The newly patched UP 3043 pauses with a train bound for Boone at Ames Yard. We caught it on the way back home from Ames.

A couple minutes after we arrived, a westbound auto rack train passed the ex-CNW 6878.

In Des Moines, SP 9783 could be found idling in the yard. GP60's can now be found in both long-haul and local service on the UP.

The eastbound IAIS freight was coming through town when we got there. Here is the lead unit with its classification lights on.

The train was travelling slow enough that I was able to beat it to the bridge at Vandalia Rd. View looks east.

This SP tunnel motor had also been patched by UP. The unit was one of many rare ones at the Short Line sand towers.

East of the sand towers, CNW 6871 idled shortly after arriving on MPRDM. Only nine active CNW SD40's are left!

The final rare unit at the towers was Wisconsin Central 6602. WC units frequently make their way down the spine line.