Motive Power

Rock Island Rail operations began with a single locomotive, a GP38DC of Southern Railway heritage. Several factors played into choosing the locomotives road number, paint scheme, and eventually, its name. The company decided to pick up just where the original Rock Island had been at its demise. Current railroaders of a certain age, as well as former railroaders and railfans, will recognize the blue-and-white "The Rock" scheme, introduced in 1975. It was later dubbed "Bankruptcy Blue," since it was the livery the railroad wore at its dismantling. The new-era Rock is calling this Reborn Blue" and using it to make a bold statement in the industry and with enthusiasts.

Those enthusiasts were a consideration when the railroad chose road No. 4310 for its first locomotive. The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific's 4300-series GP38-2s, built by EMD in 1976, all carried names as well as numbers. On the original Rock, No. 4310 was the locomotive known as "The American Railfan."

The new No. 4310 also carries that name, both to honor the Rock Island and to pay homage to the rail enthusiasts certain to flock to see the reborn line. Noted rail enthusiast, N scale modeler, and photographer Casey Thomason donated his time and knowl. edge to handcraft new locomotive numberboards, using the font true to the 1980 design. He worked closely with Richard Shell of ShellScale Decals in Roanoke, Va., when building the numberboards. ShellScale also supplied the locomotive with replica builder plate decals. After nearly a year in service, No. 4310 was redressed and ready to greet customers and enthusiasts alike.

Tishia R. Boggs / "Rock Island Rocks On" / TRAINS Magazine - Oct 2020

photo RWH