Photos of the Keokuk Junction Railway

Click on the thumbnail photo for the full-size image.

The elevator at McCall was a landmark on the mostly flat KJ LaHarpe line. The elevator was burned to the ground for fire department practice about 1994. This train is headed for Keokuk.

Chicago & Illinois Midland #30 (RS-1325) was leased by the KJRY for a time in 1992-3. The unit was subbing for the KJ's ailing Cummins-powered units. This westbound train is seen just west of Elvaston, Illinois.

The KJRY re-equipped its locomotive roster in 1991-1992. The arrival of CF-7 #488 from National Railway Equipment (former Santa Fe #2488) allowed unusual lash-ups such as this with former C&NW HE-15 #253.(ex C&NW #4253). Once the units were tested, painting could begin.

A northbound BN coal train led by two Oakway Leasing units passes the KJ's Keokuk switch job in Keokuk. The KJ's yard in Keokuk was located alongside the BN's Quincy, Illinois to Burlington, Iowa "K-Line".

Switching tank cars in the Keokuk yard was the main duty of the Keokuk yard crews. Cars loaded with corn syrup at the Hubinger Company would be pulled and put into storage tracks. Then, as the cars were sold and billed out, the switch crew would pull them and make up a train for the road crew to take to LaHarpe and would also deliver cars to the BN at Keokuk.

The Hubinger Company's high fructose corn syrup refinery provided considerable business for the KJ. Switched twice a day, seven days a week, many of the cars pulled from this facility were routed via the KJ.

The winters in Keokuk could be harsh as evidenced on this winter morning as the LaHarpe train arrives in Keokuk.

Alco S-2 #20 was the last Alco owned by the railroad. Formerly #205 of the Manufacturers Railway in St. Louis, the unit was retired at the end of 1991 following engine problems. Number 20 was sold to a rebuilder in the St. Louis area who subsequently repaired and leased out the switcher.

Freshly-painted HE-15 #252 poses on the turntable in Keokuk. The "Omaha Orange" paint scheme was a personal favorite of the general manager due to its traction heritage.

KJ President John J. Warfield was a Virginia native and a Rock Island alumnus. He also worked for the Frisco during his railroad marketing career.

Revenue accountant JoAnn Ketterer spent her entire railroad career in Keokuk. Starting out as a rate clerk for the Rock Island, she later worked for the Burlington Northern before joining the KJ in 1987.

All of the KJ's employees posed in 1994 on the occasion of the retirement of Dan Kendrick. Kendrick, a former Rock Island switchman, spent his entire railroad career in the Keokuk yards.

The single-stall Rock Island engine house served the KJ's maintenance needs. During the flood of 1993, the waters reached the top of the main engine house doors!

"Power on Parade" was the name of the event held to celebrate the completion of the painting of the KJ's locomotives. Here, the entire fleet, plus leased C&IM RS-1325 #30, pose on the tracks of the Keokuk Union Depot Company.

The "Power on Parade" event was the only time that all of the KJ's power ever faced the same direction. The units were specially turned for this photo session!

The Cummins-powered HE-15's did not work out well, and in 1994 the KJ purchased two GP-10's from the Iowa Interstate. Number 469 shows off its ICG heritage.

The other ex-IAIS GP-10 was #471 seen getting ready to depart Keokuk along with HE-15 #252.

KJ General Manager Rich Taylor had a fondness for traction and trolleys, leading to scenes such as this: the C&IM #30 pulling two ex-Boston MBTA PCC cars to storage in Hamilton, IL. The PCC's had been bought personally by Taylor.

The KJ's 1946 Cadillac inspection salon was certainly unique! The car was an ex-Western Maryland vehicle that was restored by KJ President John Warfield. It is seen here outside the KJ's headquarters.

Elvaston, Illinois is the first station after leaving the Mississippi River valley. Here #488 heads an eastbound train through the town.

The "Rocket" was a CF-7 leased after HE-15 #253 was removed from service. The engine was ex-ATSF #2632 and owned by National Railroad Equipment. For a time it had been assigned to the Quad Cities Rocket dinner train and still bore the "Rocket" name on its side!

The two CF-7's showed off different carbody designs as they passed through Hamilton, Illinois. In a few minutes, they will be on the Mississippi River bridge to Keokuk.

Four ex-SEPTA (Philadelphia & Western) trolley cars were owned by the KJ, and leased to the Trans-Mississippi Trolley Company. Two of the cars were restored to service (along with a 2-axle generator car) and used for excursions along the KJ. One of these cars also staked its claim to fame during the Flood of 1993 when it shuttled passengers across the nearby Union Electric dam.

In its first week on the KJRY, CF-7 #2488 is seen on a westbound train approaching Elvaston, Ill. The unit is still in the grey primer in which it arrived from National Railway Equipment. The trailing unit is C&IM #30, which will go back to its owner as soon as the CF-7 has proven itself.

KJRY caboose #2 was purchased for use as a "business car" following the acquisition of the LaHarpe line. It was fitted out with comfortable seating for carrying shippers and directors. After the purchase of "Chief Keokuck," it was seldom used.

Switcher #405 was the regular engine in the Keokuk yard. Purchased from the Peoria & Pekin Union, it worked in P&PU colors (but with KJ lettering) until receiving orange in 1992.

During the flood of 1993, the Hubinger Company tried to maintain production. Early in the flood, when the KJ could no longer switch the Hubinger plant, cars were temporarily loaded from trucks near the KJ office.

The "Chief Keokuck" catches the late-afternoon sun on the stub track next to the Keokuk Union Depot. The KJ purchased all the shares of the Keokuk Union Depot Company in the early 90's and carried out an extensive amount of restoration on the interior of the building.

Leased C? RS-1325 #30 leads the daily train from LaHarpe across the Slough Bridge in Hamilton IL. The train will shortly cross U.S. Route 136 and be on the Mississippi River bridge to Keokuk.

In the middle of the Mississippi, the train from LaHarpe maintains a 5 mile per hour speed limit. The Union Electric dam is visible in the background.

The arrival of the LaHarpe train in Keokuk necessitated a tight turn off the river bridge a crossing of the BN's K-line and entry into the Keokuk Union Depot trackage.

The conductor hands off the paperwork to the Keokuk agent. The photographer was a participant in this exchange many times.

Led by Alco #20, the train from LaHarpe crosses the Illinois Route 96 crossing in Hamilton IL. At the time contractors were in the process of installing a rubber crossing at the site.

The route 96 crossing project was probably one of the longest in Illinois history. The materials were purchased back in the early 80's when the TP&W still owned the line but were not installed until 1991!

True locomotive "double-heading" is in practice here as C&IM #30 and KJRY #20 climb Hamilton Hill on the way out of Keokuk. Since the two units did not m.u. together, the engineer is working the lead unit and the conductor the rear one!

Although the KJRY seldom operated at night it was sometimes possible to catch a unit in the yard after dark.

The little depot at LaHarpe was used by crews for filling out paperwork and for storing tools and supplies. It stands the the middle of the wye separating the KJRY from the TP&W main line.

The grade descending into Hamilton was the steepest on the railroad. Here C&IM #30 leads KJRY #488 down following the mandated "safety stop" at the top of the grade.

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Last modified Wednesday, March 5, 2014

	The elevator at McCall was a landmark on the mostly flat KJ LaHarpe line. The elevator was burned to the ground for fire department practice about 1994. This train is headed for Keokuk.
	Chicago & Illinois Midland #30 (RS-1325) was leased by the KJRY for a time in 1992-3. The unit was subbing for the KJ's ailing Cummins-powered units. This westbound train is seen just west of Elvaston, Illinois.
	The KJRY re-equipped its locomotive roster in 1991-1992. The arrival of CF-7 #488 from National Railway Equipment (former Santa Fe #2488) allowed unusual lash-ups such as this with former C&NW HE-15 #253.(ex C&NW #4253). Once the units were tested, painting could begin.
	A northbound BN coal train led by two Oakway Leasing units passes the KJ's Keokuk switch job in Keokuk. The KJ's yard in Keokuk was located alongside the BN's Quincy, Illinois to Burlington, Iowa "K-Line".
	Switching tank cars in the Keokuk yard was the main duty of the Keokuk yard crews. Cars loaded with corn syrup at the Hubinger Company would be pulled and put into storage tracks. Then, as the cars were sold and billed out, the switch crew would pull them and make up a train for the road crew to take to LaHarpe and would also deliver cars to the BN at Keokuk.
	The Hubinger Company's high fructose corn syrup refinery provided considerable business for the KJ. Switched twice a day, seven days a week, many of the cars pulled from this facility were routed via the KJ.
	The winters in Keokuk could be harsh as evidenced on this winter morning as the LaHarpe train arrives in Keokuk.
	Alco S-2 #20 was the last Alco owned by the railroad. Formerly #205 of the Manufacturers Railway in St. Louis, the unit was retired at the end of 1991 following engine problems. Number 20 was sold to a rebuilder in the St. Louis area who subsequently repaired and leased out the switcher.
	Freshly-painted HE-15 #252 poses on the turntable in Keokuk. The "Omaha Orange" paint scheme was a personal favorite of the general manager due to its traction heritage.
	KJ President John J. Warfield was a Virginia native and a Rock Island alumnus. He also worked for the Frisco during his railroad marketing career.
	Revenue accountant JoAnn Ketterer spent her entire railroad career in Keokuk. Starting out as a rate clerk for the Rock Island, she later worked for the Burlington Northern before joining the KJ in 1987.
	All of the KJ's employees posed in 1994 on the occasion of the retirement of Dan Kendrick. Kendrick, a former Rock Island switchman, spent his entire railroad career in the Keokuk yards.
	The single-stall Rock Island engine house served the KJ's maintenance needs. During the flood of 1993, the waters reached the top of the main engine house doors!
	"Power on Parade" was the name of the event held to celebrate the completion of the painting of the KJ's locomotives. Here, the entire fleet, plus leased C&IM RS-1325 #30, pose on the tracks of the Keokuk Union Depot Company.
	The "Power on Parade" event was the only time that all of the KJ's power ever faced the same direction. The units were specially turned for this photo session!
	The Cummins-powered HE-15's did not work out well, and in 1994 the KJ purchased two GP-10's from the Iowa Interstate. Number 469 shows off its ICG heritage.
	The other ex-IAIS GP-10 was #471 seen getting ready to depart Keokuk along with HE-15 #252.
	KJ General Manager Rich Taylor had a fondness for traction and trolleys, leading to scenes such as this: the C&IM #30 pulling two ex-Boston MBTA PCC cars to storage in Hamilton, IL. The PCC's had been bought personally by Taylor.
	The KJ's 1946 Cadillac inspection salon was certainly unique! The car was an ex-Western Maryland vehicle that was restored by KJ President John Warfield. It is seen here outside the KJ's headquarters.
	Elvaston, Illinois is the first station after leaving the Mississippi River valley. Here #488 heads an eastbound train through the town.
	The "Rocket" was a CF-7 leased after HE-15 #253 was removed from service. The engine was ex-ATSF #2632 and owned by National Railroad Equipment. For a time it had been assigned to the Quad Cities Rocket dinner train and still bore the "Rocket" name on its side!
	The two CF-7's showed off different carbody designs as they passed through Hamilton, Illinois. In a few minutes, they will be on the Mississippi River bridge to Keokuk.
	Four ex-SEPTA (Philadelphia & Western) trolley cars were owned by the KJ, and leased to the Trans-Mississippi Trolley Company. Two of the cars were restored to service (along with a 2-axle generator car) and used for excursions along the KJ. One of these cars also staked its claim to fame during the Flood of 1993 when it shuttled passengers across the nearby Union Electric dam.
	In its first week on the KJRY, CF-7 #2488 is seen on a westbound train approaching Elvaston, Ill. The unit is still in the grey primer in which it arrived from National Railway Equipment. The trailing unit is C&IM #30, which will go back to its owner as soon as the CF-7 has proven itself.
	KJRY caboose #2 was purchased for use as a "business car" following the acquisition of the LaHarpe line. It was fitted out with comfortable seating for carrying shippers and directors. After the purchase of "Chief Keokuck," it was seldom used.
	Switcher #405 was the regular engine in the Keokuk yard. Purchased from the Peoria & Pekin Union, it worked in P&PU colors (but with KJ lettering) until receiving orange in 1992.
	During the flood of 1993, the Hubinger Company tried to maintain production. Early in the flood, when the KJ could no longer switch the Hubinger plant, cars were temporarily loaded from trucks near the KJ office.
	The "Chief Keokuck" catches the late-afternoon sun on the stub track next to the Keokuk Union Depot. The KJ purchased all the shares of the Keokuk Union Depot Company in the early 90's and carried out an extensive amount of restoration on the interior of the building.
	Leased C? RS-1325 #30 leads the daily train from LaHarpe across the Slough Bridge in Hamilton IL. The train will shortly cross U.S. Route 136 and be on the Mississippi River bridge to Keokuk.
	In the middle of the Mississippi, the train from LaHarpe maintains a 5 mile per hour speed limit. The Union Electric dam is visible in the background.
	The arrival of the LaHarpe train in Keokuk necessitated a tight turn off the river bridge a crossing of the BN's K-line and entry into the Keokuk Union Depot trackage.
	The conductor hands off the paperwork to the Keokuk agent. The photographer was a participant in this exchange many times.
	Led by Alco #20, the train from LaHarpe crosses the Illinois Route 96 crossing in Hamilton IL. At the time contractors were in the process of installing a rubber crossing at the site.
	The route 96 crossing project was probably one of the longest in Illinois history. The materials were purchased back in the early 80's when the TP&W still owned the line but were not installed until 1991!
	True locomotive "double-heading" is in practice here as C&IM #30 and KJRY #20 climb Hamilton Hill on the way out of Keokuk. Since the two units did not m.u. together, the engineer is working the lead unit and the conductor the rear one!
	Although the KJRY seldom operated at night it was sometimes possible to catch a unit in the yard after dark.
	The little depot at LaHarpe was used by crews for filling out paperwork and for storing tools and supplies. It stands the the middle of the wye separating the KJRY from the TP&W main line.
	The grade descending into Hamilton was the steepest on the railroad. Here C&IM #30 leads KJRY #488 down following the mandated "safety stop" at the top of the grade.