.

My 2 Cents.

Dave

Train Festival 2011 is a go!

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