We started at Ames and worked our way toward Boone, where CNW 8644 idled in the yard. There was also an eastbound coal train waiting at the Hard Road.

At Gowrie, we found the newly constructed branch that goes east along the former Jewell-Gowrie right of way. At the very end of the line, we found one hopper, presumably for fertilizer.

At the UP yard, CNW 4702 was idling with two other UP units, but nobody seemed to be around. We would later hear the local crew over the radio at Gowrie

We checked out the IC yard, where "Operation Lifesaver" IC 9610 was switching

We watched it finish up, drive up the ramp to the "upper level" of the yard, and then tie up.

There were 9 UP GeePs and MP15's, and two SP units all tied up in the yard.

The biggest surprise at Eagle Grove was the presence of another Illinois Central unit. This time it was IC 8711.

On the way home, we also noted three semaphore signals along the Jewell Sub, two on the south side of Eagle Grove, and one in Webster City. Two of the three were lit and appeared to still be operating.

Back at Ames Yard, These two ex-CNW SD40's paired up with a CSX unit as "local power" at the west end of the yard.  The road on the west end is now paved.

At Fernald, three SD40-2s get  up to speed after coming out of Devil's Hollow.  The setting sun made this the last photo of the night.

CNW 6878 was overhauled and received a UP number last week.  Here is the patched SD40-2 at the west end of Boone Yard

A half a dozen "Patch" units were at the yard that day.  Here are three of them, including UP 849, the ex CNW 4711.

Here's another shot of the patched SD40-2.  This was a hasty Patch job, with 6878 bleeding through the paint, and uneven UP numbers.

UP 404 and 405 were other patch units in the yard.  The number of Patches has really started to rise in the last month.