Oelwein Yard's Retired Locomotives

Oelwein, Iowa once was home to a massive railroad maintenance yard. The expansive facility was located just a couple of blocks from downtown. And as with many changing industries, the Oelwein Yard diminished as lines no longer needed the facilities. However in an effort to preserve the past, local train enthusiasts several years ago secured some remaining building structures, rail related equipment and created the Oelwein Railroad Museum, part of the Hub City Heritage Corporation. 

Some of the rail collection exists outdoors. These locomotives are among the fleet of rail cars which also features an old wooden caboose from the 1910s and restored last year. The outdoor site is also an attraction for photographers.

While I was there a few weeks ago, a family of three arrived and were greeted by a woman with an array of photo gear. She led the young family around to the various trains, posed them and took their portraits. She told me that the family will use these photos as part of their holiday cards. She also said that the family loves trains - especially the preschooler and his Dad. My reaction was, well who wouldn't like these old beauties? Just as long as they don't block your way from point A to B.

Hawkeye Express Waits for 2011-12 Football Season

In a little over four months the Hawkeye Express, a fan commuter train will transport Hawkeye faithful to and from Kinnick Stadium to watch the University of Iowa football team begin play within the new Big Ten Conference. Today I discovered a single Hawkeye club car in storage at the Oelwein Yard. Perhaps the commuter is here for annual maintenance and/or off-season storage. Other elements of the train have been spotted in storage on tracks in Coralville close to where people park and board during game days.

The Hawkeye Express began running in 2004, originally using elements from a ski train but now have dedicated six Pullman cars purchased from a Chicago commuter line. The diesel is a former Amtrack locomotive from Arkansas.

Hawkeye fans embraced the train concept as a way to move efficiently through traffic and to be delivered to Kinnick's entrance. Its been a win-win for fans and for the University. Know that.

Bill Mundt and the Oelwein Railyard

It is not necessarily the extensive railroad artifacts found at the Oelwein Railroad Museum (also known as Hub City Heritage Corporation) that impresses a visitor. It is the enthusiasm and knowledge of the museum’s president Bill Mundt (top photo.) On a recent stop at one of 42N country’s largest collection of railroad cars and gear, Bill provided a personal one-hour tour of the various buildings and rail cards, including a look inside this 1950 diesel locomotive (seen above) located in Oelwein, Iowa.

Annually in mid-August Oelwein celebrates railroad days. This year the museum volunteers are refurbishing a wooden Rock Island Railroad caboose for display, one of only two of this type known to be in existence. Seek out Bill or one of the other volunteers to give you an informative peek at the not too distant past. Know that.