Howdy from Havana ,Illinois.

I seen in a group that Keokuk Junction Railway was going to  run an eastbound  train this evening with nothing but geeps.  I go and intercept it at fifth avenue my usual night time filming location.  It's the only crossing in Canton lit up enough to film anything.  I miss summer where it would still be day light at seven o'clock. lol. The line up included Prex #2003, #1611, #2035, & #2032.  Tomorrow going to Pekin so may try to catch trains there. I'm hoping for the CN Local, an IAIS find or UP but would settle for any others.  I'd appriciate any heads up in the future on IAIS, UP, and TP&W whenever i'm in the Peoria area. I know at some point will go to TZPR yard and Peoria most likely in the afternoon. I just don't know what i'll come up with the scanner will be brought.  NS is also on my bucket list to get more of i'm just not sure the time frame.  I'd be happy if i caught anything at the Farmdale road area. One day may...

I was expecting a train yesterday to make a westbound but apparently  something changed.  It happens.  I was disappointed because this is a very boring town and i'm limited on gas so I was frustrated I couldn't go searching for any action anywhere.  Cabin fever depresses me alot  and not just the cabin fever of being cooped up either but being limited on where I can go. Nothing will depress me more or anger me than being stuck in Canton without a break for weeks at a time. Canton deal with it you're a depressing boring little town. Oh who cares.... Anyway I hear the horn from my apartment as I left the window cracked  so i can hear something the next morning because I figured it  will probably be today or if worse came to shove Thursday.  Eventually they'll pass through. I go to the closest crossing near my apartment and film them after they came  around a curve then go photograph on the west end of Canton before goi...

A heads up about an Eastbound Keokuk Junction Railway freight train quickly turned a weeks worth of stress into a little enjoyment. People don't realize how sometimes this turns a not so great day or week into a better one. This train was coming back enroute to Kolbe and maybe a East Peoria run if they have time from La Harpe.  The train line up included Prex# 2003 (lead), #1752, #1761 & #1750. I decided to go park off Alexander's Lumber in Canton off Fifth Avenue and wait for it around 6:15 estimating it would be here anywhere from 6:30 to 7:00 pm CST. It arrived around 6:45 pm so didn't wait very long.  My first tip off  it was coming into town was the conductor in the KJRY vehicle pulling in so I knew it was time to rock and roll then a minute later heard a distant horn. I keep choosing this crossing on night runs because it's the only well lit crossing in this town and the next closest one would be well east in Glasford which I have no gas for that bu...

This needs to be said because some people don't take the hint in the railfan community. If a woman states she isn't interested or the best she can offer is being friends then leave it at that. This is exactly why there isn't more female railfans or they keep it under wraps in case of people who can't accept when someone isn't the least bit interested.  Women are afraid to come out because of  some members that may stalk or creep on them as if they never  seen a woman before let alone had one. It's so creepy. I'm a laid back railfan who isn't afraid of having my gender known although sometimes I have to wonder if it's wise but I'm also not afraid of people in that way i'm concerned someone's going to physically try something. I'm very leary and cautious of people  enough to where I can make a good feel of what a person is like or whom to  avoid. There are a few railfans I question and will avoid if I can help it then ther...

My vehicle also know as the train mobile...I joke about that not quite that much of a foamer.  Today Scott is working on the back brake line but probably do an oil change tommorrow.  We also got sold a bum tire that went flat so have to get  a hold of the place we bought it from and see if they will refund it or exchange it. When i get paid will try to buy a new tire  but need to get a replacement used one  until then.  The dimmer switch for the head lights will also need changed and down the road it will need better bulbs.  The fuel pump also needs changed and it could  probably use a new battery and alternator.  It needs a tune up as well and more anti freeze.  Due to a limited budget can only take care of one or two things at a time which ticks me off but it is what it is. What do you expect after buying a used twenty year car off someone.  /shrugs. Old brake line:

After we got some  parts to change the oil and work on the back breakline Scott  and I took a little drive just to get out.  We checked out some Railcars and my  main interest was the Norfolk and Western one at Rawalts and another said Grand Western which i have no clue about. We also checked out cars on a siding outside of Cuba too.  I want to up my game and expand to other things than focus on limited stuff like locomotives and railroad lines. There is always more room for knowledge and never too old to learn. We also checked out two abandoned railroad branches one northeast of Lewistown and the other near Fiatt, Illinois.  Then took pictures of the Old Burlington Northern flatcar off a rarely used siding north of Lewistown. I didn't linger long nor did i touch  anything.  I took pictures and a quick video and left.  I don't normally do something like that but my camera zoom really sucks.  Oh well I can buy a better one dow...