It's a showdown! QJ 7081 and MILW 261 have a stare-off in the night at Rock Island, Illinois.

The lady in waiting. Milwaukee Road 261 and train poses elegantly on beautiful night at Rock Island, Illinois.

Here come the "Hot Rod Hearts". MILW 261 flexes her muscles in front of QJ 7081 in the night at Rock Island, Illinois. Both these steamers, along with QJ 6988 are ready to pull trips for the River... (more)

MILW 261 trickles out steam & smoke while sitting in BNSF's Lower Yard at Rock Island, IL.

Passing over Interstate 280 in Davenport, Iowa, QJ 6988 runs light eastbound towards Rock Island, Illinois.

Just in from Iowa City, QJ 6988 ties up at Iowa Interstate's Rock Island Yard.

QJ 6988 pauses for a quick inspection at the ex-RI Depot in Wilton, Iowa during it's eastbound run light to Rock Island, Illinois.

QJ 6988 passes light eastbound by Missouri Division Junction in Davenport, Iowa enroute to IAIS' Rock Island Yard.

QJ 6988 takes a breather in front of the ex-Rock Island depot in Iowa City after it's first shakedown run out to Homestead and back.

IAIS's BICB train departs Iowa City behind QJ 6988.

Horses in the stable at IC&E's Nahant Roundhouse.

DME 6367 pulls into Nahant Yard in Davenport, Iowa with a #918 train.

IC&E's #918 turn comes south out of the hole at Bettendorf, Iowa after meeting the northbound #918. Power from sister road DM&E leads the charge.

IAIS 701 East brings "CBBI" into Iowa City Yard for a power swap-out, and a fresh crew for the journey to Rock Island, Illinois.

"MPRCB" rolls past Clarence Elevator with UP heritage units pointing the way.