Rock Island No. 887 is a P-31 class 4-6-2 "Pacific" type steam locomotive built in July 1910 by Alco’s brooks works for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad.
In its early years of service, #887 hauled the finest passenger trains such as the Golden State Limited with the Southern Pacific from Chicago, IL, to Los Angeles, CA, and the Rocky Mountain Limited from Denver, CO, to Chicago, IL.
The last Rock Island steam-powered train to leave Peoria, IL., was hauled by #886, which the railroad agreed to donate to the city, but it was discovered too late that the engine had already been scrapped. The railroad still had an identical engine, #887, which they simply renumbered as #886, and donated to the city in 1953.
It initially went on display at Glen Oak Park and then at Detweiller Park, where it fell into disrepair. The park board eventually sold it to the Wheels O' Time Museum in 1984, where it is seen today.
Trivia[]
- This locomotive is one of only three Rock Island steam locomotives saved from the scrapper's torch.