Perry's Hobbies is CLOSED but Jim will continue operating as Jim's Hobbies
to finish closing out the remaing inventory.

If you'd like to know what we do have available, please contact Jim at:
pbecker@hbci.com
or
1-507-276-8501
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Updated and Uploaded to Web: February 19th, 2026
 
   

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Cascade Green to the Pacific Along the Burlington Northern Railroad, 1971 to 1995

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Cascade Green to the Pacific

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By Jeremy F. Plant, Jeffrey G. Plant and Jonathan W. Plant

Step aboard the vibrant world of the Burlington Northern in Cascade Green to the Pacific: Along the Burlington Northern Railroad, 1971 to 1995. This richly illustrated volume captures the evolution, operations, and scenic journeys of the BN system as it carved its path from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest. Through over two decades of transformation, from the post-merger legacy of Great Northern, Northern Pacific, CB&Q, and SP&S to the dawn of the BNSF era, the Plants chronicle the railroad’s locomotives, freight service, passenger operations, and key infrastructure with unmatched insight and precision.

Featuring hundreds of never before published full-color photographs, this book is both a visual feast and an authoritative history. Railfans, modelers, and historians alike will appreciate the in-depth captions, engaging storytelling, and focus on the geographic and operational diversity of the BN system. Whether you’re a longtime Burlington Northern enthusiast or a newcomer curious about the legacy behind the railroad's Cascade Green motive power, this book is your definitive companion.

80 pages, All Color Photos, Softcover.

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Exploring the Chicago & North Western in Iowa and Illinois with Randy J. Williams Vol. 1.

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Exploring the Chicago & North Western in Iowa and Illinois with Randy J. Williams

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Exploring the Chicago & North Western in Iowa and Illinois with Randy J. Williams Vol. 1.

By James E. Lewnard
Growing up Lisbon, Iowa, Randy Williams was fascinated with trains. After watching and photographing the Chicago & North Western in his home town, Randy secured a job with the railroad. Working as an engineer, Randy ran trains on the Iowa Division and the coal lines in Wyoming. Randy never lost his love for railroads. He diligently traveled around the country photographing railroad operations. Though the generous cooperation of his family, we can explore with Randy C&NW’s train operations in Iowa and Illinois during the 1970s and 1980s. 

The book includes many photographs of mainline train operations between Cedar Rapids and Clinton, as well as trains running on the West Chicago to Chicago mainline. Included are Falcon TOFC trains, coal trains, long manifests, and a special section covering commuter trains with E units and F units. There is even a visit to the Oelwein Diesel Shops. An interesting book and a MUST for any CNW fan.

The Iowa Division;  Clinton, Iowa, Division point & Yards;  Iowa branch lines & Oelwin Loco shops;  West Chicago to Chicago;;  Proviso Yard;  Roster Shots in Iowa.

86 pages, All Color Photos, Softcover.

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Midwest Powerhouse Exploring the I&M Rail Link in Iowa with Randy J. Williams

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Midwest Powerhouse Exploring the I&M Rail Link in Iowa with Randy J. Williams

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By George Povall

While it existed, the I&M Rail Link was a large midwest regional with more than 1,300 miles of line. With 118 locomotives, it fielded 29 scheduled trains plus several additional daily trains under a haulage agreement with Union Pacific. The I&M locomotives sported a classy royal blue body, white nose stripes, a black roof plus a dab of red that was very similar to sister road Montana Rail Link. The I&M lasted just over five years, from April 1997 to July 2002 before being purchased by Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern which changed the name to Iowa, Chicago & Eastern. Iowa native photographer Randy J. Williams was able to record the I&M during those years with his many excellent photos. The book features over 140 color photos covering almost every engine type in brilliant action scenes. A selection of 16 prime roster photos is also offered to enhance the appeal. Further included is a roster list, train schedules, a train activity map and a mile by mile listing of all points on each of the I&M Rail Link’s six subdivisions. Trains Magazine dubbed the I&M a “Midwest Power House” on the cover of their September 2000 issue. Today the trackage forms the crucial “link” linking Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern in the merger that formed CPKC.

80 pages, All Color Photos, Softcover.

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The Last Three Decades of the Chicago & North Western

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The last three decades of the Chicago & North Western

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The Last Three Decades of the Chicago & North Western

By Jeremy F. Plant & Jeffrey G. Plant
Immerse yourself in the final, transformative years of one of America’s most iconic railroads with the photography of prolific authors by Jeremy F. Plant and Jeffrey G. Plant. This full-color photo book is a visual celebration of the Chicago & North Western Railway's rich history during its last 25 years of operation.

Through stunning photographs and insightful commentary, the book captures the railroad's evolution from a struggling 1970s regional railroad through its eventual merger into Union Pacific. The images vividly depict the C&NW’s diverse locomotives, bustling freight yards, scenic routes, and the dedicated people who kept the railroad alive. From the dramatic challenges of the 1970s to the modernization efforts of the 1980s and its final days in the 1990s, this book provides a compelling photographic narrative of resilience, innovation, and change.

Perfect for railfans, historians, and photography enthusiasts, The Last Three Decades of the Chicago & North Western offers an unforgettable journey through a pivotal chapter of American railroading history. Whether you’re reminiscing about the iconic yellow-and-green locomotives or discovering this era for the first time, this book is a must-have addition to your collection.

80 pages, Color Photos, 8.5" x 11" Softcover.

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