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Rock Island Steam Roster: Post 1903

Last revised: September 27, 2024

By: Adam Burns

Despite maintaining a network greater than 7,500 miles and reaching every notable Midwestern city between Chicago and Denver, as well as reaching the Deep South and the Texas Gulf Coast, the Rock Island struggled to keep up with its competitors - notably the Santa Fe, Burlington, Milwaukee Road, and Union Pacific.

Its main lines were typically longer and required trackage rights to reach the major cities.  In addition, constant financial struggles dragged down the company.

In the modern steam era the Rock typically utilized 2-8-0s and 2-8-2s for freight service while 4-4-2s and 4-6-2s handled passenger trains.  

Beginning in the 1930s, John Dow Farrington's leadership brought about a system-wide infrastructure improvement program by replacing ties, pouring tons of new ballast, rebuilding bridges, laying heavy, 112+ pound rail on main lines, straightening bottlenecks, purchasing diesels, and expanding centralized traffic control/automatic block signaling systems.

In doing so, 4-8-4s purchased in 1929-1930 extended their reach beyond Chicago - Des Moines; Chicago - Dalhart, Texas; and Herrington, Kansas - El Reno, Oklahoma to Denver, Tucumcari, Fort Worth and Kansas City - Twin Cities.  Steam survived on the Rock Island until 1953-1955 when the final 4-8-4s were retired.

The Rock Island holds an indelible place in the annals of American railroad history. Established in 1852, the company initially focused on connecting major Midwestern hubs, bridging the gap between Chicago and the Mississippi River at Rock Island, Illinois. Its growth was emblematic of the broader expansion of the American rail network during the 19th century, tapping into the burgeoning industrial and agricultural markets of the Midwest.

Throughout its peak years, the CRI&P was renowned for its commitment to service and innovation. The railroad was a pioneer in the introduction of luxurious passenger services, such as the streamlined Rocket trains of the mid-20th century, which became a marquee feature in intercity rail travel. These trains offered speed and comfort, embodying the technological advancements of their time.

Yet, despite its early successes, the Rock Island faced numerous challenges. The post-World War II era brought increasing competition from automobiles and airlines, and the railroad struggled to modernize its infrastructure rapidly enough to compete.

Financial instability plagued the company, culminating in bankruptcy filings in 1975. Despite efforts to revive the line, including potential mergers, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad ceased operations in 1980.

Its legacy, however, endures, marked by historical preservation efforts and the enduring affection of rail enthusiasts who remember the once-great Rock Island Line’s contributions to American transportation.

Rock Island 2-10-2 #3033 leads a westbound freight near Tucumcari, New Mexico on May 4, 1940. American-Rais.com collection.

Switchers

Passenger Locomotives

Freight Locomotives

Rock Island 4-8-2 #4059 at Council Bluffs, Iowa, circa 1950. American-Rails.com collection.

Dual Service

Sources

• Drury, George H. Guide To North American Steam Locomotives: Revised Edition. Waukesha: Kalmbach Books, 2015.

• Morrison, Tom. American Steam Locomotive In The Twentieth Century. Jefferson: McFarland & Company, Inc., 2019.

• Schafer, Mike. Classic American Railroads. Osceola: MBI Publishing, 1996.