Chicago Rock Island & Pacific (CRIP) 643 - EMD E8A

Taken circa 1965.

Here is page eight of an eight-page cover article by David P. Morgan & Al Kamm, Jr., entitled "Those Esthetic E's: A Story Of The Power That Bumped Steam Off The Varnish." It was published originally in the May 1964 issue of "Trains" magazine, page 27. Top Photo Caption: "E8 striping on Pennsy units 5765-5766 reduced porthole visibility; antenna on roof of 2250 h.p. units is for trainphones." Shown here (R to L) are PRR engines #5765 and #5766. Both are EP-22's built in March of 1952.

CRIP 643

RI 643 is former EMD demo 952.

CRIP 652, The Independence

Rock Island 643 exact date unknown

CRI&P E8 643, Joliet, Illinois, June 1973, photo by Chuck Zeiler. Built as EMD's E8 demonstrator #952 in August 1949 (c/n 10306) on EMD Order E952, it was sold to the Rock Island in April 1950, becoming 643. It is seen here eastbound at Joliet. Unfortunately, the crowd is not for the Rock Island but for the soon to arrive steam excursion powered by Southern's 2-8-2 #4501.

CRIP 643

Digital image from Kim E. Piersol original 35mm Kodachrome transparency. CRI&P Burr Oak Yard roundhouse & turntable.

Digital image from Kim E. Piersol original 35mm Kodachrome transparency. Burr Oak Yard.

Digital image from Kim E. Piersol original 35mm Kodachrome transparency. Vermont Street.

Digital image from Kim E. Piersol original 35mm Kodachrome transparency. Vermont Street.

Digital image from Kim E. Piersol original 35mm Kodachrome transparency. Railfan excursion.

CRI&P EMD E8A #643, exEMD demo #952, first E8 built