1924 Rock Island Railroad - Chicago Rock Island & Pacific system timetable

The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, also known as the "Rock Island" and "The Rock", was a major mid-western US railroad company from its early days in 1852 until the company was liquidated in bankruptcy in 1980. Serving the states of Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas, the Rock Island was once a prosperous freight and passenger carrier, as well as providing commuter services in the greater Chicago area. It had strong competition from other railroads and, despite several attempts at merger/acquisition, the Rock Island failed to secure a partner; the Union Pacific (UP) had planned to acquire the Rock Island, but the deterioration of its physical plant caused the UP to back away. This ultimately forced the Rock Island to shut down and begin the liquidation of its engines, equipment and track; ironically, the UP ended up with the largest share of the Rock Island assets. Several railroads other than the UP today operate portions of the Rock Island trackage.

The Rock Island is known for its famous passenger trains, nicknamed "The Rockets". Competing with the Santa Fe "Chiefs", the Rock Island ran trains named the "Golden Rocket", "Rocky Mountain Rocket", "Corn Belt Rocket", "Twin Star Rocket", "Choctaw Rocket", "Peoria Rocket" and "Zephyr Rocket", among others.

For auction is a hard-to-find passenger train timetable from the Rock Island,  dated June 22, 1924. It lists all train schedules operated by the Rock Island, to include main trains and local runs. Listings are by train number, with arrival/departure times for cities served. Equipment manifests are included for the major trains. 

This timetable measures appx 9x4 inches unopened and opens to appx 9x8 inches, and contains 35 pages. It is printed on mid-weight paperstock. The timetable is in Good CONDITION even though it will soon be 100 years old. There are no markings or writing. The front page is partly loose from the binding, and the back page has a mid-page 3-inch tear. There are no other rips or tears, and the binding of the main body is secure. 

Some Rock Island railfan will appreciate having this item in his/her collection.