Rock Island locos update

IAIS 604

Member
MANLY JCT. RAILROAD MUSEUM CORPORATION TO ACQUIRE TWO HISTORIC ROCK
ISLAND PASSENGER LOCOMOTIVES

Newly formed non-profit corporation Manly Jct. Railroad Museum today
signed a purchase agreement to acquire former Rock Island 1930's era E-6
No 630 and 1950's era E-8 No 652. Both locomotives were built by
General Motors for the Rock Island "ROCKET" passenger trains.

The equipment is being purchase at an undisclosed price with closing
expected before the end of this year, subject to fund raising.

The new non-profit corporation has been established by Iowa Northern
Railway principals to establish a new railroad museum at or near Manly,
Iowa. The museum will be designed to feature equipment, archives,
photograph and artifacts of railroads serving the Midwest, with
principal interest in railroads operating in North Iowa and Southern
Minnesota. All railroads serving the area, past and present are hoped
to be featured at the museum.

Plans include eventual full restoration of the two rare, classic E units
to full operating condition, with a station-like museum and glass
enclosed train shed. Additional railroad equipment will hopefully be
secured to establish a re-creation of passenger trains once operated
through Manly, Iowa. Manly was once a hub for railroad operations
including Rock Island, Chicago Great Western and Minneapolis and St.
Louis Railroads. In the early 1950's 14 passenger trains per day
stopped at Manly.

Equipment from Iowa Northern's Hawkeye Express as well as other
historical equipment is being acquired for operation on Iowa Northern
Railway, and potentially other lines.

Railroad photographs featuring historical operations in the area will be
a prominent element of the museum, and photographic contributions and
other railroad artifacts are needed.

Fund raising toward the estimated $10+ million project will commence
immediately. Upon closing, the units are expected to be moved to Iowa
Northern's Waterloo Shops or a contract shop for mechanical assessment
and preparation for rehabilitation.

Interested parties and possible contributors should contact Manly Jct.
Railroad Museum Corporation President Dan Sabin through the Iowa
Northern Railway Offices in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Contact:

Daniel R. Sabin, President
Iowa Northern Railway Company

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