I came across this series of photos tonight, when looking for photos of Bureau Junction, IL. I've posted some pictures taken in and around Bureau Junction previously. It's a great place for a train addict to prowl around and contemplate the glory days of the Rock Island Railroad.

The IAIS has done a good job of painting this loco; not so much on their track maintenance [id=251896730] and [id=251897555].

For the entire series of photographs, start here: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/70361537

Oh, maybe for truth in advertising, I am a complete Rock Island nut, although I am far from an expert on their corporate history. They went belly-up March 31, 1980, when their block control systems still used DC coded track circuits, mostly implemented with relays. So any part of the old Rock Island territory that has not had its signaling upgraded is like a museum of railroad signaling.

I love this stuff! I have dozens of old railroad relays in the basement. I like technology that is big enough to see. I even have a belt buckle made from an old Rock Island Signal padlock. My wife thinks I am totally insane.