Members of the museum recalled working with Rock Island GP7 1275, which was well liked by engineers. To honor the unit, the museum purchased an ex-Santa Fe chop nosed GP7, ex-Santa Fe 2830/BNSF 3822, from National Railway Equipment in Silvis, Ill. The unit renumbered 1275 and repainted by NRE in Rock Island’s red and yellow paint scheme with white block lettering, which was completed on Aug. 20. The employees at NRE were proud of their work, producing the first Rock Island-painted engine at the company’s former Rock Island shops since the railroad shut down in 1980.
The logistics of moving the “new” 1275 from Silvis to Eldon are not yet finalized.
The museum was formed when the Eldon depot was put up for sale in 2001. Interest in saving the depot was particularly keen among several of the area’s retired railroad employees, who formed the Eldon Depot Committee. They raised funds from the community, along with proceeds from various fund-raising activities to buy and restored the depot. By 2006, the exterior of the depot had been restored and much of the interior had also been completed.
The depot is currently used as a railroad museum with numerous items on display. It also serves as a meeting place for morning coffee Monday through Friday and as a welcome center for city activities. A wide vision former Chicago Central caboose is on display at the depot painted in Rock Island colors.
In addition to No. 1275, the museum also purchased an original Rock Island flatcar from NRE, No. 91333.
For information on the museum, go to www.eldondepotmuseum.org.
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