Monday, April 29, 2013

(RxR) CN Grain Train

On my shortened walk this morning in the neighborhood, I heard what sounded like a CN grain train departing downtown. Jumped into my car and headed to Hiawatha to intercept. Here are four shots as the train climbs up the hill at Hiawatha on Boysen Road. On the point is a 
former BCOL C40-8M.




40 grain cars plus two tanks on the rear.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

(RxR) CN, UP

CN L563(left) interchanges with the UP at Quaker Oats.

UP 4794 west........

with Track Inspector EC5 on the rear.

Today's eastbound "Bird" with 5115 on the point.

Trains don't run here anymore. :(
Former Milwaukee Road tracks off of Prairie Rd NE.




Birds and Blooms

Coots swimming in Cedar Lake

Belted Kingfisher.

 Some sort of Heron.
UPDATED 4/28--Found out it is a Double-Crested Cormorant

Barn Swallow.

White Egret

Stopped by Brucemore for some Dafodils.






Thursday, April 18, 2013

Flooding of 2013

Indian Creek overflowing its banks this morning in Marion, IA.

Dry Creek overflowing its banks and flooding Boysen Park and Trail. 

Video of flooding from Boysen Park and Trail

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Wet day around town

White Pelican swimming out at the Prairie Park Fishery in the rain.


Hawk looking for food at the Fishery.


Union Pacific westbound grain train departing from the CRANDIC connection.


A former C&NW hopper in the consist.

Spotted a WHOOPSY on an utility transmission pole at Fairfax, IA.

Looks like a support rod broke lose, probably from years of wear and tear.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Egrets, Wild Turkeys and Eagle Watch 2013-Pt 15

A lonesome Bald Eagle on top of a tree over River Rd SE. This will be the last update of Eagle Watch until next season.





Some Egrets were camped around the river area. One here on the hunt for fish.



One taking a rest in the rain.

This one on the hunt too.

Spotted some Wild Turkey's out near Bertram.


(RxR)--CN, UP

 A 33-car empty grain train departs Cedar Rapids for Waterloo. CN 2133 leads the train at McLoud Place.



 CN5706 on the L563; working "A" Yard.

Eastbound "Z" train at MP76.2 on the Clinton Sub.

Eastbound "K" train at MP76.2 on the Clinton Sub.

Coal drag gets going after meeting the two stacks at MP 76.2 on the Clinton Sub.